January 9, 1957 ~ October 3, 2021
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Len who passed away at home on Sunday, October 03, 2021 at the age of 64.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jan, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, great nieces/nephews, family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Alice; his brother, Ron; and his furry pals, Boots and Blue.
In his younger years Len was an exceptional hockey and baseball player. When his nephews, Mark, Mike and Keith, were young and they came to Grandma’s house to visit, Len would spend most of their visit outside on the street playing hockey with them. As they got older, he was able to relive his love for hockey through Mark and Mike. Len and Mark, more like friends than uncle and nephew, followed Mike’s career to the NHL by attending numerous games and travelling to different destinations.
Another one of Len’s passions was football and was a Bomber season ticket holder for 35 years.
Len loved classic cars and enjoyed just going for a ride or attending car shows in his ’67 Chevy Beaumont.
Living in the west end of town, Len decided that there was a need for a convenience store in that area so with a little persuasion he convinced Jan and they started Crosstown Convenience which they owned and operated for 10 years. After selling, they purchased Sears/Lamplighter and turned it into a thriving business winning numerous Sears awards. In March 2021, after 24 years, they sold and were ready to enjoy retirement together but unfortunately that dream now was one that was not to be.
Len grew up in Beausejour where he made many good friends and enjoyed many good times throughout his life there. He will be forever remembered for his smile and laugh. He was never at a loss for words or for a good comeback response! Len was bighearted and never hesitated to help people who were in need. He was very caring and giving be it giving free groceries from Crosstown or stock from Sears/Lamplighter if they were less fortunate than himself and would say, “let’s keep this our secret, I don’t want people to get the wrong impression and think I’m nice.” He felt very fortunate he was able to live and operate his own business in town.
A special thanks to Beausejour Paramedics, RCMP and Sobering Funeral Chapel for their kind support.
Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcome to a Celebration of Life for Len which will be held graveside at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Beausejour on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Please respect COVID protocols.
If so desired, donations may be made to the Beausejour Hospital TV Fund in Len’s memory.
“You are very loved and will be forever missed”
SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, Beausejour
(204) 268-3510 or MB Toll Free 1-877-776-2220
www.soberingfuneralchapel.com
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Shirley Cherrey
Such a shock to hear of Len’s passing. Sincere condolences to the whole family.
Michelle Szajewski
Such a kind man gone too soon. Sympathies to the family. Rest in Peace
Tom & Carol Hay
We are very sorry to hear the passing of Len . He was a good friend that will be missed . From hauling wheel barrels of concrete at age 13 to going to car shows and many other things over the years . We had some great times. Peace be with all of the family at this time, our thoughts and prayers are with you all .
Rest In Peace Lenny
Gisele & Stephen Evecsyn
Condolences to the whole family. We are shocked and saddened. So many memories.
Ron and Sharon Martin
We are saddened to hear of the loss of such a kind hearted and friendly man of our community. My heart is with the family at this difficult time.
Rob Furnish
Lenny was my mentor and a great friend. We just talked last week about his excitement for his new camper and I was going to paint his golf cart to Jets colors, So sad you will be missed BIG DAWG
Annette
So sorry to hear of the passing of Len. We went to school together and he was always a good guy. Condolences to Jan and all family.
Debbie Beger
It was A Terrible shock to hear of Len’s passing, one never knows when it will be the last time you talk to a friend.. mine being last week.. Really enjoyed working for you and Jan at Sears, Loved having conversations and laughs with you about those Big signs/posters that Jan used to make before heading off to the Bomber games.. Len used to tell me.. “ Watch for Jan in the crowd, you should see the Big sign she made for tonight’s game !!” Big Big Smile and laughing … he Loved It.. Will never forget that Big Smile, Will Miss running into You and catching up… Sincerest of Condolences to Jan, Family, and Friends ❤️
Debbie and Larry Okolita
Sincere condolences. Thankful to have had the opportunity to have been neighbours.
Lori Remillard nee Kicenko
Remembering all the fun we use to all have with Leonard, Mouse, Axle, Robert, Kurt, Tom and David. That was 50 years ago. The memories will always be there. My heart will always remember him. Plus my sisters and mother too.
Mojo
Sorry to hear loss of Lenny.
Known Lenny over 50 years.
Were good friends throughout.
Wish could of had a chance to say good bye.
Barbara Grabowski
Hi My name is Barbara Grabowski and live in Edmonton. Just wanted to pass my condolences to the Leclerc Family. Leonard and I go way back to when we were in school. We had good times playing flag football with Mouse and some of the other guys, having good times. He was always good to me and looked out for me. Am just sorry I didn’t get to see him .
