LEONARD CLARENCE HAROLDSON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

LEONARD CLARENCE HAROLDSON Peacefully, in the early hours of the morning on Tuesday, November 18, 2003 with Rita his wife of 57 years, by his side, Len Haroldson passed away at the age of 87 years. Leonard leaves to cherish his memory, his loving family; wife Rita; son David (Donna) sister Elaine James and many cousins of the extended family in Canada, United States and Norway, also his pets and many dear friends. Leonard was predeceased by his parents, Halvor and Effie, brother Harald and mother and father-in-law, Anne and James Byrne. Born on November 7, 1916 in Preeceville, SK, the second son of Effie and Halvor Haraldson, Leonard grew up as a farm boy on his parents and grandparents homestead in Preeceville and in Sacred Heart, MN and loved the outdoors. As a boy Leonard enjoyed swimming, kayaking and skating in the Assiniboine River which flowed through their quarter section. Leonard had a deep love of animals and was never without his companion dogs Sticksen and Teddy. Leonard excelled at sports, especially tennis and hockey, playing left wing for the Preeceville Pirates. Leonard consistently placed at the front of sporting events, frequently winning local sports days and tennis matches. During the depression years, Leonard found work on threshing crews, various transport and construction jobs and at a lumber camp. Leonard joined the military during the Second World War, together with other friends from Preeceville. After completing basic training at Maple Creek, SK he was stationed in Halifax and Sydney, NS with the Eastern Command, Royal Canadian Artillery, where he was assigned as a gunner and artillery transport spotter. Leonard was also a skilled motor mechanic. While in Sydney, he met Rita Byrne. Upon discharge from the service in 1945 at home depot of Regina, he moved to Winnipeg to be reunited with his family. Leonard became employed with Burns Meats in 1945 where he was a valued and dedicated employee. Rita and Leonard were married in 1946 and moved to their new St. Vital home in 1953. During the succeeding years, Rita and Leonard enjoyed entertaining family and friends, playing league sports and travelling. One of Leonards greatest joys was becoming a father with the birth of his son David Leonard in 1966. Leonard was proud to be able to spend time with David (small-boy), watching him grow and being involved in activities with him. After Leonards retirement in 1981 he kept busy overseeing home renovations, travelling, visiting his many friends and family (entertaining them with his famous coffee spoons trick) and enjoying time at home with his pets. Leonards easygoing nature, generous spirit, optimistic attitude, gentle sense of humour, cheerful laughter, warm smile, caring advice, ceaseless patience and willingness to help others will always be cherished and missed by everyone who knew and loved him. Thanks to the staff of St, Boniface General Hospital, especially to the Emergency and Palliative Care wards for your comfort and compassion. A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 24 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Marys Road United Church, 613 St. Marys Rd. (formerly Regents Park United Church). In accordance with Leonards wishes, cremation has taken place. Leonards ashes will be scattered at his father Halvors grave in Preeceville, SK. If friends desire, donations may be made in Leonards memory to the Humane Society, 5 Kent St., Wpg., R2L 1X3 Good night, Dad, we will always be together NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 22, 2003