HEROLD LEONHARD DRIEDGER

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HEROLD LEONHARD DRIEDGER

March 28, 1942 - October 1, 2024

In the twilight hours of the morning on October 1, Herold finally found peace. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather (Bapa, Grandpa), brother, uncle, cousin, schoolteacher, singer, mentor and friend. He was a true Renaissance man.

Herold was Abraham Driedger and Lenchen (Helen) Braun's eldest child, Melita’s big brother, and raised in Grunthal, Manitoba. The family is best known for their business, the Rainbow Inn, which later became Lou’s Restaurant, combined with a local service station and bulk oil dealership. He moved to Winnipeg to become a teacher and earned a Bachelor's and a Master of Arts. He dedicated 30 years (1970-2000) of his professional career to teaching Geography and Social Studies in the Winnipeg No. 1 School Division at Sisler High, Gordon Bell, and later, General Wolfe School. When he wasn’t teaching, he could be found golfing, a pastime he enjoyed throughout his life, and sailing, the enthusiasm of his youth.

Herold was deeply committed to public service to advance the common good and give back to the community. In 1988 he was elected to serve as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (Niakwa) as a Liberal, but unfortunately did not win his re-election bid (Seine River) in 1990. In retirement, Herold didn’t slow down. He was very active with the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and the George and Fay Yee Centre for Health Care Innovation Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research in primary health care. Through these ventures, he sought to improve patients’ journeys through the health system. With the Association of Former Manitoba Members of the Legislative Assembly, he was dedicated through their activities to improving civil society discourse through respect for ideas and not derision when engaging with someone holding differing views.

As much as books were part of Herold’s life, so was music. He sang in choirs and musical productions, and in 1995, he joined the Winnipeg Golden Chordsmen barbershop chorus (later renamed River City Sound). While he sang with different quartets, singing with Rob Smith, Larry Hunter, and Paul Bullock in Harlequin was his joy. They celebrated 25 years together as a Quartet in September 2023 through a special concert they performed for family and friends. Herold’s passion inspired many.

Herold was predeceased by his wife, Lorraine, of 44 years. Surviving Herold are his loving daughters, Laurie and Michelle Driedger (Jason Morrison); grandchildren, Bobbie-Jo Love (Maverick and Alexandria Ratte), Derek and Lindsey (predeceased) Dahlin, Sydney, Aiden and Matthew Driedger, Eléna and Vanessa Driedger Morrison; and sister Melita (Dave) Ennis and her children, Janine (Trevor Ray) and John. Also surviving Herold is his devoted and loving partner and second wife, June Harris; and her children, Chris (Joanne) and John (Brenda) Harris and Andrea (Eric) Leader; grandchildren, Logan, Stephanie, Hannah, Benjamin (predeceased), Michael, Colin, Rebecca; and great-grandchildren, Malcolm and Parker. We are all incredibly grateful to the amazing healthcare staff who supported Herold throughout his cancer journey.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on October 10, with a reception to follow, at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodière Blvd.

In lieu of flowers and keeping with Herold’s pay-it-forward spirit, consider donating to a charity of your choice in his memory.

Glen Lawn Funeral Home

204-982-7550

Tribute Link: wwwglenlawn.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 05, 2024, Oct 05, 2024