Lorrie Leo Lewandoski

Lorrie Lewandoski peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the age of 89.

Lorrie was born on July 29, 1936, the second oldest of four children to Mike and Olga Lewandoski of Sandy Lake, Manitoba. He attended Pulvers Lake School until Grade 6, but like many of his generation, farm work soon became his full-time classroom. He worked on the family farm until age 20, then spent a short time in Vancouver in the fall of 1956 working on the docks with Ernie Rystephanuk. Returning home, he purchased a three-ton gravel truck and graveled roads for three years. In winter, he worked on the Ice Gang cutting ice on Sandy Lake. After his father’s passing, Lorrie and his brother Lenard committed to farming full time.

On October 17, 1964, Lorrie married Ollie Lewandoski. Together they built a life rooted in hard work and family. Through the late 1960s and early 1970s, Lorrie and Lenard expanded the farm — a bold decision at the time that proved worthwhile. He worked hard but treasured time with family whether it was taking family trips to Disney or fishing up north with the extended family, he was in his happy place. Lorrie was always learning, whether it was farming, welding, or inventing tools to make the work easier.

In later years, Gido could be found driving the three-wheeler around the farm with his grandchildren, picking saskatoons and raspberries to share, or watching birds squabble over the feed he set out for them. He loved tending his garden and enjoying its rewards — especially feasts of corn and young potatoes, and his favourite fresh lettuce sandwiches.

Lorrie always had stories to share — about pioneer farming days, graveling roads, working on the Ice Gang, foraging for mushrooms, and knowing which wild plants you could eat. He was a proud and active member of the Sandy Lake community. He made the eight-foot Christmas wreaths for all the local businesses, helped with perogy making for the Drop-In Centre, and even built a mud hut in town to show how people once lived.

Prior to 2018, Lorrie and Ollie travelled for many years before moving to Rotary Villa in Brandon. After Ollie’s passing in 2022, Lorrie returned home to the Sandy Lake Care Home in 2023.

Lorrie was predeceased by his parents, Mike (1961) and Olga (1987), and his beloved wife Ollie (2022). He leaves to mourn his sons Wayne and Warren; sister Laverne Jaffrey; brothers Lenard and Les (Chub); grandchildren Mike, Isabella, and Max; great-grandchildren Liam and Olivia (Ollie); and many relatives and friends.