LESLIE (LES) ALBERT VANN

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LESLIE (LES) ALBERT VANN Les Vann, devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 25, 2006 with his family by his side, at the Health Sciences Centre, at the age of 81 years. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of more than 53 years, Cecelia; his children, Ken (Wendy); Keith (Ute), grandsons, Jamie and Dominik; Lyle (Pam), grandchildren, Nicole and Cody; Lee-Ann (Dale), grandchildren, Joey and Leah; brother Murray (Bonnie) of Port Coquitlam, BC; and many other relatives and close friends. Les was predeceased by his mother Myrtle and his father Harry (Burnie) Vann; his sister Marie and her husband Frank Arnason; and his father and mother-in-law, John and Anne Haas. Born in Minnedosa, MB on March 19, 1925, Les was raised on the family farm in Bethany where he learned the value of hard work. Following the passing of his mother Myrtle in 1950, the family relocated to Gimli where his sister Marie lived. It was there that Les began his long working career with the Arnason family. He learned the electrical trade while working in the construction industry and ultimately went into business with his brother-in-law Frank and his nephews, Brett and Barry, in Arnason Industries. His years of wisdom and experience in estimating and project management, combined with his easy going nature earned him the respect of his peers, and helped build Arnason Industries into the dynamic force that it is today. Les retired in 1990 after 40 years of service. It was also in Gimli that Les had the good fortune to meet the love of his life, Cecelia. Les and Cil were married in September 1952. Their four children were born in Gimli, and in 1965 the family moved to Winnipeg. Les will be remembered most as a dedicated family man. He loved being with Cil more than anything else, and he had a wonderful relationship with all of his children and their families. Les was very fond and proud of his grandchildren and followed their school and sports activities with great interest. He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to play various card games, ensuring he always had a willing partner. Les also had a very close relationship with his sister Marie, her children and their families. He was always included at their family get togethers. Les lived a full and happy life. It was the simple pleasures in life that he enjoyed most, including summers at Willow Island; golfing; curling; playing bridge and other card games; doing crossword puzzles; visiting with friends and neighbours; and keeping busy around his house and yard. Most of all, Les was a selfless and kind person who enjoyed lending a helping hand whenever and wherever he could. He will be lovingly remembered by his family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 200 - 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. A celebration of Les' life will be held on Thursday, June 29 at Westworth United Church, 1750 Grosvenor Ave., at 2:00 p.m. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 28, 2006