Lawrence Andrew Backlun was born November 20, 1924 in the Slager School District, southwest of Tribune. He passed away peacefully on Monday, June 27, 2016 at the age of 91 at the Radville Marian Health Centre. Lawrence was predeceased by his parents: Guy and Emma Backlun; brothers: John (Ann) Backlun, Edwin (Violet) Backlun, Earl (Rose) Backlun, Howard Backlun, Art Backlun; brother-in-law Willie Frey; sister-in-law Ella Loyek; Elsie鈥檚 parents: Maggie and John; son-in-law Robert Thue. Lawrence is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elsie; daughter Ruth Thue, son Orville (Pat) Backlun, daughter Bernice Fradette (Mel Candlish), daughter Linda (Kim) Ochitwa; grandchildren: Del (Charlene) Thue, Dane, Cayla; Lisa Marks, Cash, Pistal; James (Karen) Backlun; Mindy (Ryan) Goudie; Casey, Austin, Paisley; Tanya (Scott) Pohl, Savannah, Abby, Melissa Fradette, Kennedy; Lorranda (Alan) Smelt, Carter, Ayla, Tara (Sean) Bateson, Ainsley and Aubrey, as well as many nieces and nephews. Lawrence grew up in the Tribune area along with his three older brothers and two younger brothers and is the last surviving sibling. He married Elsie Frey in 1950. They were blessed with three children while living in the Tribune area. They moved to Lake Alma area in 1957 and later had their fourth child. Farming, including grain and cattle, was their main focus until their retirement in 1984 when they moved to Weyburn. Lawrence enjoyed wood working, having made benches, doll cradles and cribs for the granddaughters along with trucks and trailers for the grandsons. In addition, he repaired many small engines that people delivered to his workshop. In 2003 they moved to Radviile to be closer to family. In 2014 he became a resident of the Radville Marian Health Centre and was the first resident to be relocated to the new facility. He remained there until his passing. A celebration for Lawrence was held on Saturday, July 2, at 1:30 pm at the Radville United Church, with Reverend M. Barnabas officiating. Active Pallbearers were: James Backlun, Del Thue, Dane Thue, Lorranda Smelt, Tanya Pohl and Kim Ochitwa.聽 Honorary Pallbearers were all in attendance. Interment followed at the Nordalen Cemetery near Lake Alma. For family and friends so wishing, charitable donations in memory of Lawrence may be made to the Radville Marian Health Centre, 840 Conrad Avenue, Radville, SK, S0C 2G0. Arrangements were entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Weyburn (306-848-0333 ~ 1-888-848-0333). Expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at www.rdfamilymemorialchapel.com 鈥淥ur Family Serving Your Family鈥�.
