LEONARD H. BROUWER

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LEONARD H. BROUWER Uncle Leonard was born on Easter Sunday, April 21, 1957 in Winnipeg, MB. Aunty Geraldine told me that as an infant, he moved with his mother, father, and brother to a dairy farm in Quibell, Northwestern Ontario. He attended Quibell, Vermillion Bay, and Dryden High schools. Uncle Leonard enjoyed many summers at nearby Blue Lake. His family, with three more brothers, returned to Winnipeg in the early 70s where he completed his mechanics at Tec Voc. His summer jobs included working at Max Boersma's Market Garden and pumping gas at Curtis Tire on Notre Dame. He repaired trucks at many Winnipeg companies including George Smith, Powell and Parkside, before starting Leon's Truck Service. He traveled throughout Manitoba accompanied by his four-legged assistant, Buster, who was one of his rescue animals. Uncle Leonard spent many hours watching cartoons with us. He took us on many adventures like the Zoo, Museum and Tinkertown. I especially treasure my Barbie bike and my pink Harley-Davidson Limited Edition motorcycle trike that he bought. Many pictures remind us of his generous heart that gave out at the end. With love, Goddaughter, Deanna. We began as friends and ended as friends. We enjoyed many summers camping at Blue Lake, ON. Through the 1990s, we enjoyed Bomber games in Section U17 1 and 2, attending our first Grey Cup in Winnipeg. A last minute trip to Toronto Grey Cup led to 6 Grey Cup games. We met wonderful people and visited family on those trips across Canada. Leonard loved animals and many of our pets were rescued with donations going to Humane Society many times. His soft spot for children gave him great reward when he was Santa Claus, especially seeing his nieces and nephews smiles. His woodworking graced our home with "solid oak" cabinetry. He took great pride in his craftsmanship and workmanship in everything he tackled. It gives me comfort that we reminisced just prior to his passing on October 6, 2014 in Alberta. Leonard left Winnipeg to work at Finning Edmonton CAT as a mechanic and supervisor before moving to Finning Red Deer CAT. At the time of his passing, he was operating a picker truck for Tri Energy Red Deer. Rest now, my dear friend, with love Geraldine Biy Brouwer. Condolences may be sent to MyUncleLeonard@outlook.com. In keeping with Leonard's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will happen on Grey Cup Sunday, November 30th, 2:00 p.m., Ukrainian Labour Temple, Pritchard and MacGregor, Winnipeg, leaving you enough time to get to your Grey Cup Party. If desired, donations can be made to Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg MB R3T 0R3. Donation cards will be available at Celebration. Predeceased by Hermina and Leendert Brouwer. Survived by Andre, Peter, Tony and Bill Brouwer.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 22, 2014