EDMOND JOSEPH LEONARD

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EDMOND JOSEPH LEONARD

March 10, 1940 - August 12, 2024

Peacefully on August 12, 2024, at the age of 84, Edmond Joseph Leonard was called home. He leaves his wife and sweetheart of 63 years, Joan, to cherish his memory. Together they filled a house with love and five children. His proudest achievement and greatest joy are his family: his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The patriarch of the extended Leonard family Dad was the eldest son of Edmond and Clarisse Leonard (Caudotte), surrounded by nine sisters and two brothers he lived a life for his family. Ever the protector, Dad kept watch on us all, the kids, numerous nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters. There wasn't anything that went on in the family that he didn't know about. Always willing to share a story and a laugh. So many conversations, stories told and laughs were had over a pot of coffee at the kitchen table; a call from him 'is the coffee on' meant he was on his way over for a visit.

Ed to his colleagues, Eddy to his family and friends, Uncle Eddy to countless nieces and nephews, and even many that weren't related, Mr. Leonard to all of our friends, Dad and Grandpa to those who continue on in his name and legacy.

It is said that the heart has infinite capacity for love, that love is not divided but rather multiplied. He had a profound impact on so many people, the door was always open and there was always room for more at the table. Neighbourhood kids would knock on the door, not to call on us but to ask 'can Mr. Leonard come out and play?', and he always did.

Dad was a generous to a fault, offering you the shirt off his back, giving whatever he could to anyone who needed. Growing up, he knew what it was like to go without, and he ensured no one did. At our place you were always welcome, always well fed and always offered comfort and love, you were one of the family. For those welcomed in, whether it was fellow truck drivers passing through Winnipeg joining us at Christmas or family that showed up with their suitcases to stay. Dad had a way of always coming home from family visits with more kids in tow than he left with, there was always a sleepover at our place. There were two hard and fast rules; 1. be kind and helpful 2. do not disrespect Mom!

Dad had a smile that could light up a room, an infectious laugh, a voice that commanded attention, and a glare that could make you run for the door. He was a rock for many of us, a compass to set our true north to. We may be a little lost that he is gone but it is through his unconditional love, strength and resilience that we will find our way. We can shed tears that he is gone or we can smile because he has lived and know that we were loved. We will carry his memory in our hearts.

If when you go to heaven you are reunited with those you love and those who have gone before you, we can all be certain that he is cooking with his mother, playing cards with his sisters, having a beer with his brothers, golfing with the pros, walking the grand-puppies and making up for the time he was shortchanged with his father.

Rest now, we will take it from here.

A special thank you to Tache (Actionmargarite) staff and residents, you offered him exceptional care, respect, compassion and dignity and we will be forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the garden at Actionmargarite, Tache that he tended to and where he enjoyed the sun.

In keeping with Dad's wishes; cremation has taken place and a joint service and Celebration of Life will occur in the future.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 14, 2024, Sep 14, 2024