Obituary of Lawrence Perks

B I O G R A P H Y PERKS: Lawrence George Perks of the Pioneer Lodge, Lloydminster, formerly of Marwayne, Alberta was born on August 12, 1913 to George and Hattie Perks at the family farm at Helston, Manitoba. Lawrence passed away in the Lloydminster Hospital, Saskatchewan on Sunday, July 17, 2005 at the age of 91 years. He is dearly loved and remembered by three nephews: Barry (Fay), children Colby and Carson George; Marvin (Debra), children Garth and Blaine George; Brad, children Heather (Rob) Murray and Kyle George all of Marwayne, Alberta. His step-children, Clifford (Valerie) Lier of Vancouver, Eileen Malchow of Frasier Lake, BC; Lee (Bob) Acott of Prince George, BC; Harvey (Fanny) Lier of Vancouver. Numerous step-grandchildren, great and great great grandchildren. Lawrence was predeceased by his loving wife Sally on June 14, 1998, his parents George Perks on November 6, 1972, Hattie Perks on September 7, 1949, his step-mother Claire Perks July 1998 and his step-son--in-law Jim Malchow on March 2003. The memorial service for Lawrence was conducted from the Marwayne Community Hall, Marwayne, Alberta on Thursday, July 21, 2005 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Bob Aldrich officiating. Eulogy - Norman Doull Lawrence's family arrived by train in Marwayne, March 9, 1928. He moved with his family from Helston, Manitoba bringing all their effects, household, machinery, horses (Trixie), even pets, cats and dog (Rex). After living only one mile from the school and elevators in Manitoba it seemed a long way from town when we had to drive the ten miles to get to our new home, Alec Finlay Farm in the Crown Hill District. Lawrence attended the Crown Hill School, and was quite involved in school activities. Entertainment during this time included the George's, Carson's, Perk's, Doull's and the teacher Miss Margaret Ried. They would put on played and have a social evening where they would charge admission to the community. As a young boy Lawrence was always recognized as being a very fast skater. As kids we had a difficult time keeping up to him. After an outbreak of Scarlet fever, Lawrence and Beryl were quarantined. I still remember the sign the doctor hung on the door, Quarantine. In one instance I recall one time in which I was delegated to get a grocery list from Mrs. Perks. Being very scared that I would get the fever I didn't take the list but I copied it, but ironically I took the money anyway from her hand. Lawrence farmed with his dad 3/4 of land around his home place and later purchased the Cyril Brown quarter. In order to improve farming, I recall Lawrence purchasing a John Deere tractor from Eckville, which had steel wheels and had to be changed to rubber in order to drive home. That was quite a trip in those days. Lawrence had pure bred pigs, pure bred dogs and wanted to and never succeeded with pure bred Percherons. He purchased some of them at an auction sale at Devon Lake, south of Blackfoot and Lawrence and I left at 4 A.M. in the morning and led a stallion, mare and a yearling all the way home. He never succeeded beyond that purchase. I have many happy memories of sawing the year's supply of wood with the Perk's family. We would haul the wood from the North Saskatchewan River, which would be 22 miles round trip. During that time, we would cut our wood then build a fire and have a lunch. After this, we would load the wood in the wagon and head for home. Lawrence was a well-spoken man and every time he greeted you, he would call you by name. As a young kid I felt pretty important, this coming from an adult. He never swore but his two most famous words were "Oh my stars" and "Judist priest." Lawrence's father continued to farm and in 1944 he went to work part time for Mr. F.O. McGirr in Marwayne. Mr. McGirr owned a general store. In 1946 John Spence a co-worker and Lawrence formed a partnership and built a store next to the Ed Wirtz garage. They started the business of Perks and Spence on July 1, 1946 and remained in partnership with John Spence until John retired on September 20, 1971. During that time Lawrence became very fond of a prim and proper lady known as Sally Leer. Lawrence's nephews always thought it was peculiar since Lawrence was an older man to them, having Sally helping him steer the car. In July 1968, Lawrence and Sally were married in Red Deer much to the surprise of all those who thought he would be a confirmed bachelor. Sally then bought out John's portion of the store and later they purchased the Co-op store property when they closed out in September 26, 1974. Lawrence and Sally then changed the name to Perk's Treasure House. As a very active member of the community of Marwayne, Lawrence was the Mayor of Marwayne, President of the arena board, Secretary of the Tulliby Lake Stockman's Association and board member of the Dr. Cooke Nursing Home. He also ran the theatre until it closed down due to lack of interest because of TV. Due to Sally's illness the store temporarily closed for a few years. Sadly Sally died in June 1998 and the store was sold later that year. Lawrence Perks will always be remembered as a role model to his family, friends and community. He is now at peace with Sally who he has missed desperately since her death Card of Thanks Thanks to Reverend Bob Aldrich for the lovely service. Thank you to Sheryl Saville for the solo and Joanne Horton for the music. Thanks to the honorary pallbearers and the Marwayne Royal Purple Ladies for the lovely lunch. Dale McCaw of McCaw Funeral Service for the funeral arrangements. Special thanks to Dr. Jill Lakins for the many years of looking after Lawrence. Special thanks to Norman Doull for the eulogy from his heart and memory; a great job enjoyed by all. Lawrence's familyDonations in memory of Lawrence may be made to the Marwayne Cemetery Fund or to the Marwayne Fire & Rescue.