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Lawrence Feilberg

Image by Nick Andréka

LAWRENCE ANDERSON FEILBERG

May 11, 1949 – April 17, 2025

Lawrence passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, at the St. Boniface Hospital, with his loving wife at his side, his close friends and family nearby. In their 51 years of marriage, Lawrence and his wife, Anne(tte) (nee Sutyla), had five children, a baby girl lost at birth, Farrell (Tegan), Lorella, Lori-Anne (Trevor) and Robin (Isaac). They had seven grandchildren, Kaleigh, Hayden, Easton, Alicia, Silas, Malcolm and Adria.


Lawrence was born on May 11, 1949, in East Braintree, Manitoba. He was the second child born to the late Nikolai and Esther Feilberg. His siblings Lorna, Margaret and Paul recount many stories from his youth with humor and admiration.


Lawrence would often sing lines from his favorite Bob Dylan songs or quote poems and lyrics throughout each day. He had a curiosity that extended to everyone he met. He loved telling stories, enjoyed puns and satire, and often misspelt words for humorous and rhetorical effect when posting online. Lawrence had a nickname for everyone and often greeted friends with a smile, a pinch, or a wink. It was often hard to tell if he was pulling your leg or telling you something historical and factual. Many still wonder if he and Neil Young truly did wash dishes together at the hotel in Falcon Lake, as he claimed. Another example of Lawrence’s humor is the sign he had posted outside of his longtime hometown, “Welcome to Rennie. Home of something... Or someone famous... Someday... Maybe...” which has been featured in many online articles; passersby stop to have their picture taken when on their way to the Whiteshell Provincial Park.


As a Lumberjack, Lawrence’s chainsaw collection was a great source of pride. He spent much of his life in the wilderness, cutting and hauling wood and practicing reforestation. He would lovingly bring home wildflowers and other treasures he found in the forest for his wife Annette. He also displayed intricately shaped trees as art in and around the family home. The Haywire Logging decal on Laurie’s truck led to many conversations with those he met along the way.


Lawrence was well versed in poetry, history and science with a great love for astronomy. His interest in politics led him to campaign in two federal elections: in 1980 as Rhinoceros Party candidate for Provencher, and in 1988 for the Reform Party in the same riding. In the 80’s and 90’s he was a Councillor for what was then the LGD of Reynolds. Friends often referred to him as the unofficial Mayor of Rennie. During that time Lawrence also served as Chairman of the Board for the Whitemouth and District Heath Centre and the Winnipeg River Brokenhead Venture Inc. As an entrepreneur in the 90s, Lawrence forayed into Reynolds Wood Products.


Lawrence spent much of his retirement at home, sitting on the deck, and sharing stories with friends and family. He enjoyed watching the birds and talking to the fox that came to visit. He never did gain any appreciation for the chipmunks and squirrels that came to raid the birdfeeder or chew on his tomatoes.


The family extends their appreciation to the dedicated doctors, nurses and staff at St. Boniface Hospital, Beausejour Health Centre and Selkirk Regional Health Centre.


Cremation has taken place and in accordance with Lawrence’s wishes no formal service will be held. Donations may be made in Lawrence’s name to the East Braintree Cemetery Board or the Midwinter Heritage Association.


Lawrence’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Laura Richards

May 5, 2025 at 2:41 PM

My deepest condolences to Annette and the whole family on your loss!

Scott and Shelley Amos

May 3, 2025 at 10:29 AM

Annette and family, we were so shocked to hear of Lawrence's passing. He was a great guy, always there when ya needed a hand. He shared great stories and had a wonderful sense of humour. He will be missed. Our condolences to you and your family.

Cousin Susan Jonson (Sutyla)

May 1, 2025 at 2:07 PM

Such sad news Annette & family. Shannon told me of Lawrence's passing. I think I only met him once, at Susie's daughter's Wedding. My Mom & Dad (your Auntie Jean & Uncle Carl Sutyla) knew him better and they always spoke fondly of the two of you. He sounds like an amazing guy. Unique, interesting, funny & smart! A real man's man and a true outdoorsman! ! A wonderful Tribute!

Winnifred and Stewart

May 1, 2025 at 11:51 AM

Annette, our sincere condolences to you and your family.

Marni Domolewski

April 25, 2025 at 8:42 AM

Annette, our family extends our sincerest condolences for your loss. Gone too soon...memories of his quick wit will bring a smile to all those who knew him.

