It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dad, papa, and great-grandpa on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital.
Dad was born in Tramping Lake, Saskatchewan to Gabriel and Rosa on August 18, 1931. He moved to Kelowna as a child. As the 10th child of 11 children he had a wonderful childhood and remained very close to all his siblings and their families.
He met Norma, the love of his life in the Okanagan and they were married in Hope in 1953. They moved to Trail in 1955 and to Montrose in 1957, and then to Fruitvale in 1967.
When dad first came to Trail he worked for Jim Swanson, Swanson Bros. Roofing. He worked at Cominco for 40 plus years ending his career in Technical Development. He also built many houses and worked on home renovations throughout the Rossland/Trail area, as well as building duplexes in Calgary, many times with mom at his side helping. He had a passion for his work and was very proud of all his accomplishments. They moved to Kayseri, Turkey from 1976-1978 and worked building an electrolytic plant. Dad was a great story teller and had many great stories about their adventures in Turkey and all the other countries they visited.
His biggest enjoyment in life came from his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and all of his wonderful family and friends. He loved them all dearly. In his early years he loved to snowmobile, being instrumental in starting the Snow Goers Club in the area. He was also one of the many that founded the Beaver Valley Ambulance and was dedicated to them for many years. He loved to hunt and fish at many lakes around BC and Saskatchewan.
He is predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Norma on August 7, 2013 and his son Kelvin Edward in July 13, 1988. Also his siblings Joseph, Kay, Frances, Marion, Stevie, Elizabeth, Lena and Anne.
Left to mourn are his children Karen (Tim) Thatcher and their children Ryan Thatcher and Dustin (Leah) Thatcher; and Lee-Anne (Gary) Halifax and their children Kelly (Brad) Stykel, Marlise (Mark) Livolsi, and step-grandsons Aaron (Deana) Halifax, and Jason (Laura) Halifax. The joys of his life are his great-grandchildren Hailey, Emerson, Cole, Isabella, Finn, Mattea, Delano, Austin, Mackenzie and Jayci. Also to mourn are his brother and best friend Edward Heinrick and his sister Rose and many nephews and nieces.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ralph Behrens and staff at the Beaver Valley Clinic and all the doctors and nurses that have helped dad throughout the years. Also thank you to all the wonderful care aides and friends at Rosewood Village and Columbia View Lodge. You all have made dad’s final year wonderful. Many thanks to all of our friends and families. We have some very special people in our lives and truly cherish all of you.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul’s United Church in Fruitvale on Friday, May 30th at 11:00 am with Reverend Ken Siemens officiating. For those who would like to attend, the Graveside Service will be held at 10:30 am prior to the Memorial Service. Al Grywacheski of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in Leonard’s name may be made to either Columbia View Lodge at 2920 Laburnum Drive, Trail, BC, V1R 4N2 or to Rosewood Village at 8125 DeVito Drive, Trail, BC, V1R 4X9.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca