Lawrence Unik

Lawrence Unik

1945–2024

It is with profound sadness that the family of Lawrence Unik announces his peaceful passing surrounded by family and friends in the early hours of December 31, 2024, at the age of 79 years, at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.

Lawrence was born in East Selkirk on February 9, 1945.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Doreen Lansky, their two precious daughters, Lauren (Tomoaki Goeku) and Jennifer (Chris Nick), and three treasured grandchildren, Toyo Jane Goeku, Chosaku Lawrence Goeku, and Charlotte Dorothy Jane Lansky Nick, who he adored and loved so much, his sister Anne Gowryluk, sister-in-law Heather Unik, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved and thought the world of.

Lawrence was predeceased by his parents, Daniel and Mary (Winger) Unik and his siblings, Johnny Unik, Bill Unik (Angela), Stan Unik, Danny Unik (Myrna), Peter Unik, Nellie Flaherty (Ken), Mary Eliass (Julius).

Lawrence began his plumbing career at a young age and was a proud Plumbers & Pipefitters Local UA 254 member. In 1986, he joined the City of Winnipeg Planning, Property, and Development Department. He retired in 2013.

In his younger years, Lawrence was a member of the East Selkirk Fire Department, starting out at the R.M. of St. Clements Fire Hall No. 1. He enjoyed many good years as an alum and was so thankful for the friendships he continued and the new ones he added along the way. He was delighted to attend many functions over the years.

He loved his Bombers, Jets, and Canadiens, but the Selkirk Steelers always held a special place in his heart. He was so honoured to drop the puck during the playoffs this spring as part of the festivities for the 50th anniversary of their winning the Centennial Cup in the 73-74 season when he was the Steelers’ Vice President. The icing on his cake was attending the Championship Gala Celebration in October 2024.

Although his health declined in the past two years, he never lost his fierce survival spirit, which was so evident when, against all odds, he held on until Lauren arrived from Japan in time to say goodbye.

The family are so grateful for the paramedics and staff at the Selkirk General Hospital, STARS, and the incredible staff at MICU at Health Sciences Centre, who showed more compassion than imaginable to him and us.

We are eternally grateful to Lawrence’s lifelong friends, Bill and Dianne Fiwchuk. Our many visits to Gimli were truly the highlight of his last months. He was so blessed to have you in his life.

To honour Lawrence’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial reception.

Remember his laugh, remember his smile.

Keep him in your heart; you were always in his.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lawrence Unik, please visit our floral store.