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LEONARD TAKOSKI
Born: Oct 04, 1926
Date of Passing: Apr 17, 2019
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryLEONARD TAKOSKI
October 4, 1926 - April 17, 2019
FLORENCE TAKOSKI
February 11, 1929 - May 18, 2019
With great sadness we announce the passing of our parents, Leonard and Florence. Mom and Dad were predeceased by their son, Mark on February 8, 2019.
They leave to remember and honour their lives children: Michele (Rick), Bernard and Matthew, grandchildren: Paul, Laura, Amy, Claire, Charlotte, and great-grandchildren: Alice and Emma.
Mom was a devoted and loyal wife and mother who put her family first, spoiling them with her skills as a culinary artist, fine seamstress and her nurturing ways. Always the adventurer, summers were spent camping across Canada with children and trailer in tow. She was an avid reader, curious and inquisitive and challenged us to become so. An excellent hostess, she was much admired for her sharp witted, intelligent conversation. "The Sisters of the Holy Rock" proved an amazing outlet for her musically and socially and she cherished those 10 years with them. Being a devout Catholic and member of the CWL at Holy Cross Parish helped sustain her faith in God, family and friends.
Dad was a devoted husband (67 years), loving father, consummate teacher, concert pianist and friend to all. He leaves us to grieve but also to honour him by being kind and compassionate to one another and to challenge ourselves to be lifelong learners. Dad taught at Aberdeen and Grant Park in Winnipeg for 27 years, ending his career at St. Michael's University School, Victoria. Dad was much admired for his dedication and skill in his profession, giving "above and beyond." A great joy in his retirement involved making C.D.'s of his piano and organ pieces, as well as giving impromptu performances for all to enjoy. "I love you all" was his parting message.
Funeral service to be held June 22, 12:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Parish, Victoria. Graveside interment in Winnipeg in July.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 15, 2019
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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I remember Leonard from the very earliest days of Grant Park High School, when the smell of fresh concrete still hung in the air. It was his goal to turn every student into an accomplished instrumentalist on some instrument or other. He put in hours of overtime every day giving one-on-one lessons for free. If students couldn't afford their own instruments, he found loaners for them. In a scene worthy of a Harry Potter movie ("Excuse me, Professor Quirrell, could I borrow Wood for a moment?"), he once extracted me from Murray Smith's math class to tell me, "I have found you a fiddle!" He got impressive results. In my six years alone I recall Diedre Irons (piano), Peter Helmer (trombone), Igor Zahynacz (bassoon), Jim Manishen (clarinet), Lorna Nugent (violin), Jim Carr (oboe), and dozens of others like them, all spectacularly accomplished. And let's not forget that he wrote the words and music (a full orchestral score no less!) to Grant Park's school song: Ring out a cheer for Grant Park High/ Tell all the world the reason why/ Scholars brave and bold our standards will uphold/ With spirits bright we'll fight with all our might/ Through halls of knowledge we are led/ Successful pathways we shall tread/ ... I have always missed him, ever since I left Grant Park, 52 years ago. - Posted by: Robert Purdy (Former student of Leonard's at Grant Park High School) on: Aug 14, 2019
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I heard of Mr. Takoski's passing at my son's graduation this year from Grant Park High School. I was a former orchestra student of his from 1977 - 1979. He was such a patient and kind music teacher and so talented. My condolences to the families. - Posted by: Colleen Orchard (McRae) (Former High School Student) on: Jul 02, 2019
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So many fond memories of Mr. Takoski @ Aberdeen Jr. High. He was my band teacher for 3 years and home room teacher for the 8th grade. He had a great sense of humor (he needed it) and was extremely patient (needed that as well). He had the uncanny ability to boil things down to their simplest element allowing us to grasp those "ah-ha" moments which we always found were our springboards to learning. Have some great photos of him from those years. He was a wonderful person and we are certainly thankful that he was a part of our lives. Sincere condolences to his family and many friends. - Posted by: Jerry and Barbara Finlayson (former students @ Aberdeen Jr. High School) on: Jun 15, 2019
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Am so saddened to heard of Len and Florence's passings. He was among my most inspiring and supportive teachers, to whom I owe a lot in the enjoyment of a long musical career. I know that I wasn't alone since he touched so many young lives with his care, kindliness and expertise. - Posted by: James Manishen (Former student and friend of Leonard's) on: Jun 15, 2019