LEONARD BERNARD SIEMENS

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LEONARD BERNARD SIEMENS
January 5, 1926 - April 25, 2019

Leonard peacefully entered the presence of his Heavenly Father surrounded by family.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Olive, with whom he enjoyed 63 years of marriage and sisters, Myrtle, Elnora and Verna.
He was a loving father to Charlotte (Gerald), Becky (Donny), Janice (Donald), Judy (Philip); grandfather to Geoffrey (Jessica), William, Elizabeth, Andrea, Benjamin, Christina, James, Carly; and great-grandfather to Rowan Olive.
He is also survived by his brothers, Rodney (Ruth) and Dennis (Suzanne); and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Leonard was born into a loving family on the farm in Horndean, MB where he worked hard in his early years. After his schooling at Altona Collegiate Institute, he completed both an MSc Science (Agronomy) and MSc Arts (Sociology). He had fond memories of his first job with Co-op Vegetable Oil in Altona. After a short time in rural Manitoba, he accepted a position at the University of Manitoba, in the Faculty of Agriculture, where he thoroughly enjoyed 31 years of teaching, research and administration, retiring as Associate Dean in 1989. Post retirement, Leonard valued opportunities to consult with CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) and Mennonite Central Committee primarily in third world countries. He was a founding member of the Canadian Food Grains Bank. His passion was to serve and contribute to the problem of world hunger through agriculture.
A pivotal highlight of Leonard's life was the opportunity to spend two years in Thailand with his young family. There he helped establish the agricultural program in a new university. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the King of Thailand for his contribution. He also received an honorary doctorate from the University of Zambia for his work in developing a program in agricultural sciences.
Leonard and Olive were charter members of the Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church where they developed many long-standing friendships. Leonard served in many capacities within the Mennonite Brethren Church and conference. He had a strong faith in God and desired to live his life with integrity, love and kindness.
Leonard reflected often that in his life "the lines have fallen to me in pleasant places" as noted in Psalm 16. He was extremely grateful to God for the life he was given.
The family would like to thank the loving caregivers on the first floor at Donwood Manor where he spent his last four years. Special thanks to Dr. Carl Duerksen for his compassionate care over many years.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at the Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church, 1771 Pembina Highway. Viewing will be prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Food Grains Bank, Donwood Foundation or Mennonite Central Committee.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 27, 2019