Stephen (Steve) Lawrence
Obituary
Stephen (Steve) Robert Lawrence
September 27, 1963 – March 7, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Steve Lawrence. He peacefully passed away with his family by his side on March 7, 2025, at the age of 61 in Selkirk after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
Steve was a lifelong learner and a dedicated educator. He was the first in his family to pursue post-secondary education. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba, a certificate in Adult Education from Red River College Polytech, and furthered his education by earning a Master of Arts in Education from Central Michigan University.
For over 30 years, Steve was an integral part of RRC. He started his career here as an instructor of computer science and worked his way to Acting Dean of the School of Continuing Education. He also fulfilled the roles of Program Manager for IT and Professional Studies, ACE Project Space Coordinator, and Program Manager for Business and Applied Arts during his time with the college. His dedication to education extended beyond RRC, as he played a key role in accrediting Business Technology Management programs across Canada, contributing to visits at Concordia and Acadia Universities.
Before his academic career, Steve spent 14 years in the IT industry as a programmer, business analyst, and requirements gathering analyst. He was instrumental in the creation, promotion, and delivery of the Business Technology Management program at RRC and played a pivotal role in various initiatives, including mentoring new instructors, collaborating with the Green Action Center on a Safe Routes to School app, and leading the transition from a trimester to a semester system at RRC. His passion for education and innovation was recognized with the prestigious 2010 Ken Spencer Award for Learning Innovation.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Steve had a deep love for sports and coaching. He dedicated over 15 years to coaching hockey, volleyball, and soccer and was a Level 2 NCCP nationally certified coach. His mentorship extended from the classroom to the playing field, shaping countless students and athletes with his guidance and encouragement.
Steve was a lover of the outdoors and an active member of the community. He volunteered in Selkirk and Winnipeg Beach, grooming cross-country ski trails, organizing a pickleball league, and helping at Our Daily Bread soup kitchen. He loved fishing, kayaking, swimming, skiing, cycling and anything to extend his time in nature or his favourite place at the family cabin in Winnipeg Beach.
Steve will be dearly missed by his children, Courtney Lawrence (Connor Joseph) and James Lawrence (Caitlyn Haney), his beloved partner, Lorie Fiddler, her mother Leona Hacking, her children, Luke (Jenn), Will (Christina), Kat (Clay), and eight grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister, Marilyn Lawrence and her children. He was predeceased by his parents, Douglas and Donna Lawrence, and his siblings, Richard, Zachary and Patricia.
Steve’s impact on education, his unwavering dedication to mentorship, and his love for family and friends will be cherished and remembered always.
A celebration of life will be held at Gilbart Funeral Home in Selkirk, MB, on Monday, March 17th at 2:00 p.m. A live stream of the celebration will be available with the following link https://youtube.com/live/wnqNuH8Y3tU.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Steve’s memory to Brain Cancer Canada and Our Daily Bread soup kitchen in Selkirk.
https://ourdailybreadselkirk.com/our-daily-bread-selkirk#7ea66342-b6da-4b5f-a76b-73e6f91624 c0
Tributes: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.
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