Obituary of Leonard Lewandoski
With great sadness we announce the loss of our beloved father, Leonard Harold Lewandoski, on October 2, 2024 at the age of 90. Dad was born in the R.M of Minto near Clanwilliam, Manitoba on May 9, 1934 and was the second son born to Stanley and Martha Lewandoski.
In his later years, Dad loved to share his memories as a young man. There were limited opportunities to attend high school in those days, so at 14 years old, he worked for other farmers in the winter and came home to help his father in the summers. The Dyers were a particular family in the Minnedosa area that he often spoke of. Living with them as part of their family for several years, he was introduced to so many new things such as farm equipment, driving a car, different food and ham radios, all of which he said impacted his life greatly. Eventually he bravely jumped on a bus and moved to Winnipeg with just a few dollars in his pocket. He took a few technical courses and landed a job at Empire Radio. It was then that he and his friends would go to Victoria Beach on weekends, where he met our mother, Yvonne. They married on September 29, 1956.
He worked for Canadian General Electric for 20 years in both Winnipeg and Regina. For many years, he travelled to parts of the prairies and western Ontario training technicians in appliance repair. From there, he and Mom moved to Brandon and established their own successful business, Assiniboine Appliance. Dad did not quite get what retirement meant and after selling his business, he continued to work at the Brandon Superstore right up until the age of 87.
Dad volunteered with the Optimist Club, Meals on Wheels, and travelled extensively. His favourites were Hawaii and cruising the Caribbean, but he and Mom made many road trips in the US and Canada. Our parents definitely instilled a great love of travel in their children.
Left to mourn his passing include his beloved sister Geraldine (Ted) Michalchuk, children Susan (Floyd) Hayward, Janet (Darren) Gusdal, Judi (Ernie) Carmichael and Mark (Lucy) Lewandoski. He loved all his grandchildren a great deal, Mitch, James, Eric, Laura, Melissa, Olivia, Austin and Dylan plus great grandchildren, Nova, Darren, Liam, Oliver, and Ember. His family was his pride and joy. While his absence is felt deeply, his love, sense of humour and strength will continue to be a part of our lives forever.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Details to follow.
