LEO JOSEPH MCVARISH

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LEO JOSEPH MCVARISH It is with profound sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of Leo Joseph McVarish on April 17, 2010. Leo is survived by his wife of 64 years, Eileen, daughter Susan McVarish, grandchildren Tara Loewen (Derek), Roberta Dempster (Angus Kirkpatrick), great-grandchildren Michaela, Madison, Noah and Quinn Loewen, sister Evelyn Combaz, brothers Gilbert McVarish (Doris), Bernard McVarish (Betty), Dennis McVarish (Olga), sister-in-law Jeanne McVarish, sister-in-law Winifred Mooney as well as Jeff Dempster (Loretta) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Angus and Emma, brother Wilfred, sister Irene and brother Hugh. Leo was born September 1, 1922 in Winnipeg. As a boy, he grew up in Norwood and had many happy memories of his childhood. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy at an early age and served on the HMCS Alberni which was torpedoed and sunk in August 1944. He was one of only 31 survivors that day. Following service in the Navy, Leo received his Fine Arts degree from University of Manitoba. He studied there under the tutelage of Lemoine Fitzgerald of the Group of Seven and Joseph Plaskett. He spent a lifetime painting many local city and rural scenes of the vintage past to the present-day. His work depicted his love of nature and people. Leo's professional life led him into a career in graphic arts working in design for advertising agencies. Before he retired, his last place of employment was at E.H. Price where he had abundant friends and fond memories. Leo was a life member of the Winnipeg Sketch Club and he recently retired as a member of The Medea Gallery collective. He was also a long time contributing artist at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. No words can fully express the immeasurable scope and significance of Leo's impact on his family and friends. Like the great sea he once sailed upon, our feelings and love for him run as deep as the depths of the ocean. Please join us in a celebration of Leo's life at a memorial service to be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 28 at HMCS Chippawa, 1 Navy Way. Flowers gratefully declined. Should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to condolences@nbardal.mb.ca. NEIL BARDAL INC. (204) 949 - 2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 24, 2010