Obituary of Harvey Burton Laycock

We said goodbye to the best man in the whole world on Easter Sunday April 12th. Harvey went into the hospital on Good Friday and after some precious days of prayers and much love, he was able to let go around 3:00pm on Easter Sunday. Left to grieve Harvey are his beloved wife, Dona Laycock, his children: Brent, Glenn, Dawn (Ian), Marnie (Richard). His precious grandchildren Jessie Lemire and Branson Miller, and his sister Diana (Larry) Crane and his nieces and nephews: Brian, Allison, David Crane; and Mark & Diana Downie; and his sister in law, Rita Houle. Harvey was predeceased by his dear mom, dad and brother; Wilma Laycock, Burton Laycock and Grant Laycock. As well as his dear granddaughter Chelsea Laycock, his sister in law, Carol Downie, and brother/sister in law Bryan and Mary Downie. Harvey was born in Foxwarren, MB, and moved to Wynyard, SK at 2 years old, to Yorkton, SK when he was 11, and then moved to Winnipeg, MB when he was in grade 10. He lived and went to school in St. James and graduated from United College. Midway through his training in accounting, he accepted a job with Crown Zellerbach, and transferred to Calgary in 1961. There, he and Dona raised their four children there until moving back “home” to Winnipeg in 1988. Harvey enjoyed 48 successful years working in the wholesale building products industry managing branch locations and fostering strong relationships. Harvey was well respected in the industry and was known for his character, honesty and integrity. Many described him as a rarity and a “Prince of a man”. Harvey loved his wife, Dona, and his family more than anything - and he loved them well. He told his family they were loved and was able to show this with hugs and kisses, a hand on the shoulder or just taking your hand. His patience was unsurpassed. Harvey was known for his humor and the Laycock household was known for its laughter and their love of many pets through the years! The animals loved Harvey, so we know his lap is FULL where he is now. Harvey and Dona took their family on many holidays together including ski trips, Disneyland trips and many camping trips in Alberta and British Columbia. He drove 16 hrs straight to Winnipeg from Calgary (and back) every summer to visit “home” in Winnipeg and to stay at the Downie family cottage in Victoria Beach, MB. In the station wagon there was always four children, two dogs, two cats and even a Guinea pig! He loved to go down to the lake after the crowds left and go for an evening swim and read his book on the shore until it was time to go back for dinner or when the sun was setting. He loved to see his family in Winnipeg and they, of course, treasured those visits as well. When the family moved back “home” to Winnipeg in 1988 he shortly found a lot in Victoria Beach and built the Laycock family cottage in 1992. His grandchildren are the 5th generation at VB! We are grateful to reflect on the truly good man that we were so blessed to call Husband, Dad, Brother, Grandad, Uncle, and friend or associate. He was a beautiful man inside and out and we are grateful his beauty shone through his entire life. He embraced Christian Science when he got married and was a member at the local churches throughout his life from then on. We like to think that his dying on Easter Sunday was a kind of resurrection day for him - a day filled with many joyous greetings and glad tidings where he is. We know there is no death as his humor, beauty, integrity and love live in all of us that had the pleasure of knowing him and if we can carry even a glimmer of the character he embodied then we can be proud. Harvey will be missed, and loved forever.