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Born: December 3, 1923
Date of Passing: August 4, 2012
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LEON VANDEKERCKHOVE

LEON GASTON VANDEKERCKHOVE December 3, 1923 - August 4, 2012 Peacefully, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer, with his family at his side, we announce the passing of our dear father, grandfather and great-grandfather Leon (Pops, Poppy) at Stonewall Health and District Centre. Predeceased by his wife Evelyn, daughter Judy Campbell, brothers George and Jerome Vandekerckhove, sisters Germaine Deprez and Alice Iverson, brothers-in-law Maurice and Robert Deprez. Survived by his daughter Bonnie Buckle (Jim), sons Dennis (Kerry), Jerry (Tammy), Ed (Dawn), son-in-law Jack Campbell (Rosalie); grandchildren Kim (Howard), Jim (Susan), Jackie (Ashley), Gerri-lynn, Corinne (Greg), Kristen (Denis), Scott (Tammy), Denny (Michelle), Brent (Sarah), Greg, Jeff (Genevieve), Kevin, Kristi (Ryan); great-grandchildren Breanna (Matt), Nicole, Chelsea, Mitch, Daniel, Sarah, Bethany, Rebecca, Brittany, Kourtney, Kayla, Kyle and Sara; sister Angele Deprez; sister-in-law Ruth Vandekerckhove and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Dad was born December 3, 1923 in Swan Lake, MB. In 1939, Leon's father purchased a farm in Stony Mountain, MB. In 1944, Leon married the love of his life, Evelyn Elliott and together they raised a family of five children. While farming together with his brother Jerome, Dad also worked at Majors Quarry in Stony Mountain. In 1959, Dad started selling Fords and set many sales records while working at Stonewall Motors, Wiley Mercury and Landau Ford, including receiving the Ford Summit Award three times for achieving the top 50 sales people in Canada. After a brief retirement he decided to join Standard Quarries of Stonewall as Marketing Manager. Dad was first elected to Rockwood Council in 1955 and served for 41 years. He served as Councillor for 25 years and was elected as reeve continuing for 16 more years. Dad retired from the R.M. in 2003. During his time as Reeve, the Stonewall and District Health Centre, a Branch of the South Interlake Regional Library and a new municipal office were all built in Stonewall. Over the course of his terms as Reeve, Oak Hammock Marsh saw additional development, the Village of Stony Mountain received sewer and water services and work began on a similar project in Balmoral. Dad had a love of sports where he travelled the province with his sons in baseball and hockey. His all time favourite and true passion was curling, where he excelled and spent many years curling with friends and his sons. Dad was a fierce competitor, competing in numerous men's and seniors provincial curling play downs. A few of the highlights was representing Manitoba at the Massey Ferguson National Championship in Toronto and competing in the Manitoba Curling Associations annual Bonspiel in Winnipeg with his three sons. Leon was awarded a Life Membership with the Stony Mountain Curling Club and he also received an Honorary Life Membership with the Manitoba Curling Association. After his active curling days were over, one could see Leon attending various curling championships and events throughout the community as a spectator. The Stony Mountain Recreation Committee honored Leon for all his involvement in community sports by dedicating the baseball sports field in his honour. The family would like to express special thanks to the staff at the Stonewall and District Health Centre and to the Homecare staff of the Interlake Regional Health Authority who took such good care of our dad. Also a special thank- you to Reg and Maureen Dixion. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 9, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at MacKenzie Funeral Chapel, 433 Main Street, Stonewall. Rev. Father Michael Wollbaum will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leon's honour to the Stony Mountain Community Association, P.O. Box 449, Stony Mountain, Manitoba R0C 3A0. MacKenzie Funeral Home Stonewall in care of arrangements. 204-467-2525

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on August 07, 2012

Guest Book(13 entries)