Again my condolences to his family and friends.
rest in peace
Dieter Wernicke Jr
Sincere condolences to the family. Len had shown me only kindness, from the first day I relocated with a family business to Beausejour, twenty years ago, he allowed me to service all his vehicles. Then one Christmas, when I was short monies for a purchase of a TV, he took me aside, reached in his pocket, pulled out some cash, and just said, “Buy what you want, and we’ll catch up next year. Have a happy, joyful Christmas season.” This was the first time a person had ever stepped up and showed me free will kindness, to which I’ve paid forward to others in need ever since. I will miss the coffee breaks we had often shared in the shop.
Tim Marcinkow
Sorry to hear of Len’s passing.
Crissy Rattai
Sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family. Very sad to hear this. Many fond memories of working at the store with Len and Jan. Take care.
Virginia Kubish
My sincere condolences to all of Lens’ Family and Jan. Len was always so cheerful and pleasant and will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May her Rest In Peace.
Teresa & Dolf Fandych
Sorry to hear of Len’s passing.
Glen Lafreniere
Sincere condolences to the Leclerc family. Len and I go back some 57 years to Elementary School. From
snowmobiling together in the 90`s , to just seeing each other every Wednesday at the CO-OP
grocery store. I have many fond memories that I will cherish of a friendship that has lasted a lifetime.
Rest in Peace my dear Friend.
Rita & Lou Hutlet
Our Sincere condolence to all the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May He rest in peace!
Bernice Hawton
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss Jan and family and friends. May you find comfort in all the beautiful memories that you shared. Peace.
Bernice and Jay
Laura & Randy Gmiterek
Jan we are so saddened to hear of the passing of Len. Together with the Scholz family we had so much fun at so many gatherings. We will always have so many good memories. For all of us that grew up in Beausejour we all knew Len through sports, work, events or just a to have a conversation on the street. He will be deeply missed within our family and the community.
Dave Donahue
I am so sad to learn of Len’s passing. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Debbie Draward
Jan, I was so shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Len. Another one taken way too young and so soon after retiring from the business. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family during this most difficult time.
Lorraine Drewlo (Molinski)
So sorry ,sad to hear of Len’s passing. Knew all the Leclair Family, especially the Boys!
Sincere Sympathy to you Jan and All Your Family! RIP
Roger & Sheila
Jan,
We’re so sorry to hear about Len’s sudden passing. We pray all the wonderful memories you have of this wonderful man, together with all the accolades from everyone whose life Len touched, will help sustain you through this most difficult time. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers,
Roger & Sheila Kintop
Wanda Corcoran
So sorry to hear of Len’s passing, way too soon. Our condolences to the family, especially Jan. XOXO
Sending love from the Wagner’s in Balgonie.
Wanda (Wagner) Corcoran
Shelagh Kelly
So sorry to hear about Len’s passing. We went to school together, and whenever he would see me he would say 65 is just around the corner. Condolences to Jan and family. Rest in Peace Len
Wendy and Robert
So sorry to hear of Len’s passing. Always enjoyed our chats. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Larry, Donna, Kelvin, Derek , Lashek
Jan and Family, he was such a Friendly and Nice guy, will be truly missed. Sorry for your loss.
Dean&Susan
Our Condolences to Jan & Family & Friends.
RIP Len!
Linda Boyer
Dear Janet, we were so saddened to hear of Len’s passing. We would think of you guys whenever we travelled back to visit family in the Wpg/LDB area. Sending you a hug and praying you have comfort with all your friends and family.
Linda and Bill Boyer
Laurie (Fotty) Sapischuk
Jan and family, I am so so sorry to hear of Len’s passing. He was such a great guy and I will remember all our fun times at the Bomber games at the old stadium. From sneaking alcohol in to make shooters, to bringing garlic sausage and cheese for our half time snacks. Always so much fun and great memories. RIP Len. Hugs to you, Jan.
Karen Fotty
Jan,
Condolences to you and your family in the loss of Len. When I think of Len, I hear his laugh and see his big smile. Great memories watching the Bomber games(at the old stadium) and oh the fun times and laughs we all had. RIP Len. Hugs sent to you Jan.
A & R Komadowski
Jan & the Leclerc family
We were very shocked and saddened to hear of Len’s passing. Our sincere condolences!
Allan & Renetta Komadowski
Genevieve Leclerc
My deepest sympathy to Len’s wife Jan, I am so sorry for your great loss.
To lose a man like Len, is like losing a piece of your heart. The kindest, most generous, loving brother-in-law ever. He was a wonderful friend to us and I’m so grateful and proud to have called him family. We all adored him and he was a great influence in the lives of our 2 boys as well as ours. Rest in Peace my dear friend. You are with your brother, parents and your buddies.
We will miss you so much, and will remember and love you forever!
Lawrence Jakobsze
I am so sorry to hear about Len. He was was one of the neighborhood group that we always played with. He passing was to soon. I was hoping to come out to see him on my next trip. My condolences to his family and friends.
