LESLIE GEORGE REMPEL

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LESLIE GEORGE REMPEL April 6, 1970 - September 25, 2007 On September 25, 2007, with his family by his side, our friend, father and husband Les went to be with Jesus after a courageous battle with a cancerous brain tumor. Les grew up on the family farm near Rosenort, Manitoba. He lost his Dad when he was 11 and took his role as the oldest son very seriously. In spite of the challenges before him, his optimistic view of life, faith and trust in God became evident early on as he helped Mom with the farm. He gave his heart to the Lord at a young age and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, on July 17, 1983. Les married Pamela Goossen on August 14, 1994. God blessed them with two beautiful children, Landon, 7, and Maegan, 5. Pam and the children were the lights of his life. He was a wonderful husband and devoted father who loved to spend time playing and reading with Landon and Maegan. They will always treasure the quad rides they had with their daddy. Les had a unique ability to see the needs of the ones he loved, and was always there to fill them in such quiet ways it seemed like they just happened on their own. He would sacrifice his comfort and needs for those around him. He loved people and was passionate about his role as a deputy chief of the Rosenort Fire department. People were drawn to Les. His sense of humour, genuine interest in almost everything and his listening skills helped him develop relationships quickly - and they lasted a lifetime. Once you were a friend of Les's you were a friend forever. He fully enjoyed his gravel business which enabled him to do the things he loved: drive big trucks and meet people. He provided a cheerful service and every load was delivered with a smile. When the time came, and he was no longer able to drive, he sold his business and went to work at K Tec Earthmovers as a safety manager and data entry clerk. He enjoyed the work and always looked forward to his days at the office. Les felt God had granted him a miracle so he could meet his biological family. They added a new dimension to his life, and blessed us all. Two years ago Les was reunited with his birth family. His birth parents, Bob and Judy Williams, were still together in Winnipeg and in the ensuing years had married and had three more children, Rob, 34 (Jen), Karen, 31 (Steve), and Kerry, 27 (Roman). The Williams' family was overjoyed by the reunion and spent much time with Les, Pam and the kids who became friends with Karen's children Ethan, 4, and Emily, 10 months. The Williams family was fully embraced by their new extended family and the entire community of Rosenort who took them in and showered them with unconditional love and support. The reunion, however brief, was filled with many happy times they will cherish forever and has resulted in a lifetime of memories. The relationship from this reunion will continue even though Les has passed on. Les' courageous battle with cancer was an inspiration to all who met him. He never complained, although he suffered greatly. He left us the assurance he was ready to go be with Jesus, and he wanted us all to meet him there. He leaves to mourn his wife Pam, his children, Landon and Maegan; his mother, Marina Rempel; his brother Ken Rempel (wife Greta and children, Ty, Katy and Summer); sisters, Phyllis Rempel and Sandra Loewen (husband Keith and children, Kelsey and MiKayla); Parents-in-law, Randell and Julie Goossen; brothers-in-law, Doug Goossen and Jason Goossen (wife Denie and children, Jackson, Nicolee and Alyssa); and sister-in-law Angela Koehn (husband Randy and son Tyrell). He was predeceased by his father, Walter Rempel. A family service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday September 28, 2007 at the Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday September 29, 2007 at the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, in Rosenort with viewing prior to the ceremony and lunch and committal service following the service at the church cemetery. The family would like to thank the CancerCare staff at the Health Science Center who showed such tremendous support. Your kindness will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a trust fund for Landon and Meagan at the Rosenort Credit Union. Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel 1-888-454-1030 or 1-204-346-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 28, 2007