Obituary of LEONARD JOHN KIMACOVICH

LEONARD JOHN KIMACOVICH September 5, 1949 – February 15, 2016 It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the unexpected passing of Leonard Kimacovich on Monday, February 15, at the age of 66. He was taken from us too soon. Leonard was a good person, a loving grandson, nephew, brother, brother-in-law, parent, uncle and cousin who will truly be missed by the whole family and many, many friends. He loved life regardless of its hardships and shared this love of life with many others. In this, he honoured God’s gifts as he received them. Leonard was predeceased by his parents August and Nettie Kimacovich, both in 1978. He will be lovingly remembered by his true soulmate Louella Harms, his sons Jared and Kyle (Kelsey), his step-children Kristen and Brett; his sister Joanne Sluzar (George); brothers Gerald (Bonnie), Larry, Terry (Marilyn) and Ric (Marlene); numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was the firstborn grandchild in the family of John and Elsie Wasyluk of Garland, Manitoba. Many happy childhood times were recalled from days spent and his Baba’s General Store. When the family moved to Dauphin where he attended high school, his interests blossomed into opportunities. He was known for organizing school dances and hiring live bands to perform. His love of music and marketing skills landed him a job at Dauphin Musical Supplies where he would sell customers musical instruments which he himself lacked the knowledge to play. Leonard attended Red River Community College studying Information Technology. This led to careers at Great West Life and MTS, in Real Estate, and most recently, as a mortgage broker. His passions were to the betterment of his community, thus he served a number of productive and successful years as Councillor and Deputy Reeve of the RM of East St. Paul. He also was active with the New Democratic Party of Manitoba and served with pride on the License Suspension Review Board and the Manitoba Municipal Board. At an early age, he was bitten by the “travel bug” which led him to many corners of the globe where he made friends with travel companions and local residents. Playa del Carmen, Mexico was a second home to him, beckoning to him whenever Manitoba weather turned cold. Leonard savoured the warmth of family and friends, CountryFest weekends, family reunions in Garland, camping with Louella’s family and with his sons brought many treasured memories. Leonard’s deepest passion was for family, when his parents passed, he kept the family bonded together, carrying the role of big brother with responsibility. Leonard was proud of his siblings in their accomplishments and of his sons, Jared and Kyle. When Jared endured a near fatal brain injury, Leonard championed not only Jared’s needs but the conviction to fight for the rights of all disabled persons. He served as VP of the Ottawa Valley Head Injury Assn., while in Ottawa and more recently as Director for SPIKE (Special People in Kildonan East). The family offers its sincere thanks to our friend, Offner Arjona, in Playa del Carmen, the Bethel Funeral Home in Cancun, and WestJet for their assistance at this difficult time. Panachyda Prayers and visitation, Thursday February 25th 7:00p.m., at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street in Winnipeg. Funeral Mass, Friday, February 26th, Saint Basil’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 202 Harcourt Bl., 10:00a.m., followed by interment at Holy Family Cemetery. Leonard’s dear friend and travel companion, Father Walter Klimchuk officiating. Vichnaya Pam’Yat.