LEO FRIMAN KRISTJANSON C.M.,

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LEO FRIMAN KRISTJANSON C.M., Ph.D., LL.D. Born February 28, 1932 Died August 21, 2005 He leaves to treasure his memory and dearly miss his presence Jean, his wife of 48 years; children, Terri Wintonyk (Brian) of Calgary, Darryl of Regina, Brenda Hinz (Darrell) of Surrey, and Johanne of Gimli; grandchildren, Krista, Zachary and Benjamin Wintonyk and Megan, Brent and Robyn Hinz; his brother Larry (Helen); sister Alda; sisters-in-law, Lois Kristjanson, Joan Kristjanson, Farida Kristjanson, Elaine (Jim) McCrorie, Joyce Cameron and Marianne Cameron; brother-in-law Hector Cameron; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by his mother Elin; father Hannes; brothers, Burbank, Albert, Kris, and Baldur and his wife Helen; sister Maria and her husband Charles Learned; brothers-in-law, Monty Westmacott, Don Cameron, Niel Cameron; sister-in-law Leonora Cameron. Leo was born and raised in Gimli, MB and left to pursue higher education in Winnipeg where he met and married Jean in 1957. They settled in Saskatoon where they raised their four children. Leo always believed and was quick to point out to others that his accomplishments, personally and professionally, were the result of their partnership. He valued Jean's love and support above all else. Leo was proud of his family and regularly shared that with his children. Leo received his elementary and secondary education in Gimli where through the encouragement of family and teachers he developed a lifelong interest in learning. He continued his education by obtaining his B.A. at United College in Winnipeg, and his M.A. in History from the University of Manitoba, and his Ph.D. in economics and history from the University of Wisconsin. Leo began his professional career in Saskatoon in 1959 as a researcher, professor and later administrator at the University of Saskatchewan. He retired in 1989 after nine years as President of the University of Saskatchewan. Leo played a major role in the establishment of a new Agricultural Science Complex, the Institute for the Prevention of Handicaps, the Centre for Agricultural Medicine, the Meewasin Valley Authority and many other initiatives both within the university and with partnerships between the university and other parts of the community. Upon retirement, he returned to his childhood home in Gimli. Leo involved himself in contributing to his community. Through carpentry, fund-raising, bringing ideas to fruition and other forms of leadership he found a role for himself in the community. He was happiest when he was immersed in a project. He received many honours over the years including: Member of the Order of Canada, an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Winnipeg, the Lieutenant-Governor's Medal of the Institute of Public Administration, the Saskatchewan Cooperative Order of Merit, and membership in the Saskatchewan Agriculture Hall of Fame. Since returning to Manitoba he received many awards and recognitions for volunteerism and heritage. He will always be remembered for the twinkle in his eye, a story for young or old, a strong sense of ethics, boundless patience and optimism. A special thanks to Dr. Hobson and his staff for their caring friendship and ensuring that Leo could fulfil his potential. Thanks also to Dr. Rajput of Saskatoon and the Gimli medical staff for their great care. In lieu of flowers donations to the Parkinson's Society, 302-171 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1M4 or another charity of your choice would be gratefully appreciated. A celebration of Leo's life will be held at the Gimli Park Pavilion on Saturday, August 27 at 2:00 p.m. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 25, 2005