LENNARD MELVIN ROSAASEN

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LENNARD MELVIN ROSAASEN
February 14, 1941 - September 5, 2022

Peacefully, with family by his side, Dad passed to join Mom in heaven on Monday, September 5, 2022.
Lennard was predeceased by Donna, his wife of 51 years, his parents, Hazel and Harold Rosaasen, his sisters, Belinda, Carol, Helen, and his brother Morley. Left to cherish Lennard's memory are his children, Robyn (John), Sherri, and Dale, his siblings, Joyce, Barbara, Sharon, Gary, Judy, Valerie, Bonita, Dean, and Diane and their families. Lennard is also remembered by the Richardson family as a caring brother-in-law and giving uncle.
Dad was born in Flin Flon, Manitoba and raised in Calgary and Winnipeg. Growing up during tough times, many of his siblings called Dad their "big brudder," their protector, their hero. Dad was generous, funny, hard-working, and a champion of the underdog.
A renowned storyteller, Dad often reminisced about his childhood, growing up in a large family in the North End. He fondly remembered waiting up, past his bedtime, for one of his older sisters to bring home free ice cream from her part time job. As a teenager, Dad worked as an usher at the Calgary Capitol Theater, joking he was hired because he fit into the uniform of the guy who left the position.
Dad's strong work ethic was evident in every aspect of his life. He held a number of jobs including a lengthy career at the Winnipeg Free Press. Dad started his newspaper journey as a paper boy. As a young man, Dad moved into full time work in the Mail Room and Stereo Department. He then apprenticed to his final position as a Photo Compositor. During his 41 years at the Free Press, he served as a union representative, always advocating for better wages and working conditions. Dad became lifelong friends with many fellow employees.
Dad turned his love of music into a part time job as a Music Man at socials, weddings, and other events. Before house flipping was trendy, Dad and his older brother pooled their resources to purchase an income property. As a result, many families and friends benefited from affordable rent and secure housing.
Dad's love of family and desire to have his own business led him and three siblings to buy a Gondola Pizza franchise. The business remained profitable until sold, notwithstanding the numerous family events hosted at the restaurant and despite the staggering amount of free pizza given away to friends.
Dad had many and varied interests including travel, playing cards, doing crossword puzzles, collecting coins, cheering for his favourite sports teams, and trying his luck with lottery tickets or at a casino, earning him the nicknames "Lotto Lenny" and "Lucky Lenny." Dad loved being in the water, making treks to the beach, kids in tow to Birds Hill Park or swimming in the pool in Arizona.
Dad donated his time, funds, and energy to countless organizations, charities, and the church. He was a strong advocate for others, always ready to make personal sacrifices for those less fortunate. Both Mom and Dad were great friends of social democracy.
Dad was an eternal optimist, always looking for the good in all people and every situation. Dad was fair, non-judgmental, and forgiving. He was easy going, compatible with everyone, and made others laugh easily. Even after losing most of his sight in 2010, Dad never uttered a word of complaint about his new reality, remaining ever positive.
Dad's first and foremost love was for his family, putting our needs ahead of his own. Dad's proudest accomplishments were raising three children, building a house for his family, and contributing to his community.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the staff of Holy Family Home for their gentle, compassionate care. We also extend a special thank-you to family and friends for their thoughts, prayers, and support.
Cremation has taken place. A dedication to honour Dad will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Dad's name to North Kildonan United Church.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 10, 2022