LEONARD ERSTELLE SR. (LEN)

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LEONARD ERSTELLE SR.

It is with profound sadness that the families of Leonard Erstelle Sr. announce his passing on Thursday, January 21, 2021.
Leonard was predeceased by his beloved sweetheart partner and best friend, Evelyn Ducharme; his mother Emma, father George, sisters, Susan, Cecile, Mary; brothers, Elie, Henry, August; and his son Leonard Erstelle Jr.
Leonard will be deeply missed by his families and friends. Left to mourn are Ron (Kathy), Diane (Joe), Carol, Lloyd (Michelle), Ed, Rocky, Rory (Sandra), Roland (Veronica) also the late Theresa Marie Erstelle, mother of Leonard's eight children: Mike (Ruth), Robert (Shirley), Derek (Linda), Angie (Gary), Kenny (Tiffany), Allan (Linda) and Barbara; along with his beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Many will never forget his famous swimming lessons.
Leonard is survived by his brother Joe (Diane); sisters, Vera, Delma, Jeanette, Loretta, Rose (Bill) and Flora.
Len was born in St. Laurent, Manitoba. He was a member of the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada. Len was a peacekeeper after the Second World War and received a special service medal. Len was very humble and rarely spoke of it. Len was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Len was also a peacekeeper in his own life. Never a cross word would pass his lips. (Maybe a beer or two but never a cross word.)
Leonard loved fishing with his brother Joe and the boys. Len would come home with the biggest smile and say "I had the greatest time."
Len was known for his rough-housing and his wrestling moves with the boys in the living room, only to hear a loud yell from the kitchen "Leonard stop that! You're going to break something!" Then one of the boys would give him a poke in the ribs and with a twinkle in his eye the karate moves would start again. Even a sneak attack with a two-foot zucchini.
Len loved to dance with his arms in the air and a cigarette in his lips. Usually that smoke had a precariously long ash that never seemed to fall. The jig would start and the whole house would shake. When the music stopped, he would say "shake the hand that shook the world". Then he would laugh and laugh.
It was dancing with Evelyn that made his life complete. Many an evening late at night, just the two of them waltzing in the kitchen.
There are not enough words to say about Len's kindness. We are better people for having known him.
A special thanks to Ed and Roland for going the extra mile in his care.
An extra special thanks to Jasmine, who Len called "my girl", you are an angel here on earth.
Families would like to thank Father Vachon, also Nav, Susan, Suzie and the workers of Fred Douglas Lodge.
Have a toast to his life and "remember the good times".

"I Love You A Thousand Ways"
- Lefty Frizzell

Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 30, 2021