Obituary of LAWRENCE HAROLD ROSTEK
Lawrence (Larry) Harold Rostek
April 21, 1940 to April 28, 2019
It is with deep regret and sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Lawrence Rostek, with his family by his side April 28, 2019, at the age of 79. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Eva, mother, Rose, sons: Jeff (Teresa), David (Cindy), Darrell (Lisa) and five grandchildren, Katherine, Alison, Braiden, Jaylee, and Dean.
Lawrence was born to Joseph and Rose Rostek (nee: Gottfried) in Gimli, MB. He grew up in Camp Morton and eventually moved to Winnipeg at the age of 16 where he worked at a variety of jobs until he obtained his journeyman autobody certificate.
At 23 years of age, with the help of his Auntie Kay, Lawrence met his blind date, Eva Penner.
They were married August 14, 1965 and shortly after were blessed with three sons: Jeffrey, David and Darrell.
In 1969, Lawrence and Eva moved to The Pas where he worked in a body shop and later opened Northgate Motors with his partner, Brian Harkness.
They moved back to Winnipeg in 1976 where he partnered several pool companies.
He later worked as a bodyman at Midway Chrysler, where he eventually retired from in 2004.
Lawrence loved fishing, bowling, curling, cribbage and helping his kids and neighbours. He loved being outdoors, going camping, and could always be seen feeding the rabbits, birds and squirrels in the backyard. Lawrence was always willing to help out - cutting grass, moving snow, helping build fences, whatever the family and neighbours needed.
Few knew that Lawrence loved music and was a gifted self-taught organist and accordion player. He was also an avid polka dancer.
Lawrence had a special place in his heart for his family. He could always be counted on to help out with his grandchildren - picking them up from school, building playhouses, acting as a chauffeur, and attending sporting events and music recitals. His first grandchild was Katherine, born in 1996, followed by Alison in 1999, Braiden in 2003, Jaylee in 2005 and lastly, Dean in 2014.
In the last year, Lawrence underwent treatment for prostate cancer and always stayed positive. The highlights during this time were the conversations that he had with the Wheels of Hope drivers during his rides to treatment.
The family would like to give a heart-felt thank you to Lawrence and Eva’s very special neighbours Shelly and Carlos Alambra, the first responders and staff at the St. Boniface ER.
We will always remember Larry’s famous words….”It will be ok”.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lawrence’s name to the Masonic Foundation of Manitoba “Wheels of Hope” program or the “Ride for Dad" for prostate cancer research.
Funeral Liturgy to be held at St. Theresa’s Church on Monday May 6 at 10:30am.