LEONARD EDWARD MARKS

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LEONARD EDWARD MARKS It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ed Marks, our dearly beloved father, brother and uncle at 80 years of age. Ed passed away, with his daughters at his side, after a brief illness on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at Victoria Hospital. He will be sadly missed by his daughters, Rhonda (Gary) and Denise (Tim). Also surviving Ed are his two sisters, Sophie Oliver and Anne Hutchko and his brother Joe; as well as his nieces and nephews, Linda, Joan (Bob), Beverley (Terry), Patti (Mark), Cheryl (Al), David (Connie), Lisa, Rebecca (John), Judy, Cheryl (David) and numerous grand-nieces and nephews. Ed was predeceased by his brother Vic and nephew Greg. Ed was born on April 14, 1932 in Winnipeg. He came from a very humble background, raised with his four siblings in East Kildonan by his much beloved mother Pearl Tronishak (his father passed away in 1940). Had his eyesight been better, Ed would have loved to have been a pilot however, he was very thankful to have been given, with the support of his family, the opportunity to obtain a higher education. He graduated from the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Commerce in 1959 as a Chartered Accountant. He articled with Coopers and Lybrand, then left public practice to join the Canada Revenue Agency as a field auditor. In 1964, he joined the City of Winnipeg audit department and held a number of progressively responsible positions culminating in his promotion to City Auditor, which he held for over 20 years until his retirement in 1991. Ed had an incredible zest for life, which he enjoyed independently and to the fullest up until his illness last week. He had a warm and vibrant personality and his generosity, gentleness, kindness, empathy, interest in others and exuberant spirit endeared him to all he knew. He always managed to find humour in even the toughest situations and with his keen intellect and encyclopedic knowledge on an enviable variety of subjects, could tell the most compelling stories and share such special insights. His myriad of interests ran the gamut from Winnipeg history and politics, aviation, dancing, women's rights, independent films, keeping in touch with family including daily talks with Sophie, meals with family and friends, CFL football and the World Wars. He loved to dance and for many decades until his arthritis took hold, was in great demand as a partner at the Legion's Friday night dances. He was an avid CFL fan and Bomber season ticket holder who also attended every WAG exhibit and Rainbow Stage, MTC, PTE, SIR and WSO performance with his daughters. The close relationship with their dad was very special. He truly was the best father they could have hoped for. Ed was an animal lover and enjoyed the company of many four-legged friends over the years including Patches, Cinnamon, Cheeba, Nikki, Macy, Spirit, Kiwi, Kelsey and currently Ross, Jake, Charlotte, Sam and Patrick. To honour Ed's wishes, a private family gathering will be held in which much wine and food is consumed and where my life can be celebrated rather than my death be mourned . He was a generous supporter of many causes near and dear to his heart, so in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your choice of Rainbow Stage, the Winnipeg Humane Society, the Western Canada Aviation Museum or the Assiniboine Park Conservancy.
Publish Date: Oct 27, 2012

LEONARD EDWARD MARKS On Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at Victoria Hospital, after a brief illness, Ed Marks passed away at 80 years of age. A longer obituary will follow in Saturday's paper.
Publish Date: Oct 25, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 27, 2012