LEONARD (LEN) TARDIFF

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LEONARD (LEN) TARDIFF

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our dear brother, uncle and great-uncle, Leonard (Len) Paul Joseph Tardiff. Leonard passed away at his residence on May 17, 2021, at the age of 66.
He was born on February 23, 1955 in Roseau, Minnesota, the 10th child for Alidor and Hélène (Brassard) Tardiff. Left to cherish his memory are his sisters: Vivian (Danny), Clarice, Pauline (Richard); and his brothers: Rene, Andre (Laurita), George (Florence), Romeo (Lucie), Danny (Cathy) and Bernard (Caroline), brother-in-law Ron, lifelong friend Marilyn, as well as numerous nieces and nephews many of whom shared a special connection with him. He was predeceased by his parents, sisters: Louise (Adelard) and Lea, two nephews and one great-nephew.
Leonard lived on a small farm in South Junction, MB until the age of 11 when his family moved to Winnipeg. In his high school years Leonard excelled at his summer job as cook on the Paddle Wheel Riverboats, where he discovered his love of Culinary Arts. Whether it was cooking or meat cutting, he soon became an expert of both. When he finished his schooling, he worked at Weibe's Meat Market and mastered his meat cutting techniques. Later, Leonard moved to Ontario for a couple of years to work as a Chef. Due to the failing health of his parents, he moved back to Winnipeg to be their caregiver. A host at heart, he kept up his mother's holiday traditions for us to keep gathering as the big family that we were. It was also at this time that he began his career as a meat cutter for Canada Safeway and taught many fellow employees the trade of meat cutting, many who are still in the industry today.
Len joined the Knights of Columbus in 1978 and was an active member with Norwood Council for most of his time with the Knights. Len was known for his organizational skills and over the years he held the positions of Grand Knight for Norwood Council and District Deputy for Manitoba State. Len was also known for his culinary skills. His love of cooking and sharing was evident at nearly all the Council's fundraisers: Surf and Turf dinners at the annual fishing derby; campfire Bannock and homemade jams at the annual bike-a-thon, or a champagne breakfast at the hall. Last year, pre-Covid, he had prepared all the wieners needed to feed 100 kids at the Knights of Columbus Basketball Free Throw competition. The Knights and their families had a deep appreciation for Len's kind and charitable nature - which he supplemented with some goodhearted teasing.
After the passing of his parents, Leonard moved to the Polonia area, to a quieter lifestyle and a career change. He took to the country life and worked for different farmers in both grain and cattle. Leonard was a proud member of the Polonia community. He helped organize and prepare several community suppers and events. Many will remember his beautiful displays of fruit carvings and around the world suppers. He will be missed by the community.
In later years Leonard returned to meat cutting. It was at this time that Leonard began having heart issues.
Leonard was a master of his trade. This took a more formal turn when he was approached by Assiniboine Community College to see if he would be interested in teaching meat cutting in a program in Sandy Bay First Nation. This was a brand-new program and facility, and Leonard's expertise was valued as he was consulted about the final plans for the set-up of the facility and the curriculum for the Pork Processing program. At the same time, he was learning about the craft of teaching from his colleagues. The program got started in Sandy Bay and in no time Leonard was a beloved member of the community and Sandy Bay ITES staff. In his work with the students, he combined his passion for his profession and his high standards for quality with patience and caring. He worked tirelessly with his students towards their goal of success and when you walked onto the cutting floor or into the classroom, comradery, good-natured teasing and respect were reciprocal elements. His dedication and lifelong habit of going above and beyond for others was most evident at the Sandy Bay Pork Processing graduations, where he would work tirelessly with the students and give of his own time to create memorable celebratory feasts to mark these occasions. He facilitated seven cohorts of the Pork Processing program in Sandy Bay First Nation, and he left a proud legacy for the community. Len encouraged students to take on new adventures and do bigger things, and they did. Graduates have successfully participated in their trade with the employment positions ranging from Nunavut to Quebec and multiple locations in Manitoba. He was a mentor, supporting the development of skills and confidence in students, including the individual who would replace him as the instructor in Sandy Bay. He and the program were impactful and life changing.
In the fall of 2019, Leonard embarked on his next new adventure with the college, when he secured the position of lead instructor in the new Food Processing Certificate program at the Brandon campus. Wherever Leonard went, he infused the work that he did with the person that he was. Now he had the larger college family coming to his Protein Pantry and he widened his circle of friends and colleagues; the pride that he had in the work that his students did was infectious. There was nothing that he enjoyed more than showing others the products and the facility.
The Canadian Meat Cutting Association have acknowledged Leonard for his unique contribution as a lifelong teacher of his trade. He was a proud ambassador of Assiniboine and his warmth, smile and delicious food will be missed.
Leonard was the fun uncle, he enjoyed teasing and joking with his nieces and nephews. He was a kind and generous brother; he was never afraid to give a helping hand. Leonard was hardworking, a perfectionist at whatever he did and expected no less from his counterparts. We all witnessed and enjoyed his talents, whether it was renovations, cooking up delicious meals or the beautiful yards he landscaped. We will treasure our time spent together and you will be forever in our hearts. Paradise will be more beautiful with you tending to the heavenly gardens.
Cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held.
Should friends so desire donations may be made to The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba in memory of Leonard.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 05, 2021