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TONY LEON ORENIUK
Date of Passing: Apr 26, 2020
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TONY LEON ORENIUK
1941 - 2020
He was predeceased by his father Anthony; mother Rose (2018); and sister Joyce (2019).
He will be sadly missed by daughter Danielle (Ron); nieces, Susan (Clayton), Monica (Ray) and Cathy; brother-in-law Bernie; great-nieces and nephews, Jessica, Kevin, Chris, Amanda, Trevor and Emily; as well as great-great-nephew Owen. Also left to mourn are Auntie Tillie and family; and his good friend Gary.
Leon worked at Canada Post for 25 years and retired in 1993. He loved his family and friends dearly and had a deep appreciation and awe for the beauty and nature in this world and beyond. He enjoyed reading and continually asked questions because his curiosity and thirst for knowledge was endless. Time spent with his family was precious and he felt his blessings were many. He owned a car but, surprisingly, walked everywhere because he was grateful to have his health and the ability to enjoy the outdoors, especially in the summer. We will miss his engaging conversations, laughter, and cheerful, positive disposition. He was always willing to lend a helpful hand and his passing will leave a void that will never be filled. You could find him attending or volunteering at many of the summer festivals and musical events. His passion was music and he felt most at peace within a group of friends singing and strumming guitar, ukulele, or even a washboard. Any opportunity to express and share his talents, and he was there to jam with enthusiasm, encouragement and support, and of course, that ever-gleaming smile. After meeting and speaking with Leon, you felt you made a lifelong friend because of his gift to make everyone feel special.
I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles
when life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo whispering
softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and
bright and sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun;
Of happy memories that I leave
when life is done.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lake Winnipeg Foundation.
INTEGRITY
Cremation & Funeral Planning
204-295-5408 - IntegrityFuneralPlanning.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 02, 2020
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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Leon was the type of person that spent his entire life "Stepping large and laughing easy". You will be missed! - Posted by: Fredrick Kolbert (Friend ) on: May 13, 2020
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We are heartbroken. Leon never hesitated to share his knowledge of music and was always eager to show even the most novice player what he knew. Jams at the Duke of Kent Legion and Sam’s Place with Leon were our favourite pastimes. And jams at our house with my sister Angie were treasured. We will miss his phone calls introducing us to a new artist he’d heard, or meeting him at various music festivals around the city where he was volunteering his time. We will miss him, his smile, his positive attitude, and his love of music and life. We lost a very good friend much too soon. - Posted by: Ron & Margrit (Friend) on: May 07, 2020
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I volunteered with Lee @ the West End Cultural Centre and met him @ some of the music festivals. I believe he liked the smaller venues. He was caring, easy to get along with and like to joke a lot. Rest in peace Lee. - Posted by: Georgina D. Norris (friend) on: May 04, 2020
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Lee was a true music ambassador known by many. It was Lee that encouraged me to come out to the Duke of Kent legion jam many years ago, even if someone didn’t play music he would hand them an instrument, he could teach anyone to play anything. He was always there to support and encourage us to reach for the best in ourselves. We will miss him so much, deepest condolences to you. He will be forever in our hearts and memories gone to soon. Love Stanis - Posted by: Tannis and stan (Friends) on: May 04, 2020
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I remember me, Gary and Lee were at a jam behind Derrick's guitar shop. I was playing accordion and a squirrel was squeaking in time to the music. This was quite surprising and Lee made up a song on the spot about the squirrel while Gary recorded the whole thing on his phone. Lee was ready to make music with anyone, even squirrels! - Posted by: Diane (friend) on: May 02, 2020
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Dearest Lee, Thank you for being a very dear friend and fellow musician. Thank you for your friendship and encouraging words over the years. It was always a great pleasure to watch you, our Duke ambassador, inviting and welcoming people into the legion...many of whom would learn a new instrument and start playing and singing along, thanks to you. Your beautiful smile and wonderful energy will be sorely missed here, on Earth. Heaven is lucky to have such an incredible angel as you... and when you are joining in the choir, remember to sing the high part:) You were taken from us far too soon. May you Rest In Peace dear friend. Love, Shelley - Posted by: Shelley Maslow (Friend) on: May 02, 2020
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Lee was a spirit that lifted me to play and inspired me to excel at music. It was an honour to have known him and play music with him. My heart, although broken, will treasure the memories of the times we played together. Take care and may your spirit live forever in our universe. - Posted by: Arthur Chepil (Friend) on: May 02, 2020
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Though it didn't happen often, I had great times jamming with him at my sister Margrit's place. It was always a fun time and he never judged because I only knew basic chords. He taught me easy chords on my banjo and found me a ukelele to buy which I enjoy playing. When I found out he passed, I played and sang Hallelujah on my uke and made a toast in his honour. A rare gem, he will be missed. ❤ - Posted by: Angie Carriere (Friend) on: May 02, 2020
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