Lawrence "Larry" Norman Hewitt

Lawrence “Larry” Norman Hewitt 1924 – 2021 And now, the rest of the story: Nearly one century ago, late in the winter, in the farming town of Ninga, Manitoba, preparations were being made in the upstairs room of a modest home, in anticipation of welcoming a new baby into the family and community. It was on March 8, 1924 that Lawrence Norman Hewitt was born to Norman and Clara. Lawrence would spend his youth splitting time between Ninga and Winnipeg, while residing primarily with his grandmother in the home in which he was born. Nearing age 18 (1941), both Lawrence and his father Norman made the decision to volunteer their services in World War II. Lawrence spent 3 long years (1941-1944) abroad, throughout Europe and North Africa. Upon returning home (1944), Lawrence worked and enjoyed using his athletic talents by playing both semi-professional hockey as well as semi-professional baseball in Manitoba. Hockey undoubtedly remained a passion throughout his life, as he spent time watching and sharing the game with his children and grandchildren. Now residing in Winnipeg, Lawrence fell in love with the girl next door, Jacqueline Schmidt. A handsome and beautiful pair, worthy of their own cinematic playbill cover - they wed on September 11, 1948. During the next 4 years while working at Acme Sash and Door Company, Lawrence learned a new trade and craft: cabinet making. He possessed what was not only a talent but a gift – a gift he shared with so many over his lifetime, leaving the recipients in awe and amazement of his talent. Age 29 added a new role to his resume. Lawrence became a father, when he joyfully welcomed his darling 1st child, Donna in 1953. Lawrence spent the next 10 years working and supporting his now beautiful family of 3. As Lawrence continued to refine his natural talent, ability, and craft, he and his father-in-law conspired to undertake a great and challenging (never a deterrent) project at Falcon Lake, Manitoba. With only hand tools, Lawrence cleared forest, revealing the lot on which he would build a cabin. A gathering place where spectacular memories, shared with Jacqueline and every Hewitt child for decades, were made. 1957 would prove to be a most impactful year. First, Lawrence, his wife, and daughter, took a huge leap of faith. After diligently researching several different cities in the United States, it was decided, to provide for his household, the family would pack all their belongs into the car and make the trek to Denver Colorado. With this choice, the Hewitt’s found the perfect place to call home that they would never leave. The following year (1958), another big event – a trip, when Lawrence travelled with his family, by train, from Denver to New York. The reason, to attend the International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses at Yankee Stadium and Polo Grounds. What a sight to see. Along with the previous year, 1959 was another profound year for Lawrence. He had been building a relationship with his heavenly father Jehovah, and dedicated his life, symbolized by his baptism on January 31, 1959. He lived the rest of his life as a Jehovah’s Witness, sharing the same faith as his wife Jacqueline. As life was getting well established in Denver, it was time to expand the family. In 1963, Lawrence embraced his 2nd precious baby girl, Jill. He now had a family of 4. 1963 also marked another event that would shape the family and provide even better for them. Lawrence began a 25-year career as Chief Maintenance Engineer at General Motors Training Center in Denver. Rather than waiting another decade, only 5 years later Lawrence again added to his wonderful family. In 1968, his arms wrapped around his 3rd sweet new baby girl, Jennifer. There were 5 seats in the car, and they were now fully occupied. Lawrence graciously accepted his role as a father of 3 truly gorgeous girls, his wife Jacqueline by his side every step of the way. In 1970, Lawrence saw his eldest daughter leave the nest and get married. The following year, another 1st occurred for Lawrence when he became a grandfather, to a baby boy, Zachary – born to his daughter Donna in 1971. Lawrence and his remaining family, would make a short move from Denver to Littleton (Centennial) in 1974, unknowingly preparing for the next event that would impact his life in unexpected ways. Life was already full for Lawrence and his family, however, there was an open seat in the car again. That issue was addressed soon after the move. For the first time, Lawrence would set his eyes on a baby boy! His only son, Jon, was born in 1975. The middle years of Larry’s life continued to be marked with many momentous events. Lawrence would walk his daughter Jill down the aisle when she wed Michael Surran in 1983. He welcomed 2 more grandchildren: Brandon, son of Donna (1983), and Dustin, son of Jill (1984). Lawrence capped off this period when he retired from his career at General Motors in 1988. A new chapter of life to embark upon. Retirement meant, keeping busy for Lawrence. He continued in his woodworking endeavors, even building pieces of custom furniture for family. He spent this time teaching and building creations with his grandchildren and continued his ever-existing role of maintaining a beautiful yard and home. No matter the task, he fixed anything and everything – earning the moniker ‘the Original MacGyver’. Twelve years after his 3rd grandchild, his 4th grandchild would enter the world. In 1996, Lawrence was able to welcome the first and only grandchild able to carry on the Hewitt name – as Jordan was born, son of Jon. Lawrence welcomed what would become his last grandchild into the world, as Harrison was born in 2001, son of Jennifer. Continuing as he had done for decades, Lawrence kept supporting and loving everyone in the family. He continued to enjoy life and share his gifts and talents, maintaining the highest degree of loyalty and integrity. Lawrence was a mainstay in the lives of all of his children and their families as well. A most remarkable milestone of marriage occurred in 2018 – Lawrence and Jacqueline celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary! Lawrence, Larry, Grandson, Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Dad, Pop, Pa, Ga-ga, Gramps, Grandpa – regardless of the name, all refer to one man, the most incredible, smart, loyal, sincere, giving man to all whom he loved. He gave so much, asking for near nothing in return. Lawrence concluded he had done all he could do to take care of the people and things important to him. Realizing this, he put his final signature on the masterpiece that took a lifetime of over 96 years to complete, when he peacefully took his last breath and fell to sleep on January 22, 2021. Comfort can be drawn from Lawrence’s belief that death is a temporary state of sleep, and the hope of being resurrected under God’s Kingdom on a paradise earth, will soon take place. He will be missed by all whom his life touched, and his memory will live in the hearts of those who loved him. Lawrence Norman Hewitt 3/8/1924 – 1/22/2021 Preceded in death by his Father Norman Hewitt and Mother Clara Holley. Survived by his sister Phyllis Craig, loving and caring wife Jacqueline Ada Hewitt, daughters: Donna Haynes, Jill Surran (Michael Surran), Jennifer Stanley; and son Jon Hewitt. Also survived by grandchildren: Zachary Winstead, Brandon Winstead, Dustin Surran, Jordan Hewitt, and Harrison Stanley. Bible Scriptures Lawrence would have wanted to share at this time: Psalms 83:18 – “…you, whose name is Jehovah, You alone are the Most High over all the earth.” 1 Corinthians 15:6 – “…have fallen asleep in death.” John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” Matthew 5:4 – “Happy are those who mourn, since they will be comforted”