Obituary of Spencer George Lawrence

LAWRENCE: On Friday June 21, Spencer George Lawrence made the peaceful journey back home to the Lord. He was 89 years of age and left this world surrounded by love and prayer at the Valleyview Care Home. Spencer was born to George and Ethel Lawrence at the family farm in Moore Park, MB on July 15, 1923. In his own words, "It was a Christian home with three girls and one boy... that was me. I was the third in the family and with three sisters, always felt I was getting the short end of the stick," he'd say with a hint of a grin. His subtle sense of humour is just one of the things he'll be remembered for. He was a calm, quiet man who would surprise you on occasion, with a well-timed, dryly-delivered zinger to crack up the room. As a child on the farm, Spencer attended Gourley School and Brandon Business College. In 1943, at age 20, he left the farm for the big bright lights of Brandon and began work at Anglo Canadian Oil (later B.A. then Gulf). He finished his first shift there, changed into a suit and went and married his girlfriend of four years, Mary Cecilia Pryzner of Shoal Lake. Suffice it to say, December 1943 was a momentous month in his life. In 1952, Spencer and Mary were blessed with a double bundle of joy: twins Douglas Earl and Darlene Gail. Their longtime dream of being parents was realized at last. In 1969 Spencer's career in the oil industry took the family to Port Hawksbury, N.S. where he spent the last 12 years of his working life. Retired, he and Mary returned to Brandon in 1981. But creating and maintaining the lush garden at their home on Broda Bay just didn't keep Spencer busy enough. So he un-retired in 1983 joining O'Connor and Associates as an "earth scientist." The title alone gave him quite a kick. His son Doug joined him at O'Connor in 1986 and a year later, Spencer re-retired at age 64. This time he was able to enjoy the garden, shooting pool, playing cards, traveling, and spending time with inlaws Jim and Agnes Hodge and friends Herb and Rose Hawkins and Harry and Maimie Collister. He also found more time to go fishing in his "lucky rubber boots." We hope he has more angling success in Heaven than he did down here with us. Spencer is predeceased by his parents and beloved wife. He is survived by his children Doug (Mary Jane) & Darlene (Darren); sisters Muriel Thompson, Gwen Ainsworth & Ruth Edwards; grandchildren Nicole, Jason, Denise, Tara Lee, Melissa and Bryce; great-grandchildren Dana, Corey, Carley, Gregory, Adam, Ethan, Winston & Lucy as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Spencer also leaves to mourn his wonderful Calvary Temple family and staff and residents at River Heights Terrace and Valleyview Care Home. Funeral services were held June 27 at Calvary Temple, after which he was laid to rest next to his wife of 62 years at the Brandon Cemetery. As per his wishes, donations in memory of Spencer may be made to the Valleyview Resident Council Van Fund at Valleyview Care Home.