‘Our Support System’: Throughout the years, Leonard has been his family’s rock and their role model

He is a memory maker, a son, a father, an uncle, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, and he loves his family like no other.

This loyal patriarch – Leonard (Len) – is beloved by all his family members and friends, and they have nothing but wonderful things to say about him. He loves spending all his time with the ones he loves most, and he is cherished for the amazing man that he is.

“He’s always there, loving, supportive and caring,” Len’s son Cory said.

Along with his sisters Tara and Marla, Cory and the two of them have always had a strong father figure to look up to. From being married to his wife Johanne for over 60 years to being hands on with his four grandchildren (Ashley, Courtney, Jennifer and Tyler) and three great-grandchildren (Charlotte (Charlee), Chloe and Brinder), Len is the ideal role model and family man.

“Dad is a supporting, loving, generous, caring, respectful, and loyal family man,” Cory said. “He will do anything for anybody. He’s a hard worker and devoted.”

There is truly a lot to unpack about this man who is celebrating his 85th birthday. He is a memory-maker–whether it be the trips to Disneyland, Arizona, Seattle, Atlanta, Florida, New York, Hawaii, Alaska, the trip through the Panama Canal, and the Old Timers hockey trip to Europe. He is also the type of family man who will dote on his wife, give his children advice, show up to his grandchildren’s events, and be there for his great-grandchildren.

Len does not forget about where he came from either. He grew up on a farm in Cedar with his parents Felix and Mary and sister Phyllis, then moved to Nanaimo at a young age. He has been a great brother and uncle to Phyllis and her two daughters, Debbie and Dawn, of who have all been so proud of him over the years.

One of the things that always made them proud is the career path he paved for himself. Leonard worked on building the Mission Dam, the Harmac Mill smokestacks, and Nanaimo Hospital as a construction worker. He started working as a saw filer for MacMillan Bloedel at the Harmac Mill in 1963 until his retirement. 

What has always stood out beyond his work ethic is the way Len treated the people he worked with, as well as the way he treats his friends and strangers. He is the kind of person you want to have in your corner of life because he is just so kind, loyal and trustworthy.

Len is devoted to his family, his friends, and his sports teams. From early mornings at the rink or on the ballfield, he was always there either coaching or watching his kids and grandchild. He loves cheering on his Canucks, Yankees and Blue Jays, and his love for hockey and ball started at an early age when he was a goalie in hockey and played baseball.

He is also going through a lot right now, and his family hopes that he continues to be encouraged and provide that bright light he has always shone on others. They love his positive outlook on life, and they just love being around him. Their appreciation for Len is endless, and they hope he realizes this.

“I want him to know that we all love him, respect him, and appreciate everything he has done for his family.” – Cory