Lawrence Achtemichuk of Swift Current SK, passed away December 27, 2016. Left to cherish his memory: Marg Lindsay; Daughters, Darlene (Greg) Bird of North Battleford, Denise Achtemichuk of Battleford, Step-Daughter Michele Lindsay (Doug) of Saskatoon; Granddaughter, Mayce Achtemichuk of Battleford; Brother, Ed (Shirley) Achtemichuk of Good Spirit Lake; Nieces, Gail (Glenn) and children, Shane, Claire Atkinson of Palgrave, Ontario, Nola (Kirk) Betker of Yorkton; and numerous other nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, George and Nettie Achtemichuk.
Lawrence was born on October 4, 1942 on the family farm in the Rhein district of Saskatchewan to George and Nettie Achtemichuk. While growing up he helped his older brother, Ed, with farm chores. He started his education at the New Canadian School, which was a 41/2 mile walk from the farm. He continued his education at the Rhein School and then Yorkton Regional High School. In his spare time Lawrence, his brother and three friends formed a band and played at dances around the Rhein district. After completing his education he moved to Weyburn where he began working as a nurse's aide at the Weyburn Saskatchewan Hospital in September 1962. Lawrence met his first wife, Minnie Sankey, in Weyburn in April 1963 and they were married November 30, 1963. In February 1964 they moved to Swift Current where Lawrence began working at the Swift Current Union Hospital as an orderly. He left briefly to take some computer training but returned to the hospital and his job as an orderly, which was his true calling and something he was meant to do. Later in his career he would be promoted to head orderly. Lawrence became a father for the first time in 1965 when his daughter Darlene was born and again in 1968 when his daughter Denise was born. Lawrence was involved in the multicultural society while his one daughter was in Ukrainian dance. He also used to drive his two daughters to ballet, tap and jazz classes. Lawrence enjoyed playing sports; he curled for many years in a league, he was an avid tennis player and he also used to bowl in a league as well. After 20 years of marriage to Minnie, they would go their separate ways, although they remained close friends.
In 1984 Lawrence met Marg Lindsay when she attended a Ukrainian New Year's party at his house 33 years ago. They began dating and eventually would move in together which not only brought a new love into his life but also a young step-daughter, Michele, who he grew to love like she was his own daughter. Lawrence and Marg enjoyed a fulfilling life together. They were both Legion members where they played in the darts league and enjoyed dancing there on the weekends. They enjoyed spending time at the lake with friends. Lawrence and Marg took Michele to Disneyland and once travelled to Hawaii, a long-time dream of Marg's. They loved it so much they returned 2 years later. But most of all they enjoyed spending time together, especially in their backyard during the summer months. Lawrence was also a good cook and loved to BBQ although sticking true to his Ukrainian heritage you could always count on him to make a great batch of cabbage rolls or borscht soup. Lawrence became a proud grandpa in August 1993 when his granddaughter, Mayce, was born. Throughout the years Lawrence would enjoy hearing about the accomplishments and adventures of all his girls and was very proud of each one of them as family meant a lot to Lawrence and he loved them all very much. In 2007 Lawrence would retire from the hospital after 44 years of service. Although retired, he never knew how to stop caring for people. He took care of Marg up until he injured his back in October and was not able to look after her and himself at the same time. Lawrence's health was slowly declining, but even after being admitted to hospital in December he was still trying to tell the nurses how to do their jobs. Lawrence was the kindest, most gentle, caring and loving man, always putting the needs of others before himself. He was supportive, honourable and a fantastic mentor teaching us all to care for others and that it is not always about yourself. He had unconditional love for everyone he knew. Warren's Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. For further information call 306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members in our book of condolences.