On December 30, 2019, after an adventurous, love-filled life, Lawrence (Larry) Pokrant, aged 84, passed away at the Grace Hospital with his family by his side.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years Gladys (Lake), daughter Janice (Andrew), sons Randy (Linda), Rick (Jodi), brother Elmer (Verna), and sister-in-law Irene, his grandchildren Aliya, Ashton, Justin, Braiden, Daria, Emily, Hannah and great grandchild Athena, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father Frederick and mother Helena Pokrant, sister Vi (Henry), sister Ruth (Don) and brother Ed.
Dad was born October 16, 1935 in Rosenfeld, Manitoba. In his early years he grew up on the family farm. At the age of 13, the family relocated to Winnipeg where he attended Earl Grey and then Kelvin High School and where he helped out at the family grocery store. After school he first worked at the TD Bank, then TransCanada Air and in the spring of 1961 and with an adventurous spirit, he made a decision that would shape his life forever.
Dad took a position with the Department of Transport that took him to places like Port Harrison and Resolute Bay in Northern Canada. It was here he met the love of his life and best friend Gladys Lake, a young nurse from Wolfville, NS. The two of them were married in 1964 and their family began. After returning to Winnipeg, Dad worked for a number of companies and eventually started his own business called Larry’s Auto Sound Service. Towards the end of his career, Dad worked at Cottonwood Golf Course, which was a perfect fit for him and his love of golf!
Dad’s faith was built in his early years and something that was dear to him for the rest of his life. Sherwood Park Church became the family church and Dad spent years teaching Sunday school, elected to the church council, singing in the choir and was always dedicated to helping others, even delivering used clothing and food to the Trinity Food Bank till a couple of months ago.
Dad had many interests including attending all of his children’s and then grandchildren’s school events and activities. He also loved all sports and rarely missed any of the kid’s games. He loved golf and played most weeks for the past 50 years and enjoyed curling in the winter. Dad and Mom also travelled extensively seeing every province in Canada and all US states, including a few trips overseas.
But without a doubt, the most important thing in Dad’s life was his family. We will miss his stories, advice and unconditional love and will cherish the memories of him in our hearts forever.
A funeral service and luncheon celebrating Lawrence’s life will be held at Sherwood Park Church, 7 Tudor Crescent in Winnipeg on Wednesday January 8, 2020 at 10:00 am, with viewing at 9:30.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sherwood Park Church Memorial Fund or Canadian Lutheran World Relief, 177 Lombard Ave #600, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0W5.