ROY LEONARD KERR

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ROY LEONARD KERR September 8, 1917 - July 10, 2008 Peacefully on July 10, 2008 at St. Boniface Hospital Roy Leonard Kerr passed on at 90 years of age. Survived by son Barry (Barbara) and her children Gail, Russ, Cliff and their families; Kelly Kerr of Calgary; son Donald, along with his children, Chris (Tracy) Kerr and Kathy Kerr of Winnipeg. Also many extended family members. Roy was born in Neepawa, Manitoba, left school on the death of his Father Rufus in midterm grade VIII at the early age of 12 to find work. This took Roy to working on farms or clearing logs in the Riding Mountains allowing roads for future vacationers. Roy cut ice in the wintertime loading it on boxcars and climbing aboard to unload the cars at final destination. This was what Roy often recalled of childhood, no baseball, no hockey only work. And this hard childhood defined Roy in later years often seemingly honed to a hard finish on the surface but still a gentle and loving person below. Married to Wilhemena Mary Klapp also of Neepawa on February 21, 1946 subsequent to being discharged from the Armed Services after serving overseas. Roy later obtained Auto Mechanic papers and began working at Murry's Garage in Neepawa before moving to Winnipeg in 1954 and acquiring a job at the Manitoba Telephone System where he worked until retiring. During this time Roy attended an Adult Education program where he attained his Grade 12 equivalent, an accomplishment he took pride in achieving. Predeceased by wife Mena in 1994, brothers Cecil and Jim at very early ages, sister Merle later in life and daughter-in-law Edith in 2007. An interment will be held for family members at Chapel Lawn. Roy will be greatly missed by his best friend Ethan who always looked forward to his Sunday visits. CHAPEL LAWN 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 12, 2008