Rose Watson (Yakiwchuk)

April 25, 2025 at 12:10 AM

So sorry for your loss Annette. Lawrence was quite the character. I know you have a lot of wonderful memories.

Brian and Debbie Arnal

April 24, 2025 at 4:15 PM

Dear Annette, please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. Lawrence was a unique and talented man - Rennie lost a legend a week ago. He was always a pleasure to share a beer with and we could always count on Lawrence to get the job done and done well. I trust that your many fond memories of your wonderful life together will serve you well during this difficult time.

Susie Eyolfson

April 24, 2025 at 3:28 PM

We could always count on Lawrence for a good chuckle....Will miss his cheeky comments❤️ and good nature! He was a good person, who will be missed by all who knew him❤️

much love to Annette and all the family❤️.

cousins Susie & Brian

Megan Gagawchuk

April 24, 2025 at 12:26 PM

My deepest sympathy to Annette & Family thinking of you guys at this time. Lawrence was the spark everyone need and loved in there life I am an honor to know have known him . He will be dearly missed .

Trevor and Barb Albinet

April 24, 2025 at 9:09 AM

Dearest Annette and family. We are at a loss for words in the untimely death of your dear Lawrence. The world has lost a good guy and Molsons has lost a faithful. We so enjoyed our carolling at your place and sampling his "Angel Pee" We also had the pleasure of the Feilbergs joining our Hawaiian Cruise. Shortly before we left we were upgraded to penthouse suites and had our own butler who loved to banter with Lawrence and combing his moustache. Lawrence had researched every stop on the cruise and had all tours picked out for each port. Sometimes on his own or with Annette. The time spent back in Honolulu most enjoyable and Lawrence and Annette had everything planned for their stay.

A well read man and so humorous !! He will missed. Our sincere condolences to the family

Trevor & Barb Albinet

Kc

April 23, 2025 at 9:46 PM

I trust it is soon ,when sorrow yields to the unumerable antics entertaining, baffling thought provoking and heartwarming stories Laurence left us all. To be remembered and retold for generations. It'll start with a simple phrase " you remember that time when he.."

My sincerest condolences.

Marge (Zadorozny) Stalker

April 23, 2025 at 9:07 PM

While talking to my cousin yesterday, she mentioned that a classmate of mine had passed away and if I remember him. His sister Lorna was good friends with my sister Pat at high school.

 

I attended Whitemouth Collegiate years ago, when I was a very very young and very very introverted. I was more than two years younger than everybody in my grade and it always showed.

 

Lawrence was in my grades 10-12 classes but I don’t think he knew me at all even though there were never more than twenty kids total in any of our classes. I don’t even remember him ever saying two words to me ever or me to him as well. But everybody noticed him to say the least.

 

Lawrence was popular, outgoing and really really extroverted, and always trying to get as much attention as he could from those around him. I remember one time when the teacher had left the room and Lawrence proceeded to jump on the table tops across the room, to the amusement of the whole class. I believe he was smart but I think he didn’t want to be known as smart because it would take away from being noticed for his comedic abilities. I think he would have done well as a comedian as he loved to make people laugh.

 

My condolences to his immediate family and to Lorna as well.

Bernice Bonkowski Morgan

April 23, 2025 at 8:18 PM

Most sincere condolences from our family to yours.

Jeff and Sandra Wiebe

April 23, 2025 at 7:33 PM

I've known Lawrence for many years, he always had something comical to say, but the memory that stands out the most is at one of the Strawberry Festivals in Naked City where he entered the arm wrestling competition. The top contenders were Raymond Noel and Kenny Pawlyshyn. Those two were the champions for many years in a row. No one could beat them! And out of the bush comes skinny Lawrence Feilberg. Takes down both of the reigning champions. Those two guys were in shock and disbelief that they had lost. They begged for a rematch, but Lawrence just walked away with the Title!

Our deepest condolences on the loss of Lawrence. He was a wonderful guy.

Bruce and Rosilyn Jensen

April 23, 2025 at 7:03 PM

Always remember the friendly smile when meeting Lawrence either on the road or at the local watering hole. Lawrence would always give a hand when hauling out wood and cutting down dangerous trees. I would recommend Lawrence to customers who had dangerous trees around their cabin. Customers always asked where did you find him, such a nice man. Lawrence was very proud of his chainsaw collection. I had an old husquarva and I gave to Lawrence. Lawrence’s love for moose heart. When successful Lawrence got the moose heart. Goodbye my friend, Bruce, Rosilyn and Family.

