Lawrence Arthur Schatkoski passed away peacefully March 9, 2014, with his son by his side. He was 88 years old. Lawrence was born on August 21, 1925, in Swift Current, SK.; the first of nine children of Rudolf and Olga (Schultz) Schatkoski. Lawrence worked tirelessly to save enough money to purchase his very own farm in 1953, where he married Verena (Williamson) in 1957 and raised his two children. As a farmer and rancher, Lawrence was a man who had great appreciation for nature. He worked closely with the Swift Current Research Station in development of grass pasture lands. Lawrence always stocked the farm dugout with Rainbow Trout, took in orphaned Canada Geese brought by conservation workers, raised Ringneck Pheasants, peacocks, and other exotic birds. He was also a man of great honesty, integrity, and faith, reminding his children to "always tell the truth-it's easier to remember what you said;" Lawrence loved to visit, and had a great sense of humour. When people couldn't pronounce his name he told them "call me shot of whiskey;" He was a supporter of many fundraising events, and never turned down an opportunity to help others. Lawrence was a councillor for the R.M. of Swift Current for twenty years. He was also a dedicated volunteer with the Catholic Church Parish Council, Home and School Association, Swift Current Union Hospital, Knights of Columbus both 3rd and 4th degree, Kiwanis, Pioneer Co-op, Frontier Days Board for over thirty years (nine as director), Wheat Pool Committee, the Agriculture Society, and numerous other service organizations. He was especially passionate about the Swift Current Old Time Fiddlers, with whom he was a director for many years. Lawrence sold the family farm in 1994, and retired to Swift Current where he began many travelling adventures. He loved to read and listen to music. Lawrence's children and grandchildren brought him great joy, and he was very proud of their accomplishments as he instilled great work ethic in them all. Lawrence is survived by his brothers, Ed (Kresti), Don, Carl (Kathy), Gordon (Shirley); sisters Irene Stinson (Floyd), and Alice Hill, daughter Bev (Len) and children Kimberly and Andy, son Leon (Nora) and their daughter Terrie Burns (Mike),and great-grandchildren Aiden and Kaitlyn Burns, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Lawrence is predeceased by his parents Rudolf and Olga (nee Schultz) Schatkoski, sisters Mary Collins (Larry) and Jean, brother-in-law Ed Hill, and many dear friends. A Mass of the Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, March 14, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the Redeemer Roman Catholic Church, 600 Circle Dr., Swift Current, SK. Lawrence will be interred at a later date at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Swift Current. Memorial donations in memory of Lawrence may be given to the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, or another charity of your choice. Warren's Funeral Home in care of arrangments. For further information please call 306-773-8831 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to the family in our book of condleonce.