Leslie McINNES

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McINNES: Leslie Andrew (Les) died peacefully at home on April 8, 2011. Les was born on November 28, 1933 and grew up in the Westmount and Erickson Districts. Les attended the University of Manitoba where he obtained a Diploma in Agriculture. Upon graduation Les returned to the family farm where he embarked on a farming career. During this time, in addition to mixed farming, Les cultivated expertise in both hog production and beekeeping. These interests earned him a trip to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, in addition to numerous trophies won in fairs closer to home. On June 25th, 1955 Les married Bettyann Turner. In 1959 the couple left the farm as Les took a position with Beaver Lumber, leading to moves between 4 southern Manitoba communities in a short span of 4 years. In 1963 Les and Betty, along with their four children, Laurie, Cameron, Shelley and Susan, returned to Erickson where they established their own grocery and meat market business. Here began Les’ 33 year career as a meat cutter, where he became renowned throughout Manitoba, in particular with the Clear Lake summer crowd. His special cuts of meat and his homemade sausage brought people back year after year. This career ended with his retirement from the Erickson Co-op in 1996. In Les’ words “because family and his garden were calling him.” Les was an ardent curler (well into his retirement). Les also played baseball and hockey and, while attending University, was a proficient pole vaulter. His athleticism resulted in years served as a respected coach, both in hockey and baseball, travelling throughout western Manitoba meeting people and influencing many youngsters .During his lifetime Les touched the lives of many people. Coaching was not Les’ exclusive volunteer experience. While raising his family, operating his own business, farming and driving a school bus, Les found time to actively participate in the Erickson Lions Club, where he played a vital role in organizing community events, such as the annual Snow Festival. As well, Les was a member of the Erickson Chamber of Commerce, a volunteer fire fighter and an ambulance driver. While working and volunteering, Les also found time to play and enjoy life with many summers spent at the family cabin at Ditch Lake, winters riding snowmobiles and, in later years, seasonal camping at Minnedosa Beach. Les and Betty enjoyed travel and had the opportunity to visit many of the U.S. states including Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica and Venezuela. Les is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty; three children, daughter, Laurie Jackson, son, Cameron McInnes and his wife, Arden, and daughter, Shelley Serle, and her husband, Kevin; five grandchildren, Sheena Jackson, Kelsea and Torea McInnes and Brett and Dylan Serle; one sister, Gwen Steiman and her husband, Gary. Sister in law, Alice McInnes and brothers in law, Gordon Turner (Gladys) and Bob Turner (Cynthia), uncle and aunt, Andrew and Roya Andersen, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Les was predeceased by his daughter, Susan; his parents, Lachlan and Joan McInnes; a brother, Clare McInnes and his son in law, Wayne Jackson. The family would like to thank Dr. Roche of Minnedosa for his excellent care and compassion in enabling Les to remain at home until his passing. A private family burial is planned at the Erickson Cemetery with long time family friend, Elgin Hall, officiating. Memorial gifts in Les’ memory can be made to Erickson & District Skating Rink Reno Project, Box 111, Erickson, Manitoba, ROJ OPO.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 23, 2011