NELS LEONARD ECKSTRAND

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NELS LEONARD ECKSTRAND 1940 - 2017 Nels Leonard "Len" Eckstrand passed away on the morning of April 25, 2017, at the Third Crossing Manor care facility in Gladstone, MB, after a long battle with progressive supranuclear palsy. Len was 77 years old and had lived in Gladstone since 1993. Born in Kelliher, Saskatchewan on February 8, 1940, Len lived in both Kelliher and Punnichy before entering the University of Saskatchewan to study engineering. He decided to follow in his brother's footsteps and pursue geological engineering because Roger's boots looked so cool. After graduating in 1962, Len moved to Thompson, MB soon afterwards to work at INCO as a geologist. This is where he spent his entire career and where he met his wife Lynda (Adamson) of Gladstone, MB. They married in 1970 and had two children, Karl and Lesley. Len enjoyed many activities including golf, curling, and especially singing. He was often complimented on his beautiful voice and was a member of the United Church choirs, musicals, the Diminished Miners barbershop quartet, and a noted soloist when asked. Len was an active member of the Canadian Legion, the Masons, and the United Church for many years. After retiring and moving to Gladstone, Len's gardening and golfing increased substantially, and even sat as a councillor on the Gladstone town council. Upon Len's diagnosis with PSP in 2011, his health deteriorated and eventually he made his home at Third Crossing Manor until his passing. Len was predeceased by his father Lars, his mother Elsie, his brother Roger, his sister-in-law Marlene, his father-in-law George, his mother-in-law Grace, his brothers-in-law Henry and Ken, and his son-in-law Michael. He is survived by his wife Lynda, his son Karl, his daughter Lesley, his sister Evelyn, his brother Lee (Lorraine), his sister-in-law Helen, his brother-in-law Robert (Cindy), and many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff of Third Crossing Manor for their boundless devotion to their residents and especially for the care of Len. Due to Len's wife, Lynda's illness and subsequent passing, Len's funeral service was postponed and will now be held as joint service for them both on Monday, May 29, 2017 at the Gladstone United Church at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Gladstone Golf Club or the Gladstone United Church. Clarke's Funeral Home, Gladstone - MacGregor www.clarkesfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 27, 2017