JONELLE LEGGETT

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JONELLE LEGGETT

BERT LEGGETT

It is with great sadness and yet some small comfort, that I announce the passing of both Bert and Jonelle Leggett. Bert passed away in Calgary in 2018 after struggling with Cancer and Jonelle passed away in 2019 at the Riverview Health Centre. Although Bert and Jonelle had to be apart the last bit of their lives, together they were partners in all aspects of their lives and shared a very deep and respectful love for each other. 
Bert was a farm boy from Saskatchewan, who went away to university and then joined the Canadian Armed Forces with a rewarding career from 1950 to 1984. Looking at old photos Bert likely wanted to join the Army as a very young boy, especially for the adventure. Bert first served as an artillery officer, then became a pilot instructor and subsequently held a wide range of staff appointments retiring at Air Command headquarters in Winnipeg. Col. Bert Leggett then worked with the Corps of Commissionaires and retired as the commandant in 1998. One of Bert's most memorable assignments was serving on an international truce team in the former French Indo-China in the 1950s.
In the 1950s in Rivers, MB, Bert met and was drawn to Jonelle. Jonelle was a beloved teacher, beautiful inside and out. Jonelle grew up in Winnipeg and loved life, family and people. Jonelle was unassumingly quite brilliant with a big heart and a quirking sense of humour. She especially loved teaching Grade 1. After marrying Bert, Jonelle supported several initiatives, until Jonelle took on her most successful career of being a great mom. Come Jonelle's retirement she was well known for giving good advice, a fabulous gardener and a love for holiday decorating - especially Christmas. 
As a family we lived in a few places including Europe and took the opportunity to travel to many places abroad and in Canada. We then came back to Winnipeg to be closer to family, as family was very important to both Bert and Jonelle.
Their daughter Cara thanks both her Mom and Dad with all her heart for her blessed life. Cara especially thanks her parents for instilling their values of love, empathy, faith and strength through living those values everyday.
Bert and Jonelle were both caring and genuine, loving people that shared their hearts and lives not only with each other and family but with many that crossed their paths. They are greatly missed!
A memorial service will take place on July 4, 2019 at 1:30 p.m., followed by light refreshments. The service will be held at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Roman Catholic Chapel - 17 Wing Winnipeg located at 2235 Silver Ave. (just west of Whytewold). As Bert and Jonelle's favourite colours were blue and green, please feel free to wear one of those colours.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 29, 2019