NICHOLAS ANTHONY LEONE

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NICHOLAS ANTHONY LEONE It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of our dear Dad and Papa, on Thursday, October 22, 2009, at the age of 86 years. Remaining to forever cherish Nick's memory are his sons Philip (Lesley) and Nicholas (Michelle); daughters Niki (Richard), Colleen (Rob), Sheree (Bill); nine grandchildren, Richard, Philip, Kathryn, Melissa, Rachel, Abigail, Benjamin, Ryan and Olivia. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Adele and his parents Filipo and Rosina Leone Our Dad was an old fashioned kind of guy and married an old fashioned kind of girl. His great passions in life were his beautiful, loving and very smart Adele, his children and grandchildren, his work and his never ending thirst for knowledge and its practical application! Dad did all the middle class things that are the heart and soul of our family, our society and our country. He grew up speaking two languages, graduated from high school, went to war while still a boy, was married to the same girl for 60 years, worked 30 years for the same company and brought home his pay cheque every two weeks and gave it to Mum! Dad was the head of his union and worked hard for the rights of people who built things and fixed things and worked shifts, because, they were very important people. Dad made incredible things like beautiful wooden boats, collapsible house trailers, arc welders, a small gas turbine (honestly, Philip watched him machine it on his lathe), extra bedrooms and bathrooms, fences, driveways, garages, a 30 foot welded aluminum TV tower, tree houses, card board forts and even a vegetable garden with Grandpa (and lots of other cool stuff from Popular Mechanics). Dad could fix everything from a toaster, to a TV, to a Ford, to a DC-3 or a 747 and when we were kids Dad was sent to far off places like Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary and Vancouver to get airplanes back into the air! He spent 30 hard working years with Air Canada. He met many lifelong friends there, many of whom he still kept in touch with to this day. Dad could talk about anything: politics, religion, history, mechanics, electronics, sport, because he knew his onions! He always stood his ground, that's how he was made! Dad also enjoyed 30 years of retirement with Mom. They made many trips to Florida in the winter and thoroughly enjoyed their summers at West Hawk Lake. Lifelong friendships were made there as well, as were many beautiful and happy memories. Dad was a proud man right until the end. He made a promise to Mom that they would stay in their home until their time here was done, and he was successful in keeping that promise. Dad has taught us that determination and spirit will never fail you. God bless Dad for his obstinate position on those things that really mattered to him, his toughness, his resilience and his great passion and love for his family. Dad has much to be proud of and we all take pride and comfort in his accomplishments, his life and finally, his peaceful end. Dad will be missed by many, and especially by his two special companions, Buddy and Percy. They owe their lives to Dad, and part of his to them. In his last hours, all he wanted was to make sure they would find a good home. Dad, we will not let you down. We know you are at peace and we know you are with Mom. We know your souls needed to be together again. We miss you more than words can say, but we will see you again one day. As we said, only nine short months ago to Mom, we will not say good bye, we will only say so long. We love you Dad. Bless your heart and thank you from the bottom of ours. We are better people because you were our Dad. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. in the St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 2400 Portage Avenue, with Rev. Fr. Mark Tarrant, presiding. The family would like to thank Father Mark of St. Paul's, Dr. Schellenberg for his care of Dad over the years and Dr. Allback most recently. Thanks also to the WRHA Home Care and Drake Medox staff. Special thanks and love go to Janice Youmans for the never ending care, love and devotion you gave to Dad and to Mom. You are truly an angel on earth. You became part of our family and so you will remain. Also to Pierrette, your presence in Dad's last few days made our last journey with him so much easier. You too are our family and we will never be able to thank you enough. Donations in Dad's memory can be made to the Paddock House, Integra Support Services Ltd.,Unit 2 - 745 Vanalman Avenue, Victoria, BC V8Z 3B6. They will be used to assist his dear Granddaughter Melissa. HE'LL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED He'll always be remembered as a man, both strong and good. Who gave his best for others and who did the best he could. He'll always be remembered for all the joy he brought. As a man who made a difference and a man who meant a lot.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 26, 2009