LEONARD ARCHIBALD WARREN (ARCHIE)

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LEONARD ARCHIBALD WARREN (ARCHIE) After a valiant battle with cancer, with his family by his side, Archie went to be with his Lord on Thursday, July 25, 2002 at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB. Archie is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Katie (nee Cass) and by his children, Judith Anne Lord (John Watson), Reginald Archie, David Allan (Jan), Brenda Alice (John) Yakubchak, Timothy Arnold, Wesley Andrew (Sherie), Grant Alexander (Lauren). He leaves his cherished grandchildren, Garret, Jake, Christian, Marisa, Brett, Derek and Selina. Archie also leaves his beloved siblings, Evelyn Moroz (Henry) of Winnipeg and brother Cliff of Victoria and sister-in-law Audrey. He also leaves numerous nephews, nieces, relatives and friends including Al (Ollie) and Beth Cass, Phyllis and Bill Johnson, Kathy Balagus, Joanne Papineau and Matthew Watson. Archie was predeceased by his father and mother, Ted and Mae Wawryshyn, and brother Bob. Archie was born in Tyndall, MB on June 5, 1922. As a young lad, he excelled at sports. He was renowned for his track and field ability, as well as his prowess in hockey and baseball, winning awards locally, regionally and in the armed services. He was north east Manitoba senior boys champion in 1940, athlete of the year at the base in Paulson, MB in 1943, and honoured to play in the Montreal Forum with early NHLers during the war. Archie knew hard times. Growing up during the depression, he rode the rails to find work, and one summer, earned a pig to feed the family. With his sister Evelyn, he competed in track events, winning food for the family. To save streetcar fare (a dime), he ran from the north end to the university, but left school to join Royal Canadian Air Force. He was proud to do his duty and enlisted in 1942. He served overseas as a bombardier, navigator, and instructor. It was during his 35 sorties over enemy territory that he came to love Psalm 23, The Lord is my Shepherd. He achieved the rank of flying officer, and was recognized on many occasions for his navigation skills. After the war, Archie re-enlisted in 1956, and served in Gimli as an air traffic controller until 1961. Archie may be best remembered by those who know him as the owner of Archies Hardware, which he started after the war and operated until 1988. It became a meeting place for the community - Archie was involved in everything from selling newspapers and insurance to running the post office. He was always involved in his community. He was a life-long member of the Legion, served on the Tyndall School Board, was elder of the United Church, and member of the Rate Payers Association. He also served as supervisor of farm surveys for Statistics Canada and was a member of the Parent Teacher Association. He also lent his skills as coach for little league baseball players. Archie was always available to help with anything from hornets nests to income tax. In any situation, Archie could fill a room. On many occasions, He served as a master of ceremonies at weddings, funerals, and socials. His quick wit and love of poetry would always serve to brighten any occasion. He has been a lifetime member of the Liberal Party, twice running for election under the Liberal banner. He was recently honoured by the party for his contributions. Archie was always a willing participant in community affairs. In 1993, Archie, along with his wife Katherine, served as co-editors of the History of Tyndall commemorative book. He was a contributing author of the Beausejour historical text, "They stopped at a good place." And also was a correspondent for the community newspapers, Springfield Leader and Beausejour Beaver. Perhaps the pinnacle of Archies community service showed in his work as chairman of the 1988 Manitoba Summer Games. In that capacity, he toured the province promoting the games and the community and in the process became know as the "whistling chairman". As a result, Archie was nominated for the Premiers Volunteer Service Award. Everyone who came into Archies Hardware knew when Archie was around - if he wasnt whistling, he was singing. He sang at weddings and funerals, in various church choirs, and the Winnipeg male chorus. Even in the depths of his illness, he made his caregivers smile with a thank you or a joke, or a quote from his favorite poets. Archie was a charismatic man, quick with a ready smile, a friendly word, a thoughtful deed. His consideration of others was second only to his devotion to his family and his faith. Dad was an inspiration as a husband and a father. He was a true family man, who loved his children and cherished his grandchildren. He was a true gentleman, and a gentle man. Through his deeds and his example, he was the mentor to his family and our confidant, and he will always be our hero. In accordance with Dads wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service in Dads honour will be held Monday, July 29 at 1:00 p.m., at Sobering Funeral Chapel. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to St. Pauls United Church in Beausejour. But yet I know, whereer I go, That there hath passed a glory from the earth. William Wordsworth SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 268-3510 or MB toll free 1-877-776-2220

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 29, 2002