LEONARD (LEN) BRUCKI

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LEONARD (LEN) BRUCKI With great sadness we announce that Len, at age 60, with wife and family at his side, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at Riverview Health Centre. For the last several years Len courageously battled health issues, and in his journey, he succumbed to the effects of ALS and a recent stroke. Len is survived by his wife of 39 years, Beverley (Braun), sons: Trevor (Lois), grandson Ryder; Kyle (Dorothy); Justin (Lindsay), grandson Riley; daughter Sharla Cornish (Lance); mother Katherine, mother-in-law Mary Braun, sister Elaine Bronsdon (Bill), sister-in-law Audrey Burnham (Jim) and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by granddaughter Kennedy Brucki, father Paul Brucki, father-in-law Peter Braun, grandparents and numerous family members. Born in Benito, Manitoba on October 13, 1950, Len moved to Winnipeg in 1967 where he attended the University of Winnipeg and attained a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business (1971). During this time, he met and fell in love with Beverley, and the two were married June 3, 1972. Len continued his studies and achieved a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba (1972); he also obtained his Chartered Accountancy designation (1976) while articling at Price Waterhouse. After the completion of his own formal studies, Len augmented his love for studies by teaching various courses within the University of Manitoba Department of Commerce as well as Hotel Management at Red River College; he was well-respected by his students and considered an outstanding scholar and educator. Len was a visionary with an extraordinarily brilliant and strategic mind. This, along with an honest and just approach to business management, made him well-suited for several prestigious positions within the world of economics. He began his career with the Office of the Auditor General Manitoba. He went on to be employed at the Office of the Auditor General of Canada where he held offices in Winnipeg, Ottawa and New York, managed the audit team for the United Nations and travelled world-wide to complete audits and work alongside National Leaders. His genius led him to be known for a wide range of accomplishments - from the discovery and exposure of a significant and longstanding financial discrepancy within a particular organization to the creation of a formula that transformed inventory control for the logging industry. He was even able to use his knowledge of foreign language to intervene and have positive impact on significant economic issues. Later in his career, Len held the position of Comptroller for Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation. Len's passion for cars started early in life and as this passion grew, so did his vision for progress and success. He initially began selling used cars in his driveway, but when consumer demand caused him to quickly outgrow the space, he proceeded to found and establish Canada One Sales. As President and owner of Canada One RV Sales, he received many accolades and awards for his outstanding sales and service excellence during his 28 years of business, and has made his business one of the most successful and largest indoor RV dealerships in the world. Although Len had an exceptionally keen, mathematical mind and had developed several computer programs, his family and friends often teased him about his lack of interest and seeming inability to use computers and current technology. He was quick to inform everyone that he thoroughly understood the technology but preferred to have Bev work the computer because after all, he said, the internet was a fad. Len was known to be a strong, outspoken and highly motivated man, but he also had a fun-loving, mischievous, humorous, generous and giving spirit that he demonstrated on family trips and get-togethers. Playing board and card games with Len was always an entertaining and challenging event as the players attempted to outwit and outplay his strategic moves; rarely, however, were they successful. Len also had a passion for food and enjoyed sharing that passion with others. When Len entertained, he wanted to ensure everyone was well nourished; as such, he holds the record at his favourite establishments for the greatest number hors d'oeuvres and entrees per table. There were many family vacations with his wife and children, each full of adventure and entertainment. His fondest memories were those of their trips to California and New York. As he and Bev were blessed with grandchildren, he looked forward to loving and visiting them, and continued to speak proudly of them in his final days. He also reflected on his life's journey and spoke of healing and the security of eternal peace through God's grace and mercy. Len, we love you and miss you but look forward to the time when we will reunite in our Heavenly home. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Borrett, the staff on 5th floor Grace Hospital and the staff at Riverview Palliative Care for their kind and compassionate care. According to Len's wishes, there will be a private family event to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 31, 2011