CAPLETTE: Mr. Lawrence Caplette of River Heights Lodge passed away peacefully on November 5, 2013 at the age of 85 years. Celebration of Life Service was held on Saturday, November 9, 2013 @ 1:00 p.m. from St. Joseph Calasanctius Roman Catholic Church with Reverend Father Anthony Afanagide officiating. Memorial Donations in Memory of Mr. Lawrence Caplette may be directed to the River Heights Lodge Auxillary, 2001-99th St. North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Lawrence is survived by his brothers and sisters, Muriel Minchin, Nelda Maryka, Ross (Jan) Caplette, Shirley (Harry) Yates, Bill (Helena) Caplette, Gwen (Paul) Baskey; brothers-in- law, Len (Joyce Tuttle) Gusikoski and Jim Jones; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Garnet & Mary Caplette; brother, Clifford; sisters, Joyce Gusikoski and Marie Scott; sister-in-law, Louise Caplette; brothers-in-law, Gordon Minchin, Walt Maryka, and Jack Scott. Arrangements were entrusted to Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium. Condolences for the family may be left at Lawrence was born on March 15,1928 in the Delmas area where he attended school until grade nine, then after his father suffered a stroke Lawrence left school to work the farm. He had an inquisitive mind and was blessed with talents to fix, build or repair almost anything. Although farm life kept him very busy he always found time to attend many dances in Paynton and Bresaylor and was no slouch on the dance floor. It is interesting that he remained a confirmed bachelor for his entire life. He loved to play the violin and guitar as neighbors would often gather for a jam session with his sisters chiming in on the piano and song. At the age of 30 Lawrence left for B.C to apprentice for an electrician however after 4 years his love for the land brought him back to farm with his Dad and brother Bill. He loved the animals as much as he loved the land where his skills were often put to use whether it be delivering calves, pulling porcupine quills from the dogs nose or butchering a hog - he did it all! In 1976 he sold his land to Bill and moved to Battleford where he built his own house and turned his hand to installing central vacuum cleaners. Soon business was thriving and he took great pride in providing excellent service to his customers. It was always a bonus when he was invited to stay for a home cooked meal - something he never refused. Lawrence was a meticulous housekeeper and just as particular with his backyard where no weeds dared to grow. Cherry trees, Saskatoon bushes and a marvelous garden all thrived plus his storage shelves were lined with jars of canned preserves. Even though Lawrence had left the farm the farm never left him. He was a weather watcher/predictor albeit some of his predictions were found out of sync with the actual. He maintained a very close relationship with his brother Bill on the farm often showing up to help when needed or just to visit to enjoy some of Helena's home cooking. Never having a family of his own he was very close to his nieces and nephews. He shared his hunting expertise with nephew Garnet and Garnet can tell stories of their hunting trips which are so humorous. Even as a bachelor he loved to give advice in regards to rearing children, money management, marriage counselling and living healthy - most interesting coming from a bachelor? Having experienced the 30's Lawrence's philosophy in life was to be a good steward of the land, manage your money wisely, always be available to help family, friends and neighbors. He maintained a good sense of humor like the time he came for a special meal at sister Gwen's & Paul's bringing a bottle of wine with his hand written note attached which read "Man took rotten fruit and turned it into wine - The Lord took water and turned it into wine (ruined the water) - I've outdone them all - I took money and turned it into wine" Sadly in January, 2012 Lawrence suffered two strokes which changed him from the man we all knew and loved. He still had his speech and use of his limbs plus kept his sense of humor and storytelling ability, maybe not always that accurate. He had to abandon his home, his yard and his beloved Toyota Camry to move into River Heights Lodge. While there he and the staff developed a unique relationship. He tested their patience on many occasions by tampering with the alarms, asking for tools so he could fix their equipment or magically untying his restraining straps. He loved having the many female staff attending to him - it was a bachelor's dream. As time passed his condition worsened such that we thank God for his kindness in taking Lawrence home - I expect there is something in need of repair up there. Card of Thanks The family especially brother Bill and sister Gwen extend their thanks to the staff at River Heights Lodge for all the excellent loving care given to Lawrence and would also like to thank Nicole Welford and Trevor Watts and staff at Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium for their kindness and compassion they extended at this special time.
