January 20, 1931 – June 17, 2020
Ecclesiastes 3:4
“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”
Peacefully, surrounded by his family, Lawrence passed away at the age of 89 years after a courageous battle with cancer. He will be missed dearly by his loving family. Lawrence is survived by his wife, Ruth, his three children, Malcolm, Alan (Sharon) and Penny (John.) Lawrence leaves behind his five grandchildren, Marina and Mitchel, Cody, Joshua and Jewel (Mathew). Lawrence is also survived by his siblings Harvey, Jerry, Irwin, Ruby and Evelyn.
Lawrence was born on January 20, 1931 to Karl and Natalie Topnik. Lawrence was the seventh of fourteen children and grew up working on the family farm in Greenwald. At the age of 13, he began working in a bush camp cutting pulp with his brother.
In 1953, Lawrence met the love of his life, Ruth. They would later wed in 1955 and spend an amazing 65 years together. They would have three children, Malcolm, Alan and Penny and raised them in Fairford, MB after Lawrence and Ruth purchased what would become “Topnik’s General Store”. It was here that Lawrence and Ruth taught their children the many life lessons they would need to prepare them for their lives. He spent countless hours in the store, creating lifelong friendships with members of the community for many years until retirement.
Lawrence had a passion for airplanes. In 1978, he achieved his lifelong dream and obtained his private pilot license and purchased his very own Cessna 150. He enjoyed the peacefulness and serenity of flying. He loved taking family members up in the air which often included taking grandchildren along in their car seats.
Lawrence and Ruth spent many days dancing together. Folk and old-time dancing were their specialties. They danced their way around the province and were often admired and complimented on their precise footwork.
Lawrence loved his music. He played both the violin and guitar and always enjoyed a good toe tapping polka. Even in his last days, he was still tapping his toes when we played music for him. He brought the music to our whole family. He will always be the reason we tap our toes or whistle along to a song we like.
Family gatherings were his favourite. Lawrence always made sure there was more than enough food for Granny to cook and enjoyed being surrounded by his loved ones. He always put his family first. He was our welcoming committee, eagerly waiting by the front door to greet each family member as they arrived.
Lawrence loved his grandchildren, often playing little jokes. He could always be heard with his infectious laugh after playing his pranks. Known for his quick wit and sense of humor Lawrence embodied something special that blessed this earth for all who were lucky enough to know him.
Lawrence was a fighter, even right up to his last day. His life motto of “you can’t lay down and die” proved just how strong he was. In 1950, while cutting pulp, he was mistaken for a deer by a hunter and was shot. In his later years, he survived not one, but two heart surgeries. Lawrence was the strongest man his family knew.
The family would like to thank Dr. Partyka at the Beausejour hospital for his excellent care and compassion, cardiologist Dr. Rohit Singal, the countless nurses, home care workers, neighbours, members of the community and all those who prayed for our Lawrence.
A memorial service is planned for Tuesday, June 23rd at 2:00pm at Sobering Funeral Chapel, 1035 Park Avenue E., Beausejour. Interment will follow in the Beausejour Cemetery. Due to Covid-19, attendance in the chapel is limited to family and close friends. Outside attendance is welcome in the parking lot. All are welcome to attend the interment. Social distancing guidelines will be implemented at all locations.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lawrence’s memory to Beausejour Hospital TV Fund, Box 1614, Beausejour, MB, R0E 0C0.
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Cindy Fosty
My deepest condolences to you Ruth, and your family. I always enjoyed our little chats in between serving customers at Chicken Delight. May God comfort you during your grief. Lawrence will be missed.
Barbara Stunick
My deepest sympathy to Alan and his family. I have very fond memories of your dad when he and your mom would come to Camper for the dance after the music festival. How they would dance.
So sorry for your loss.
Arnie & Doreen Otto
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Lawrence. We will miss his smile and sense of humor. Our deepest sympathies to you Ruth and your family. May the many memories of your life together be of comfort to you at this sad time. God bless you!
Judy and Larry
Our deepest sympathy to Aunt Ruth and cousins. We have many happy memories of our time spent with Uncle Lawrence. We pray all of you will be surrounded with God’s peace which passes all understanding as you go through this difficult time.
Bruce Meisner
Dear Mrs Topnik, Malcolm, Alan, Penny and families, What a beautiful tribute written for such a great man! I remember Mr. Topnik for the kindness always found in his sparkling eyes and the way he always presented himself as a gentleman. Whether he was teaching Sunday School, or purchasing the green Sunday School hymnals for our church or making and delivering the goodie bags for every Christmas Eve service, his generosity for his church and members was greatly appreciated. May our Christian faith bring each of you comfort as you mourn his passing.
Doreen and Ed
Our deepest sympathy to you, Aunty Ruth, Malcolm, Alan, Penny and your families. Keep all those precious memories close to you hearts and be thankful for the many years you were all together. God give you peace and comfort during this sad time!
Lori Shaw
Penny, our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Such beautiful words about your father, he sounded like an amazing man and father. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope that you let all of these beautiful memories comfort you during this difficult time.
Marlene Topnik
Aunty Ruthie, Malcolm, Alan and Penny…
Our sincere sympathy goes out to you all at this very difficult time. I know we didn’t get to spend much time together over the years but those times that we did connect really meant a lot to me and my family. I have always felt a certain closeness to Uncle Lawrence, despite the distance, through the heartfelt stories my dad would share. Dad spoke so fondly of Uncle Lawrence and on many occasions he shared his memories of the two of them and life growing up on the farm. He always said, “If you saw Lawrence, you saw Edwin and vice versa, we did everything together”. He treasured the time he got to spend visiting with the family, back in 2012, when my daughter and him flew back to Manitoba. I’m also grateful that Nikki and I were able to spend a little time with you both, in 2015, just after my dad had passed. Glad that you made the time for us even though it was getting late and you were both ready for bed!!
Uncle Lawrence, his gentle soul and sparkling blue eyes, will always remain in our hearts.
May our Lord be by your side and bring comfort to you all during this time of grief.
Love and {{Hugs}} ❤️
Bernice Rach
My sincere sympathies to Ruth and the whole family. I was one of those people who admired the two of you dancing, and would just love to watch the two of you. May you find comfort in the many memories that you were able to share during your 65 years together. God Bless you all.
Marilyn McLeod
Our sincerest condolences to you, Auntie Ruthie, and to Malcolm, Alan and Penny and their families at this very sad time. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Andrea Grozli, SPLC member
Ruth, Al, Malcolm, Penny and families – I’m so sorry to hear about Lawrence’s recent death. My heart goes out to all of you in this difficult time. May your memories of Lawrence help bring a small measure of comfort and peace to you in the days and months ahead. Lawrence had a great smile and was always so cheerful and happy on Sunday mornings at church. We will all see Lawrence again one day – together with God. May God bless you all in your grief.