Memorable Manitobans: John Malcolm “Johnnie” Lawrence (1908-2002)

Golf pro.

Born at Winnipeg on 17 March 1908, the only son of a diamond cutter who died when he was 5, he was raised by his uncle Lou Lawrence who owned a skate and bicycle shop in north Winnipeg. He was first exposed to golf at the age of 10 and, a few years later, he went to work at the Kildonan Golf Course where he learned to make and repair clubs.

In 1928, Lawrence turned professional and took a position as the club pro at Dauphin. In 1934, he moved to the Wasagaming course on the shore of Clear Lake, in Riding Mountain National Park, and remained there until 1976. During this time, he also designed golf courses at Minnedosa, Neepawa, Shoal Lake, and Sandy Lake. He was elected a Life Member of the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association, Manitoba Professional Golfers’ Association, and the Wasagaming Golf Course.

He died on 20 April 2002 and was buried in Brookside Cemetery.

Sources:

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 22 April 2002.

“They will never be forgotten,” Winnipeg Free Press, 31 December 2002, pages A8-A9.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 21 July 2015

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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