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Russell Lavery

Image by Nick Andréka

RUSSELL WARREN LAVERY

It is with deep sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our father Russell Warren Lavery on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020 at the age of 91 years old.

He was preceded by his loving wife Lucy in 1992 and is survived by his seven children, Sharon/Ed Reczek, Warren/Heather, Karen/Jack Turk, Aileen/Fiesel Khan, Dawn/Mike Garvie, Hal and Matthew/Arla and 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  

Kyle(Tanya),  Katelyn, Joshua, Justin(Kendra), Jessica, Jamie, Sean, Allison, Janelle, Kristen, Braeden, Connor, Norah, Nathan and one on the way.

He also leaves behind one surviving sister, Audrey Thompson as well as many nieces/nephews.

Due to Covid protocols a Celebration of Life will be arranged in 2021.

Russ was born in Winnipeg on March 25, 1929 and lived most of his life there.  He was the fifth child of Victor Louis Lavery and Louise Elizabeth Roche.  The family lost their mother at an early age to cancer and his father eventually had to put the children into adoption.  Dad along with his 2 brothers (Harv and Ron) went to Knowles School for Boys.  The girls (Connie, Vicky, Lorraine and Audrey) were placed in various homes.  After reaching the age of 16 each brother had to leave Knowles.

A couple of years after leaving Knowles, Dad entered the Army in 1947.  Following aptitude testing he was placed with the Royal Cdn Engineers and served with 23 Field Squadron ultimately being stationed in Whitehorse.  This is were he met his Lucy.  He said it was love at first sight and they were married within 3 months of meeting each other.  Following the birth of their first child he decided to muster out of the army and moved the family back to Winnipeg where the other children were born.

Family was always important to him and most weekends included not only his own family but all the aunts, uncles and cousins.  Even though it was a noisy crowd he loved having everyone near.

Dad enjoyed a long career at Dominion Bridge as a Structural Steel Draftsman.  Even though he only had a grade 9 education both the army and Dominion Bridge saw the engineering talent he had and put it to good use.  He eventually left Dominion Bridge to start up his own Drafting Consulting Office.  He taught Mom to draft and they were in business together until 1992 when Mom died at 59 of a heart attack.  He was devastated by this loss but continued with the business until he had a stroke at 75.

Dad worked hard through all the rehab and was able to live on in his home until 2015 when he moved to Lions Place Independent living and then ultimately was moved to Riverview Health Centre in 2019.  

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of the Riverview Health Centre for the excellent care Dad received during his days with them.

 

Russell’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.


He will be missed by all the people who loved him.  Rest in peace Dad.
 

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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Roy Allen

November 29, 2020 at 7:26 PM

I knew Russ for 45 years and I will miss talking with him greatly.  I tried to call him today and found his number disconnected.  I am so sad to hear that he has passed.  Roy Allen. Dominion Bridge.

Len Baydack

October 26, 2020 at 5:06 PM

One of the most pleasant and friendly people that I have known.  I first encountered Russ when I was a young engineer at Dominion Bridge.  I had to interface with him a senior draftsman in the drafting dept.  He was very pleasant and co-operative to work with, always a smile on his face. I later used his consulting drafting services in my own engineering practice. He was always the same Russ, a pleasure to work with.  The world needs more of him.  Deepest condolences to the family for your loss. Len Baydack

Lynda Hughes

October 23, 2020 at 3:14 AM

I have very fond childhood memories of playing games on the large bright round orange table (I think it was orange if my memory serves me correct) in the kitchen of your family home on Somerville. I believe your dad designed and built it probably with your moms help. The Hopkins children were always welcome and boy did we have some good fun and laughs. Your dad was always quite the character and very entertaining. My deepest sympathy.  Lynda Hughes

Kathy Dupuis

October 19, 2020 at 4:44 PM

Our deepest condolences to the children, grandchildren, and to  Audrey .  I remember when my Dad (Bob Thompson) would take us to visit Russ and family. A house filled with noise, kids, laughter and love!  Oh the love!    Over the years, the love between your parents was palpable.  Your Dad was a fine man, and he will be missed. ❤❤

Hilary Walmsley (nee Dunlop)

October 18, 2020 at 11:09 PM

Warren, my deepest sympathy to you and your family as well as to Sharon, Karen, Aileen, Dawn, Hal and Matthew. I picture all of you and your Mom and Dad, as you were in the early 70's.  Your Dad was pretty stern but your Mom definitely brought out his softer side. I remember her "rolling fist gesture" she used on you guys. You are in my thoughts each year on January 20th. Seeing the picture of your Dad as I remember him and the more recent one brings tears, warm tears, remembering all of you. I wish you all happy memories of both your Mom and Dad.

David McGrath

October 18, 2020 at 7:49 PM

Deepest condolences to Hal and the rest of the Lavery family. We had the pleasure of meeting your dad on several occasions. 

Cecylia Bilous

October 18, 2020 at 6:26 PM

Dear Sharon, Ed and the entire Lavery family: We vividly remember our last (first for Cecylia) meeting with Russel while visiting you in Calgary a few years ago.  He was a remarkable man who lived an amazing life.  His love of life, love for his family and indomitable spirit of independence were so evident during the first few minutes of our dialogue.  He will continue living in all of our hearts. Love, Cecylia and Peter Bilous, Cheney, Washington

Kathy & Dean

October 18, 2020 at 6:24 PM

Our deepest condolences to Aileen and Fiesal, and all of Russ's children,  and families. May you all find comfort in all the wonderful memories you created with your Dad and that he knew how deeply he was loved by you all. ❤

Justina Giesbrecht

October 17, 2020 at 9:48 PM

My name is Justina Giesbrecht, wife of SP Abe Giesbrecht RCE, he served with Russ in Chilliwack in 1950. Also were buddies in Service during Wpg Flood.  Abe passed away in 2016. Peace be with you in these days of sorrow and remembering.  Justina Giesbrecht

Sandy Hetzel

October 17, 2020 at 4:46 PM

My condolences to the family.  I have fond memories of your dad. My favorite memory of him is his lecturing me on wearing a ring on my left hand ring finger.  He told me that was reserved for a engagement/wedding ring.  I never did listen to him on that.

Joan

October 17, 2020 at 3:49 PM

My condolences to the family! Your dad and mom were always so kind to Michael and myself. I have such nice memories of some of the family get togethers we attended. 
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