LEONARD JOHN GEMZIK

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LEONARD JOHN GEMZIK It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Leonard Gemzik. Dad died peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at the age of 92. Dad was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on March 25, 1926 to John and Mary Gemzik. He grew up in Winnipeg with his brother and three sisters. At the age of 18, along with a cousin, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy (serving in the North Atlantic) in the Second World War. He met the love of his life, Helen in Winnipeg and on July 1, 1948 they were married. They were blessed with four sons: Bruce, Brian, John and Len. Dad had a keen business sense and in 1969 with Mom by his side, purchased a dry cleaning business in Nelson and moved the family west. Dad could fix or repurpose just about anything. At the ripe old age of 72 he decided he wanted to become computer literate. He became quite proficient. He also loved nothing more than to bend anyone's ear and discuss politics. A proud family man, he was always proud of his children's accomplishments. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren all had a special place in his heart. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary, sister Nell, brother Mike, sister Violet, son Brian (1970), daughter-in-law Jane (2011) and wife Helen (2015). He is survived by his sister Georgina. Also by his sons, Bruce (wife Gayle) in Australia, son John in Calgary, son Len (wife Christine) in Nelson. Grandchildren, Mike, Katie, Pat, Kristopher and Robyn as well as great-granddaughters, Daisy and Pepper (in Australia) and Gail Neufeld, who was very special to Dad. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation. Thank you to Dr. Newson for Dad's care and to the staff in the Emergency Dept. at Kootenay Lake Hospital. Private graveside service. Dad you are forever in our hearts.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 22, 2018, Jun 23, 2018