JOSEPH LEON (LEO) DESPINS

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JOSEPH LEON (LEO) DESPINS On Sunday, February 18, 2001 following a brief illness, Joseph Leon (Leo) Despins, aged 94 years, passed away peacefully at St. Pauls Residence in The Pas. Leo will be sadly missed by sons, Donald (Rosalind Cairns), Claude (Carolee Cameron), George (Louise Rivalin) daughters, Leola Aitkenhead, Rolande (Roland) Bernard, Vivian (Reinhard) Penner, Valerie (Wayne) Brown, Marie (Chris) Wadelius, Angela (Kevin) Wadelius; grandchildren, Michelle, Mark, Jill, Kevin, Valerie, Phillip, Chantale, Shaun, Donna, Kenneth, Karen, Brenda, Susan, Randy, Carrie, Wendi, Lance, Cindy, Curtis, Cherise, Keith, Greg, Darcie, Glenn, Deneene, Garrett; many great-grandchildren; brothers, Gilbert Despins, Emile Despins, Andrew Despins; sisters, Lucille Porter, Bernadette MacMillan, Evelynn Goranson; and many close relatives. Predeceased by parents, Joseph and Beatrice Despins; loving wife Aurore, spouse of 53 years; brothers, Hector, William, George; sisters, Yvonne, Laurette, Adele; son-in-law William (Bill) Aitkenhead. Leo Despins was born on the family farm near Marcelin, SK, Sunday, April 29, 1906, the eldest son of Joseph Casimir Despins and Beatrice Porlier. After years of struggle and hardship on the farm, his parents moved their family of 12 children to The Pas in 1928. In his early years in the town Leo earned a living in various ways. He bought a truck and hauled hay off the Saskram, contracted gravel for the construction of the No. 10 highway through the bog and cut and delivered firewood to sell around town. He then found work at The Pas Lumber Company where he worked for 12 years. In 1935 Leo was married to Aurore Dussault who moved to The Pas from Prince Albert to work for J.R. Kerr as a furrier. Married for 53 years, living for the most part in the big house at the end of Patrick Avenue, they raised their large family of nine children. He was employed by the C.N.R. for 28 years, working as a trainman and baggageman on the Churchill and Thompson trains. He witnessed the development of the north and many changes such as the transition of steam engine to diesel. He took pride in his ability to work hard at physical tasks such as splitting wood, snow removal, home maintenance and cutting and hauling ice. This strength was evident in his handshake; he always responded favourably to a firm shake and commented on it. Music was a constant throughout Leos life. He maintained his violin playing from the time he started playing with his father, brothers and sisters, at family gatherings and with friends at social events, right through to his last days at St. Pauls Residence. Leo was not a public speaker; his violin was his voice. His 31 years of retirement allowed Leo to continue many activities he enjoyed such as gardening, fishing, and bird hunting. Leo had a special way with animals and especially enjoyed working with horses and dogs. He was an active member of the Golden Age Group. He enjoyed competing in activities such as bowling and horseshoes, and would challenge anyone to a game of crib. The hardships of the early farm years shaped Leo into a very hard working, determined and independent person with the strength of character, work ethic and the skills that served him well the rest of his life. He was always polite and a gentlemen to the end; he consistently responded, "I have no complaints". Dad will be lovingly remembered by the whole family, and our memory of his stories and music will always be cherished. A Christian Wake Service led by Sr. Helen Russell, csj, was held on Friday, February 23, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral. The Mass of Christian Burial took place on Saturday, February 24, 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, The Pas, MB. Presiding clergy was Rev. Denis Bourbonnais, O.M.I. of St. Anns Parish, Flin Flon. Active pallbearers were Chris Wadelius, Glenn Wadelius, Kevin Wadelius, Roland Bernard, Reinhard Penner, and Kevin Aitkenhead. Honorary pallbearers were Ray Bloomquist, Roseanne Plesh, and all Leos family and friends. Teresa Pidskalny led the choir accompanied by organist Tanis Asselstine. Violinists Ron Scott and Robert Isfeld with guitarist Frank Saskowski played a touching tribute "Til We Meet Again". Interment followed at Lakeside Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to St. Pauls Equipment Fund, Box 240, The Pas, MB R9A 1K4. Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas, in care of arrangements. 623-3261.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 05, 2001