ROBERT NORBERT LEYS

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ROBERT NORBERT LEYS February 4, 1929 - July 5, 2017 With his family by his side, our father, grandfather and pepe, left us to join Mom's side in heaven after a lengthy courageous battle with Alzheimer's. The disease could take his memories but not his spirit. Predeceased by his loving wife Denise in March of this year, Dad is survived by his daughter-in-law Pearl, children: Danny, Alan, Wayne (Sandy), Sandra (Ian) and Debbie Leys. He was a loving grandfather to 13 grandkids, and Pepe to 16 great-grandkids. Also mourning Dad's passing are his siblings, Jean (Cesar), Laurette (Roger) and Jeannette (Denis), many in-laws, nieces and nephews. Together with Mom, Dad survived the heartache of losing their children, Richard, Linda, Charlie and daughter-in-law Irene; his parents, Kleber and Angele; his brother Albert and sister Yvette. Dad was born in Tielt, Belgium and served in the Belgian Army before immigrating to Canada in May of 1952. Here he met the love of his life and together raised their family. Dad was very well known throughout the avian community as a top breeder of canaries, budgies, cockatiels and lovebirds to name a few. After moving to their final home, Dad started moving his interest towards chickens, pheasants and pigeons. He won many awards for the birds that he bred. Dad owned and operated his own construction company, which he was very proud of. He did commercial work in some restaurants and stores before moving on to hotel renovations, and his longtime association with the Gordon Hotel chain. Although Dad may have been small in stature, he was a giant of a man we looked up to, for guidance, love, advice and to share his wisdom. Always willing to help out on various projects, he made sure not to just do it, but to show us how to do it for ourselves the next time. We will miss him dearly, but we know he is together with Mom once again, and they are watching over us. We would like to express our deepest appreciation to Uncle Ray and Auntie Judy, it is because of your love that Dad could stay home as long as he did, and for this we are forever grateful. He always knew he could go to Uncle Ray if he needed a hand with anything and to Auntie Judy for some homemade sweets. To the staff of Riverview Health Care Centre CD-1 unit, your loving care meant so much to us. We knew he was in good hands with all of you. Your support during these past few months leaves us speechless. We are blessed to have had you caring for our parents. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 778 Archibald Street. Burial to follow in the Belgian Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in Dad's memory can be made to Riverview Health Centre Foundation. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 08, 2017