  • just found out. word travels slow to transcona. leon was my main source of inspiration as i embarked on my career as a curling club icemaker back in the '90's. but that was leon-he made everyone a better person. as a newcomer, he made me feel welcome in the stony mountain community. my condolences to the family. when i think of leon, one word keeps apperaing. treasure
    - Posted by: jeff arychuk (friend) on: Jan 5, 2013
  • I will miss the "Gov" as he was so affectionaltely called by Tom. Leon was a great neighbour and friend to all...I remember many times sitting in the kitchen having a coffee with "pet" when Leon would receive those dreaded phone calls that someone's culvert was frozen or flooded and he handled everyone in the same manner....WITH RESPECT...the sky will be brighter with Leon's presence. Love to all the family.
    - Posted by: Janr Bell (friend and neighbour) on: Aug 9, 2012
  • We are so very sorry for your loss. I have very fond childhood memories of Uncle Leon that will stay with me forever. Hold your memories close, and keep all the thoughts and prayers of people whose lives Uncle Leon touched to help you through this difficult time.
    - Posted by: John & Kelly Vincent & Family (neice) on: Aug 9, 2012
  • My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Uncle was truly a kind and gentle man, he will greatly missed.
    - Posted by: Susie Danard (Campbell) (Neice) on: Aug 8, 2012
  • First met Leon and Evelyn at a We Fest country music festival, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. I was impressed by his friendly outgoing nature. He was a joy to be around. Had the privilege of seeing him many times later, either the the Stony Mountain Curling Rink, or golfing with him at Bel Acres. Leon always made you feel welcome. A true gentleman! My thoughts go out to his family, and children and grandchildren.....honour his memory.
    - Posted by: Bob Olien (Acquaintance) on: Aug 8, 2012
  • Leon was a great neighbour for many years. He will be missed on King Street very much. Our prayers are with the family.
    - Posted by: Rae and Milt Jones (Neighbour) on: Aug 7, 2012
  • I spent a lot of time with Pops and Nan during my childhood as they were always so involved with our family. My Dad and Pops served on council together and along with my Mom and Nan, were close friends from the moment we moved to Stony Mountain in the early 70's. I was proud to have Pops do my toast when I got married, I couldn't have thought of a more appropriate person to do it as he had watched me grow up and always had a special place in my heart. I know that he will be missed very much by my family, but it is comforting to know that he is again with Nan. My condolences to all of the family.
    - Posted by: Deb Neumann McDowell (Debs) (Neighbor and family friend) on: Aug 7, 2012
  • You were simply the BEST! Thank you for always being there for us. You will forever be in our thoughts.
    - Posted by: Corinne Popoff (Granddaughter ) on: Aug 7, 2012
  • Corinne, I know you were extremely close to both your "Nan & Pop" and will carry with you always the very best of memories of both of them and that you will share those memories with your girls and in that way bring both Nan & Pop to life again, for them, for the rest of your life. I had the privilege of meeting both your Nan & Pop while we were studying and remember them still in their kitchen when we dropped by to retrieve your dog....
    - Posted by: Judi Kerr (Friend) on: Aug 7, 2012
  • Deepest sympathy to all the family. Leo sold Camille quite a few Pickups. He was a great guy.
    - Posted by: Ellie Van De Spiegle (Friend) on: Aug 7, 2012
  • Condolences to the family!!! Leon was my neighbor for many years. He was truly one of the best!!! Gonna miss him saying "Hi my dear how you doing today!!".
    - Posted by: Vicki Anderson (Neighbor) on: Aug 7, 2012
  • Pops was a great man - always there to lend an ear and always there for any advice you needed. Not only was he a grandfather he was a mentor and I truly appreciate all the advice that I received - His passion for friends and clients was amazing. Heaven just gained a true angel - Hope you and mom toss one back up there together
    - Posted by: Scott Campbell (Very Proud GRANDSON) on: Aug 7, 2012
  • So sorry to hear, Leon was fun to work with always had a deal going on in his hip pocket. Knew when to present it to management. Had a great following of loyal customers because they repected him.
    - Posted by: Peter Marykuca (Sold cars and trucks together) on: Aug 7, 2012

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