Lorrence Hnatuk

1963 - 2016

Hnatuk, Lorrence

It is with sadness for our loss, but happiness for his gain into heaven, that we announce Lorrence's passing on March 17, 2016. Lorrence fought a courageous and relentless four year battle against a very formidable cancer. He lived far longer than his doctors thought he would and he credited that to the countless prayers from his friends and family.

Lorrence was born on July 17, 1963, the youngest child in a family of seven to the late Andrew "Dick" and Alice (Kalytuk) Hnatuk. His parents were cattle and grain farmers which helped to establish Lorrence's work ethic and his deep love of all animals. Lorrence stated that at times he regretted not choosing veterinary medicine as his profession.

Lorrence graduated from medical school, with distinction, from the University of Saskatchewan in 1988(MD). He was then selected for a prestigious surgical internship at Toronto General Hospital, followed by residency training in general surgery at the University of Alberta, and later otolaryngology at the University of Toronto. He successfully became otolaryngology board certified in both Canada (FRCSC) and the USA (FABS) in 1995, and then a fellowship of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) in 1998.

Lorrence took a year off of his surgical training in 1991, to dedicate a year of cancer research to his mother who had passed away from lymphoma in 1988. It was during this research that he made his lifelong friendships with many cancer "warriors" as he called them, especially Dr. Nancy McKee, Dr. Jeremy Freeman, and Dr. Pat Gullane. After that experience, Lorrence always carried a special passion and interest for the management and care of cancer patients.

Lorrence decided to move his family to the USA in 1995, for hopes of a better future. After working in North Dakota and then Atlanta, Lorrence ultimately decided to start his own practice and moved to Marinette. In 1999, he founded Northern Lights Clinic and was committed to providing his new community with the best in ENT care. At the height of its success, Northern Lights had over 70 employees, 3 doctors, and 4 audiologists. Lorrence also designed and oversaw the construction of the Northern Lights building, a landmark that he wanted the community to be proud of.

Lorrence was very active in the community. He was a financial supporter of Habitat for Humanity, Bay Area Cancer Center, Thunder Hockey, the Twin Cities Community Pool, the Rainbow House, the DAR, as well as numerous anonymous donations. In 2003, desiring to do more for his profession and the community, Lorrence began to embark on medical missions. Along with multiple trips to Haiti, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Afghanistan, Lorrence financially sponsored and traveled with over 30 teens and adults in order to expose them to the world of medicine and mission work. Lorrence also arranged an extern program where local high school anatomy students could spend a day with him in the OR. He truly loved to teach, and to excite the idealism in young people to the world of medicine and surgery.

Lorrence was preceded in death by both of his parents and by his oldest brother, Peter, all due to cancer. He is survived by his loving wife, Jen, who he truly believed was an angel from God allowed to be with him in his time of need. He is also survived by three loving daughters: Alicia, Natasha, and Bethany Hnatuk; three amazing step children: Kyla, Jaida, and Kade Lesperance; one grandson, Logan; in laws, Vince and Sharon Burns; brothers: Joe and James Hnatuk of Calgary, Paul (Bobbi) Hnatuk of Saskatoon; sisters, Andrea (Keith) Milner of Toronto, Janet (Brent) Dureau of Regina; and numerous loving and supportive nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held at Faith Baptist Church 350 N. Stephenson St. Peshtigo, WI on Saturday, March 26th from 9-11am. Memorial Services will be held at 11am with Rev. David Sellness officiating. Thielen Funeral Home is serving the family. On-line condolences may be made at thielenfh.com.

In lieu of flowers any memorials will be donated to various cancer organizations in his memory.