LEONARD ANDREW MUIRHEAD

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LEONARD ANDREW MUIRHEAD On May 28, 2008 Leonard Andrew Muirhead entered peacefully into rest at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon at the age of 89 years. Leonard will be greatly missed by his best friend Jean Tufts of Brandon, his three daughters and families: Iris (Michael Ollington) of Winnipeg, Gwen (Bill Korchinski) of Boissevain, Arla (Trevor Shamanski) of Carberry and grandchildren Aaron and fiancée Jennifer Linley, Colin and Nadia Korchinski; Kalia, Tristan, Bryden and Shaila Shamanski. He also leaves to mourn sister-in-law and brother-in-law Myrna and Roman Evancic of Maple Ridge, BC, sister-in-law Carol Sinclair of Virden, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Leonard was predeceased by his parents Andrew and Isabella (née Angus), wife Verle (née Sinclair) and infant son Thomas John. Leonard, the only child of Andrew and Isabella Muirhead, was born July 11, 1918 on the farm homesteaded by his grandfather in 1878. The farm was located in the Summerville District near Carberry, Manitoba. Being an only child, his cousins were very special to him during his growing up years and throughout his life. Leonard attended Summerville School up to Grade 10 and then Carberry Collegiate from which he graduated at age 16. He was seriously ill with pneumonia as a child and had recurring respiratory difficulties throughout his life. As a young man, Leonard was active in curling and hunting. Following high school, Leonard helped out on the farm for two years and then attended McMaster University, Brandon and United College, Winnipeg for one year each. He then worked in the Financial Department at Canada Packers in Saint Boniface until 1942, when he returned home to become a partner with his father in the farm operation. Leonard married the local school teacher, Verle Sinclair of Oak Lake, on October 12, 1951. Leonard and Verle farmed until 1965 when poorer health caused them to make the decision to discontinue active farming, but remain living on the farm. During this time, Leonard began an income tax preparation business as well as selling investments for Trust Companies. This he continued with some clients until the 90s. He also worked a short time for H R Block and the Department of National Defence at Shilo. Leonard was a kind and sociable person who liked meeting new people and visiting with friends new and old. Leonard was a generous person who enjoyed helping others. He was known for his rather dry sense of humour. Leonard was a keen card player and hard to beat in many games right up until his last illness. Many hours were spent with family and friends around the card table. One of his main enjoyments was driving his car and he was always willing to give friends a ride. Tim Horton's became a favourite daily outing. Leonard was involved in several community organizations. He was a longtime member of Carberry United Church and his faith in Christ was an important aspect in his life. He was treasurer of Carberry Church for 11 years and a member of the AOTS men's group. He had also been treasurer for the Summerville Curling Club and later secretary of Carberry Plains Lodge. Leonard, Verle and girls enjoyed many road trips across Canada and the United States and these are a great source of happy memories. Leonard and Verle also travelled to the United Kingdom twice. They purchased a time-share and travelled to Palm Springs every winter from 1978 to 1989. After Verle's untimely death in 1989, Leonard moved into Lion's Manor in Brandon and lived there independently until his recent illness. During his residence in Lion's Manor, he made many new friends. Leonard's later life was blessed and enriched by the close friendship of two people in particular. Vera Bollman was a special friend until her death in 1999. For the last eight years, Jean Tufts has been his best friend and companion. Jean brought great joy to Leonard's life and is a treasured member of the family. Funeral services will be held at the Carberry United Church at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2008 with Rev. Peggy Reid officiating. Interment will be in the Carberry Plains Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Wayne Hay, Kevin Hood, Mark Hood, Gordon Rankmore, Jim Robinson and Bert Wiebe. Those who wish to do so, may make a donation in Leonard's memory to a charity of their choice. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com. Arrangements are in care of Brockie Donovan Funeral Home, Brandon 1-800-897-5694.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 30, 2008