LEONARD FRANKLIN HABING

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LEONARD FRANKLIN HABING Peacefully and surrounded by his loving family, Len passed away at home on Saturday, May 21, 2005 at the age of 80 years after a brave battle with cancer. Predeceased by granddaughter Eve Habing; daughter-in-law Helen Habing; both his father and mother, Fred and Elizabeth Habing; father and mother-in-law, Thomas and Minnie Morfoot; siblings, Lawrence, Gerald and wife Maude, Virgil, Norman, Floyd and wife Alice, Raymond; brother-in-law Kitchener Wainman. Remaining to cherish his memory is his loving wife Pearl; their children, Lorne (Allison), Jim (Bernice), Jeff (Gail), Connie Chura (Norman), Nancy (Ken), Brian (Crystal); his grandchildren, Pamela, Brandi Sitar (Gerald) and Becky Laba (John); Trevor and Jared; Courtney and Justin; Evan; and Cierra; great-grandchildren, Karli and Tanner; Steven and Robert; brother Mern (Ann); sisters, Violet Ward (Ross), June Wainman; sisters-in-law, Jean and Blanche; and many nieces and nephews. Dad was born on January 30, 1925 on the family farm in Hazelridge, MB, the second youngest of a family of 10. He spent his younger years on the farm acquiring a love of the land for what it held and provided. At the age of 19 he joined the RCAF and later the Army and was discharged March 15, 1946. Shortly thereafter he met the love of his life, Pearl and they were married October 11, 1947. For a number of years Dad operated the grain elevator in Libau, MB until the call of the land got to him and he moved to the present farm in the Eastdale/Anola area. Mom and Dad raised their family on the farm and since times were often rough, Dad took a school bus driving job with Transcona - Springfield School Division which he kept for 27 years or so. As his family assistance dwindled away to start lives of their own, Dad eventually gave up farming but not before he had tried chickens, geese, turkeys, rabbits, pigs, sheep, milk cows, beef cattle, horses, and numerous dogs and cats. Throughout his life, but more so in his retirement years, he enjoyed the wild side of nature with his fishing and hunting of rabbits, moose, elk, and his beloved white tails. He spent many a day tree sitting waiting for that elusive big buck. For the last decade or so, he has taken the tree sitting to a new and much more comfortable height with the castle being built specifically for the hunting patriarch. Fishing was his summer love and he has no doubt taken us all for a special fishing trip or two or three... Mom was his sometimes unwilling partner if he couldn't gather up a brother, son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter, friend, etc. He often just went by himself for the sheer pleasure of it. Dad was also an avid reader and has collected and shared volumes of classics with whomever wished to read them. He would spend countless hours sitting up half the night sometimes, just because he couldn't put the book down. His titles included anything to do with the war, western stories and real life adventures. Movies were another favourite and once he figured out the VCR craze, he taped every old western he could get on the local farmer-vision channels. Even toward the end, when Dad lost his reading ability, he signed up for and enjoyed listening to books on tape. With the loss of his eyesight, we also lost the sparkle Dad would get in his eyes every time family would come to visit. It didn't stop him from contributing to the conversation though and sharing his smile or a laugh or two. He had an abundance of patience and kindness for everyone, and was always the gentleman. The family would like to thank Dr. Schroeder and the staff at CancerCare Manitoba, Cheryl Smith and Donna Sale from the North Eastman Health Association Inc. for the care and concern they showed to Dad. Because he had such a fondness for life and children in particular, he indicated that for those who may wish to do so, donations in memory of him, can be made to Save the Children Canada, 4141 Yonge St., Suite 300, Toronto, ON M2P 2A8. Flowers are gratefully declined. In accordance with Dad's wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service is planned. In celebration of his life, however, there will be an open house at the family farm on Oakwood Rd., one half mile west of Highway 302 on Saturday, May 28 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. A private family burial of his ashes will be held sometime later. You're finally, thankfully Free of pain. Our aching loss Is Heaven's gain. Although it's so hard To let you go, You're finally at peace And free of woe. You struggled so hard To remain with us But that last day We said good-bye. Go fish and hunt with your brothers, It's alright to die. It will be hard but we'll be okay And we'll miss you Dad, Every day. We love you Len, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa and friend. SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM, BEAUSEJOUR 268-3510 or MB Toll Free 1-877-776-2220

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 26, 2005