LEO J. DURAND

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LEO J. DURAND Peacefully, with an angel of mercy at his side, our beloved father succumbed to cancer after a lengthy, heroic battle. Dad passed from this world on Saturday, March 1, 2003, on the Palliative Care Ward, St. Boniface Hospital, at the age of 80 years. He was predeceased by his wife Loretta (nee Carriere) his younger brother Henri; his mother Yvonne; and father Octavien. Dad was born December 1, 1922, in St. Vital and was educated at lecole du Sacre Coeur and later graduated from le College St. Boniface where he pursued an interest in theological studies. From 1942 to 1945 he served Her Majestys Royal Navy as a signalman and was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Dad was married to the love of his life for 38 years. After a short illness, Mom passed away in May 1986, just three short months after Dads retirement from Livingston Distributors. In 1995 Dad moved to Gladstone but returned to Winnipeg in August of 2002 to reside with his daughter Anita and to be closer to his immediate family. This time was sadly shortened by the onset of his illness in December 2002. Most will remember Dad for his wonderful sense of humour, mischievous smile and love of kibitzing. We will remember how he loved: to dance (he was always the first on the dance floor and the last to quit), the Mills Brothers, barbecued steak, a dark rum and Coke, the Montreal Canadiens, a good cigar, apple pie with lots of cinnamon, ice cream at 6:00 a.m., "pussy cats" and little dogs, the History Channel, French Canadian cuisine, growing his own vegetables, curling, golf, hunting, fishing at Reddit, ON, and in his younger years, bowling. He was a very special person whose life was defined by the enthusiasm and stubbornness of his will. He will be sadly missed and always remembered with a smile. Left to cherish shared memories are his daughters, Anita Durand and Gail Smith-da Costa (Manuel) grandchildren, Rorie Smith (Corrie) and Robyn Stewart (Earl) of Burnaby, BC; his sister Lorette Hamelin (Joe) of Winnipeg and their family, Edouard and Jean Carriere and their family; aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, along with numerous friends and acquaintances. Dad found great peace and solace in prayers with Sr. Rose and final anointing by Fr. Lavoie. His wishes for no ceremony have been honoured and cremation has taken place. He will be laid to rest beside his beloved Loretta at a private family burial to be held at a later date. Leos daughters would like to convey special thanks to Dr. J. Atwal and April of the Assiniboine Clinic, home care personnel and nursing staff of 2nd floor Grace Hospital. We also wish to express our most sincere gratitude for the exceptional care Dad received from the Palliative Care Ward staff at St. Boniface Hospital. Your compassion, care, kindness, support and prayers during this difficult period were very much appreciated. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made in Leos memory to the Palliative Care Ward, 8th floor, St. Boniface General Hospital, 409 Tache Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6. Arrangements by LECLAIRE BROTHERS 775-2220.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 09, 2003