LEONARD KROPIOSKI

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LEONARD (KROPPY) KROPIOSKI In Loving Memory Blessed with longevity and a fulfilling life, Leonard (Len) Kropioski, Second World War Veteran, died on Tuesday, September 13, 2016. He was 98 years old. Len was perhaps better known as "Kroppy" particularly in and around the various sports circles he so enjoyed. His beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren called him Geeg and affectionately others did too. Len was born in Winnipeg, MB on July 22, 1918 to parents Rosalie (nee Koch) and Ignatius Kropioski. Len was proud of his Polish heritage and grew up happily in the North End of Winnipeg where he enjoyed playing many sports - especially hockey and baseball. Len was a proud Canadian who loved his country. He enlisted in the army on November 22, 1940 and was honourably discharged on January 5, 1946. Len served alongside the U.S. forces in the Aleutian Islands Campaign between June 3, 1942 and August 15, 1943. His service efforts were recognized by the State of Alaska with a special letter of Commendation. Len was a member of both the Keewatin/Kenora Royal Canadian Legions. While stationed in Fort William, ON (Thunder Bay) and prior to being deployed on his mission to the Aleutians, Len met and married his beloved "Rosie". They were married for just over 50 years. After his discharge from the Army, Len settled in Kenora, (Norman), ON to raise his family and integrate himself into the community, and he did so through his love of sports. Len volunteered his time and gave what he could to enhance local sports in the community. He played baseball in the local leagues in the 1950s and was considered to be a good colourful player. He either hit a home run or crowded the plate so he could get a walk and get on base. Len mentored, sponsored and supported many sports teams throughout the years. He sponsored Men's and Women's Hockey; Minor, Men's and Women's Baseball; and girl's ringette. He was also a coach, referee, and umpire - he did what was needed. The Kroppy's Hawks logo was seen on many of their uniforms. Len was an avid fan of professional sports, particularly hockey and his love of the Winnipeg Jets, where he could be seen saluting and singing the National Anthem. He was a season ticket holder for the Winnipeg Goldeyes, Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Manitoba Moose for a number of years. Len was employed by the Town of Kenora for many years as a lineman who worked on power and telephones. He enjoyed his job - especially the great people and co-workers along the way. Len was predeceased by his beloved wife Rose (nee Derry). Len will be remembered with love and his memory honoured by his family: daughter Adrienne Lacombe and son-in-law Ray; daughter Lynne McKenzie; grandson Mark Lacombe and wife Christine; granddaughters Raquel McKenzie and Kim Innard; and his dearly loved great-granddaughters Meagan Lacombe Dufresne (Steven), and Amy Lacombe (Jeff). Len's life was also greatly blessed by a wonderful extended family, friends and neighbours. Len was also predeceased by his parents, sisters Jospehine Herba, Marie Sidloski, Jean Klaponski and Estelle Sakowicz. Funeral Services were held Monday, September 19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Louis Church in Keewatin, ON with Father Allen Abadines officiating and celebrating the mass, followed by the Colour party of the Royal Canadian Legion. In lieu of flowers, and should family and friends desire, donations may be made in Len's memory to the Kenora Minor Hockey Association, the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation, or a charity of one's choice. He always tried to do what was right, rather that what was easy. He was honest, loyal and dependable to both family and friends. He was a good man to look up to... And that was what we did. We are thankful to have had him in our lives. May he rest in peace. Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 24, 2016