Advanced Search:


Regular Search
❮ Go Back to Listings
LEONARD MANKO  Obituary pic

LEONARD MANKO

Born: Sep 18, 1937

Date of Passing: Sep 27, 2012

Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

LEONARD MANKO September 18, 1937 - September 27, 2012 Len passed away peacefully at Victoria General Hospital at the age of 75 with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marilyn (nee Mack), daughters: Shauna (Kevin) and Lori (Alex), and five grandsons, Ray, Carter, Aidan, Alix and Arek. He is also survived by his sister Merle (Harold) and his brothers Mervin (Edna) and Gerald (Theresa). Sister-in-laws Margaret (Mike), Caryn (John), Norma (Doug), and Elaine (Ed). Len also leaves numerous nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother- Ernie. Len graduated from McCreary High School in 1955, and continued his post-secondary education at the University of Manitoba and the University of Paris. Len acquired the following degrees B.A Hons., Masters of Education, Diploma in Russian and Diploma in Ukrainian. Len held many different positions in his career including Brookdale, Minnedosa, Toronto, Gilliam and Selkirk area. Len retired in June 1992, as Principal of Happy Thought School. Len also held numerous roles; most notably he was President of the Manitoba Association of Principals (1982 to 1983) and of the Canadian Association of Principals (1985 to 1986). He was an active member of the community over the years. He acted as chairman of the Selkirk Restitution-Reconciliation Committee and of the HUB Selkirk and District. Len was active with Chemical abuse prevention, Drug Awareness Week, P.R.I.D.E., Project Stop (drinking and driving), and the Youth Development Fund. At the University of Winnipeg, he has served on the Senate and the Board of Regents (1983 to 1985). Len received many awards including an award from the Manitoba Medical Association Health or Safety Promotion Award. In February 1992 Len received an honorary life membership from the Manitoba Association of Principals. Len had many hobbies and interests. He loved curling, fishing, camping, cribbage and beating Bruce in the baseball pool. Len took up wood carving and made many beautiful pieces of art that he shared with his family and friends. One of Len's most favorite hobbies was watching his grandsons play their sports. He would be there cheering the boys on with the biggest smile a Grandfather could have. Len was known as a gentle person by anyone who had the opportunity to meet him. He leaves a big hole in our hearts but will live forever in our memories and thoughts. Len will forever be missed by his best friend and partner, Marilyn. Len changed his world, and the worlds of those he touched. The pebble is gone, but the ripple continues. On behalf of Len's family we would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Adams and the staff at the Victoria Hospital for their compassion and support during the family's difficult time. We would also like to thank Dr. S Eng and Dr. Andrew Borys for their care. Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 01, 2012

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

  • I am thinking of you today and every day. I was truly blessed with a monumental father and and forever thankful for that. Not a day passes that my mind doesn't wander to the wonderful times we had and I will cherish them forever. Love you dad and miss you dearly. - Posted by: Lori Cruz (Daughter) on: Sep 27, 2016

  • Condolences to you and the family, Marilyn. We have been thinking of you since hearing of Len's passing. We fondly remember the curling games, camping at Bird's Hill, card games. etc. Although we had limited contact in recent years the memories warm our hearts. - Posted by: Ian & Shirley Murdoch (cousin) on: Oct 15, 2012

  • Marilyn; We will always remember the good times we had at your house playing cards and having the odd brew. You and Leonard took me into your home and made me feel like a family member. He was a great baseball catcher and we had a lot of great games. May the wonderful memories of good times with Leonard provide you comfort now. Although not with us, he will always be kept in the heart. Ron & Edie Maciura - Posted by: Ron & Edie Maciura (Friends) on: Oct 14, 2012

  • Marilyn! We were so saddened and sorry to read of your great loss, although we haven't been in touch for ages we often think of our time at the Royal Insurance and all the fun we had while working together, lots of fond and happy memories, we always enjoyed being in Len's company, he was a great guy! Our deepest love and sympathy to you and your family! Love, Jim & Maureen White - Posted by: Jim & Maureen White (Old friends) on: Oct 04, 2012

  • Leonard was the kind of person everyone looked up to in our very small community. Even then, he showed every promise of becoming an exemplary person. He excelled in sports, scholastics, friendships, and community involvement - and always put forth a supreme effort in his every task. I think of him often and fondly. - Posted by: Gwen Melnyk nee Fletcher (old school chum) on: Oct 04, 2012

  • Thinking about you since we read the sad news. Hope that our prayers will help you and the family at this difficult time. - Posted by: Pat and David Cove (friend) on: Oct 04, 2012

  • I had the privilege of meeting Len Manko when we were both employed by the Lord Selkirk School Division. He was always friendly and kind to me. What a loss he will be to everyone who knew him. I wish to express my sincere condolences to his family. R.I.P. my friend. - Posted by: Bill Stevens (Colleague) on: Oct 02, 2012

  • It's no surprise that previous posts are from 'Mr. Manko's' former students. I'm sure that Uncle Len was a true asset to the profession. He was an amazing husband, father (and I'm sure Grandfather) I have great memories of the camping trips we took years ago. Uncle Len was a true gem. He was always kind, patient, gentle and respectful. My condolences go out to you all. Love you Aunty Marilyn, Shauna and Lori. Stay strong..... - Posted by: Dayna Blanchette (Niece) on: Oct 02, 2012

  • Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family at this time, Marilyn. We all knew Len to be a prince of a person. He always greeted everyone he met with an enthusiastic smile. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. - Posted by: Elaine/Ed Frankow (Sister-in-law & brother-in-law) on: Oct 01, 2012

  • I was fortunate to have Mr. Manko as a teacher! He had a caring, gentle teaching style. I remember him fondly! Deepest Sympathies to his family. - Posted by: Joanne Cembrowski Fontaine (student) on: Oct 01, 2012

  • My sincere condolences to the Manko family. Mr. Manko taught me French and Ukrainian in high school and I thought he was the best teacher ever. Always pleasant, funny and enthusiastic, he brought out the best in us all. I'm sure he will be missed - he was a great man. - Posted by: Beverly Lesiuk (Popowich) (former student) on: Oct 01, 2012

  • I too remember Len as a gentle man. My daughter, Tammy and Shauna were the best of friends during school and the Mankos took Tammy with them wherever they went. They were a second home for her. Thank you Len for the memories. - Posted by: Arlene Masters (Ruehlen) (Neighbor at one time) on: Oct 01, 2012

  • Marilyn - we are very sorry to hear of Leonard's passing -- our condolences to your family --- - Posted by: Ruth (Jelfs) Mutch () on: Oct 01, 2012

❮ Go Back to Listings