Cathie Kurlowich

April 23, 2025 at 7:00 PM

My second Dad, I will always remember your 'Hello, Kiddo' greeting, reading encyclopedias at your dining room table and dancing at the Rennie bar (I couldn't keep up)! So many fun memories that will live on forever. You will be missed dearly but never ever forgotten.

Jill Zwarych (Zivec/Sutyla)

April 23, 2025 at 6:37 PM

My deepest heartfelt sympathies to you all.

 

 

Christine and Don Kurylowich

April 23, 2025 at 6:15 PM

An extremely witty and intelligent man.

You will be missed. We are so sorry for your loss.

Anthony Steffes

April 23, 2025 at 5:10 PM

I knew Lawrence as the father of four incredibly interesting and talented students whom I had the privilege of teaching at Whitemouth School. Each of them had a wonderful blend of humour, creativity, intelligence, sensitivity, and just that little bit of quirkiness that made them memorable. Fond memories.

Later as a Facebook friend, I became aware of Lawrence's knowledge and appreciation of the plants of the great outdoors. He saw what many looked past. He had the eyes of an intellectual artist, finding the most unusual bits of botanical life. Always interesting.

A beautiful family has lost a part of their foundation and I am deeply sorry. My deepest condolences.

Annette Feilberg

April 23, 2025 at 5:07 PM

Love you forever.

Gord & Jan Cousins

April 23, 2025 at 3:48 PM

We are so sorry to hear of your loss, our thoughts are with you.

 

Garry and Joan Proceviat

April 23, 2025 at 3:44 PM

So sorry for your loss! Lawrence was definitely one of a kind and will be missed!

Brian and Michelle Barker

April 23, 2025 at 3:25 PM

"The Bear", the fun we had with that bear and all his travels.

We are so sorry to the family for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.

Jerry and Eileen Sutyla

April 23, 2025 at 2:57 PM

Lawrence was the type of person to say I'm going ahead to prepare a place for the pope.Eileen said you have to wait for cheese cake because she's not ready to go yet.

 

Lorella Walld

April 23, 2025 at 2:56 PM

Dad instilled in us a thirst for knowledge, and a love of nature. I will be reminded of him when I look up at the constellations and when I walk through the forest. As children we would always hike with Mom and Dad up on the rocks of the Canadian Shield behind our house. In the spring, Dad would take us up there to look for the first crocuses, and we were so excited to find them. He made pancakes with the blueberries we picked and Danish Ableskiver for the grandchildren. We will miss him but I'm hoping that he found a wormhole and is visiting a parrellel universe. See you there, Dad.

Gloria Eyjolfson

April 23, 2025 at 2:12 PM

Although I did not know Lawrence all that well, I knew he was a good man. He had to be or my sister from another mother would never have married him. He always made me laugh. He had such a mischievous look about him. He was a wise, wise man. The last time I saw him, my granddaughter was with me. She stared at his beard in wonderer was it shock. But mostly she was totally in awe of him. She climbed up onto his lap. He made a pretend fuss, I hope & there she stayed and there he endured her chatter.

It's difficult to think we will not hear his laugh or crazy puns & jokes. Lawrence, you will be missed terribly & forever be love. Rest peacefully you crazy wild man.

Jennifer Johnsen

April 23, 2025 at 1:55 PM

On behalf of my husband, Kevin MacDonald, myself and my late brother, Brian Johnsen I offer condolences to your family. Although I did not know Lawrence well, I admired his character, his knowledge and his humour. My brother enjoyed his time working with Lawrence and often spoke of him with fondness and respect. Memories of him always brought a smile.

Lori-Anne Busch

April 23, 2025 at 1:45 PM

Dear Dad, I was always so proud to be your daughter. You will live in my heart forever.

Kathy and Mike Simcoe (long time friends of Lori-A

April 23, 2025 at 1:07 PM

Great Tribute! it was a treat to have met Lawrence last summer after hearing so much about him over the years. -

Nicole Brooks

April 23, 2025 at 12:37 PM

I will miss Uncle Lawrence very mucjh.

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