Obituary of Lawrence James Krahn

LAWRENCE JAMES KRAHN March 22nd, 1949 November 3rd, 2011 Lawrence passed away unexpectedly on November 3rd, 2011. Lawrence will be remembered as a devoted and loving father and family man, a caring and committed friend and a proud, respected and dedicated working man. Lawrence was born in Herbert SK. spending the first 5 years of his life on the family farm and then moved into the town of Herbert itself. He was the youngest of 5 children born to Jacob and Agnes Krahn. Lawrence married his high school sweetheart Elayne Kolot in 1970, and together they had two children, Tanya and Nathan. Elayne passed away in 1980, leaving Lawrence to raise his young children, which he did with the love and vigour of both parents. Lawrence began his work career with the Bank of Montreal, working at branches in Melville SK, Souris MB, and as Branch Manager in Regina SK. In 1974, he moved to the Ministry of Health within the Government of Saskatchewan. His wonderful tact and diplomacy, intelligence and good Mennonite work ethic made for an amazing career within the Ministry. Lawrence retired in 2006 as an Assistant Deputy Minister, but continued to contract on special projects. He never lost his passion for work, or his interest in the process; but especially not in the people he worked with and shared so many experiences and memories. In 1991 he met Lois Harrison and together they shared the last 20 years of his life. Because of their shared love of country living, they built their retirement home on Katepwa Lake where they still resided at the time of his passing. Their Project building and landscaping he was an avid carpenter and electrician (not so good with the plumbing), as well as gardener and the only household cook. But despite their Project, they always found time to golf, fish, travel, and to enjoy good neighbours and friends. Truly, a man of many talents. Throughout his life, Lawrence enjoyed the camaraderie of playing sports, whether skiing, golfing, fastball, fishing or curling. In recent years, he had developed a keen interest in his heritage and loved to spend time reading and researching. But most important for him was his love of people and being with them, whether family, at work or at play. Lawrence was a proud man - a man of integrity, vitality, humour and passion. He will be missed. Lawrence is survived by his partner Lois; and children Tanya (Clare) and Nathan, sister Lory (Victor deceased), brothers Ervin (Gloria), Jake (Linda), Ken (Alice), many nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held at the Hotel Saskatchewan in the Blue Lounge, 2125 Victoria Avenue on Thursday November 10th, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Flowers gratefully declined. Friends so wishing can make donations in memoriam to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 279 3rd Avenue North, Saskatoon SK, S7K 2H8. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com