Lawrence Wyryha

Lawrence is survived by his loving wife Rose of 61 years, son Kenneth (Karen), grandchildren Tiana and Braeden and daughter in law Kathy. He is also survived by his brother Bobby, sister Roseanne, sisters in law Christine Wyryha and Mary Kohler as well as several nieces and nephews. He was devastated when he lost his youngest son Jimmie to cancer a short 8 months ago. He was predeceased by both parents (Jim & Pauline), brothers Emil, Melvin, sisters Martha (Peter) and Adeline.

Lawrence was born at home in Pansy, MB where he resided until he was 19. He met his soulmate Rose in 1962; a year later he moved to Winnipeg and they were married.

Lawrence worked at Cowan Steel from 1961 – 1968. In 1968 he went to work at Tallcrete as a forklift operator / yard manager until he retired in 2010. He took great pride in his work and was the “go to guy” for anything block related. Even in the few days leading up to his passing he was talking about all types of blocks in the yard.

Lawrence was an extremely hard worker and always willing to lend a hand. Many a garage was built and interlocking bricks laid with Lawrence at the helm. From his early days on the farm in Meleb with Rose’s family (going every weekend), to when his children started out with their homes - many hours spent on decks, garages and anything that came up. No job was too big or too small. He even did a lot of odd repair jobs at McDonalds both here and in Regina. He fondly enjoyed working at the cottage even when the plans kept changing (with a smile on his face) . Many family friends were fortunate to have Lawrence lend a hand in their projects where he acquired his nickname “Crazy Larry” He maintained an immaculate yard at home, not a weed dared to protrude through the interlocking bricks. Lawrence enjoyed fishing, picking wild mushrooms, picking berries, snowmobiling, enjoying his diet pepsi with Rose and doing family day trips around the province. He enjoyed attending many sporting events including his grandsons hockey games, Goldeyes and Jets Games with his sons.

Rose and Lawrence did everything together; they were firmly rooted in their Ukrainian Catholic faith and were heavily involved in their church activities. They enjoyed cooking in the kitchen (countless perogies, piroshki, pickles and other delicious treats were enjoyed by family and friends). They traveled many times over the years with 3 trips to Ukraine. During one of these trips they attended a Wyryha wedding as part of their tour. They were also able to visit and spend time with Rose’s relatives at the family homestead.

They were snowbirds in Arizona for several winters enjoying the seniors center where they learned how to play the card game manipulation. This became a staple game at home, at the family cottage and during his time in the hospital.

They went to a live taping of the Price is Right (their favorite daily game show) and even took a cruise from Long Beach into Mexico. They went to Disney Land, Orlando, Las Vegas, The Grand Canyon, Texas and even drove home from Arizona. Lawrence was a true “dog whisperer”, he had a special connection with his dogs (Sheila, Taffy & Rocky) as well as his grand fur babies. Dogs of family friends were always drawn to him too.

Your unique kindness and sense of humor will be extremely missed. The void in our hearts will be felt until we cross paths again – love you always!

Special thank you to the wonderful staff of GD5, WRS3 and WRS2 at HSC who cared for Lawrence with passion and dignity during his hospital stay.

Funeral Service will be held on April 14, 2025 at 2PM at Green Acres Funeral Home located at 1 Green Acres Lane, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society.