Lawrence CHAMBERS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CHAMBERS: Lawrence William passed away with his family at his side at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on January 14, 2009. Lawrence was born September 9, 1919 in the district of Thirsk, sub district of Top Cliffe England. Parents were Joseph and Mary Chambers, and along with brother Cliff, and sister Olive, came to Canada in 1925. They settled at Pine Creek District, northwest of Austin, Manitoba. Lawrence attended school in Pine Creek and then worked in the surrounding area. 1941 was a turning point in his life. It was in this year that he enlisted in the Canadian Army, and also married the love of his life, Rosnah Tattersall on March 11, 1941. They went onward to celebrate 67 years of married life. Lawrence started his army life at Shilo, Manitoba and then was posted to Pacific Defences at Point Grey in Vancouver. After his discharge they returned to the Pine Creek area. After coping with farm life for approximately ten years Lawrence went to work for the Canadian Pacific Railway. For a number of years he operated the coal dock east of Austin, until the diesel locomotives replaced the steam locomotives on the railroad line. From here Lawrence had an opportunity to work with Campbell Soup Company. They built a new plant in Portage la Prairie, where he remained for twenty years. After retiring from Campbell Soup, he worked for the Town of Austin at the water plant and other related jobs. Lawrence also spent time at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum during the Thresherman’s Reunion for a number of years. Lawrence was a life time member of the Royal Canadian Legion. During these years they excelled at gardening and yard care. They were awarded first prize for the best yard in Austin. Lawrence and Rosnah continued to reside in Austin until 1999, when with the help of family and friends moved to a home in the Green Acres area of Brandon. Here he continued to grow a garden and keep up the yard, complete with flowers, onions, corn and potatoes. This was done with seeds he brought from his garden in Austin. Lawrence loved to have a good feisty game of cards and many happy times are remembered by family and friends. Lawrence will always be remembered for the smile on his face and the wave of his hand. He had a great sense of humor that we will all miss. Lawrence and Rosnah enjoyed a trip back to England in 1980, as well as trips to Nova Scotia, San Diego, California, Brownsville, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee. Lawrence is predeceased by his parents, Joe and Mary, sister Olive and brother Sidney. He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife, Rosnah, four sons, Larry (Carol), Ron (Marlene), David (Donna), Alec (Susan). Lawrence is also survived by nine grandchildren, Larry, Shawn (Cecille), Bill (Susan) , Nathan (Tara), Lisa (Dan), Heather (David), Michelle (Tony), Amanda, Christopher, and ten great-grandchildren, Courtney, Dylan, Brendon, Karlyn, Maddie, Payton, Connor, Caden, Autumn, and Ryland. He is also survived by his brother Clifford (Alice), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in Canada and England. At Lawrence’s request a private family service was held at Memories Chapel with Rev. Harvey Hurren officiating. Interment was at Austin Cemetery with Shannon Bodnarchuk officiating. Honorary pallbearers were all in attendance.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 30, 2009