GEORGE LESLIE (LES) BALNEAVES

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GEORGE LESLIE (LES) BALNEAVES On October 8, 2013, shortly before midnight, Les, cherished husband of Georgie for almost 61 years, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family. To continue his legacy are his son, Scott (Alice), his daughter, Lynda, and his two grandchildren, Brian and Kevin. Les was born on July 26, 1930 in the Depression years in the small community of Miami, MB. He grew up on the farm, where he developed his lifelong love of the outdoors and animals, including dogs, horses and even pet owls. In 1948, Les relocated to Winnipeg where he met his everlasting love, Georgie. They married in 1952. Les was a devoted husband and family man, with Scott coming along in 1968 and Lynda in 1969. Beyond his commitment to family, Les also faithfully served his country. For 16 years he served in the reserve unit of the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps (6 Ord. Battalion), rising to the rank of Staff Sargent and earning the Canadian Forces Decoration medal. Pulling himself up by his bootstraps, Les completed high school at night at Daniel McIntyre and Churchill High. He then trained to be an Appraiser and Assessor, working for the City of Winnipeg Assessment Department for over 25 years. He was the proud leader of "Sparky's Gang". Les was a man of many talents and interests and was good at all of them, whether it was woodworking, home renovations or building his own camper van for vacations all over North America with his family and beloved Norwegian Elkhounds, Smokey and Silver. He was deeply involved in the Scottish community of Winnipeg, including the St. Andrew's Society, the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and the Manitoba Highland Dancers Association. He played the bagpipes and, for several years, worked alongside Georgie at the Mug Pub Pavilion during Folklorama. Les was a member in many fraternal organizations, including Freemasonry, Scottish Rite, and the Shrine. Following retirement in 1985, he pursued his interest in genealogy, travelling all over the British Isles with Georgie, visiting distant relatives and researching his ancestry. The Balneaves family would like to thank the Grace Hospital ICU team for all their care and compassion during Les' final days. A celebration of Les' life will take place on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Thomson "In the Park" at 1291 McGillivray Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3T 5Y4, followed by a reception. Viewing will begin at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be at Brookside Cemetery, 3001 Notre Dame Avenue following the reception. Flowers are gratefully declined and in recognition of the many health challenges Les faced and overcame, donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada are appreciated. Les, you were the love of my life for 60 plus years of marriage and four years of going steady. I will miss you terribly and look forward to joining you when it's my time. With all my love, Georgie. "Carry on" THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 12, 2013