Crognali Greg
So sorry for your loss. I know Len was your soulmate. He was one of very best friends. It will be hard not to have him around. But I know that he will be watching and taking care of you from above.
April Kube
Dearest Jan, family and friends,
My heart is saddened at Len’s passing and wish to offer my heartfelt sympathy and prayers.
I met Len and Jan when I discovered the Lamplighter. From the first visit it seemed as though I had always known them and felt I had found good friends. I looked forward to my shopping trips but mostly for the visits.
Len, a giant of a man with a gentle spirit; Jan along side with her genuine gifts of helping and serving.
May our God of all Comfort give you a real sense of His presence and grant you strength as you journey through this valley of grief.
“When I’ve gone the last mile of the way, I shall rest at the close of the day
Here the dearest of ties must be severed, tears of sorrow are seen every day
But no sickness, no sighings forever, when I’ve gone the last mile of the way”.
T.C.
I met Lenny and Jan in the early 80’s at the Bomber games. We were all season ticket holders and became friends. My sister was a flight attendant and used to bring me 400ml bottles of liquor. I went to the games with my pockets filled for Lenny. In return he brought us delicious beef jerky from Crosstown. We always had a picnic at half time In that front row. You cold smell the garlic sausage that he brought on the field. Lenny loved dogs and at one game Animal Services showed a pup on the big screen that needed a home. Yes, Lenny rescued it and called him Blue. One could write a book about Lenny. So sorry to hear of your passing. Rest In peace Lenny.
Rosa Crognali
One of the toughest condolence messages I have had to write. So many conversations were had that always ended with his big laugh or that big smile of his. He even took time to give Jagger tons of love whenever we snuck in the back door of Sears. Jan he would say, give him a cookie. His kind heart even extended to four legged friends. You wll be so missed my dear friend. Reunited again with Boots and Blue may you RIP.
Grant & Judy Plohman
Jan, Very sorry to hear of Len’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and the family.
Darlene Vandenberghe
So sorry to hear of Len’s passing. Cherish your memories as they last a lifetime.
Tracy Wassing
So sorry to just read of Len’s passing. He is someone you will always remember once you met him. Sincere condolences to Jan and all the family.
Brian and Jan
Jan we are so sad to hear about Lenny,,at a total loss for words. Len and I go back to around 1970 when we would ride Jack Saluk’s ponies to Colmers park and we remained friends for 50+ years. We did a lot together and had tons of fun over the years. Like Mojo had said earlier I wish we had the chance to say Goodbye. Well goodbye Len,,RIP and we will miss you dearly. Until we meet again my friend.
Bill Graves
Jan and Dennis I am so sorry to hear of Len’s passing. I have such fond memories of Len. The morning coffees at Crosstown. Playing slo pitch together, a road trip to Brandon to watch Mike play, but especially the bus trip to Minneapolis to watch the Vikings. Len, Dennis, Pink, and the Laurant Brothers. What a offensive line I had on that trip. Len was at his entertaining best. RIP Len you will be missed.
Harlon and Barb
Dear Jan
Our deepest condolences to you on the loss of Len. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May your memories bring you peace and comfort. Grief never ends But it changes. It’s a passage not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith…it is the price of love. May God who understands each need, who listens to every prayer, bless you and keep you in His tender loving care.
John &Debbie Pescitelli
Our condolences to you Jan and other family. Len will always be remembered for the great guy he was.
JUDY BERGSON
There are no words to express my thoughts. Len will be remembered by so many people. He will be in your heart forever and watching over you from above. Such a kind and giving man.
Don & Judy Kamaraus
Our sincere condolences to you Jan, and all of the family and many friends! Enjoyed the years of Howland Hornets baseball with you guys, he was a big slugger, and tons of fun at the bar afterwards, at tournaments and windups! He will be dearly missed by so many people. Please take care!
Gerry Beaulieu
Len, you will be so sadly missed. You always had a smart aleck comment and then laugh your joyful laugh. You always cared, asked how my hockey player was making. So many memories of greasers social and your house parties. I will miss your laugh and caring. Always your friend
Lucille Chay
Jan,
Our sincere condolences on your recent, devastating loss. May God hold you tenderly in his loving arms during this very difficult time.
Ron & Lucille Chay
Gerald and Pamela Hawranik
Jan, we are so sorry to hear about Len. Keep him in your heart forever. May God Bless you and Comfort you.
Anna hermann
Len although I didn’t know you that well you were always happy, joking with us when we came over. I was so sorry to hear of your passing and know you will be missed by many people especially Jan. Jan may God keep you in his care and help you through this.
Chester and Brenda Neduzak
Our sincere condolences to you Jan, and the entire Leclerc family. Our hearts go out to you. My memories of Len go way back and will never forget the good times shared with those baseball days of old.
Lance & Cindy Wadelius
Len had a memorable childhood with Cindy. Lance will always remember Len as a well informed, well liked and a good man with whom we enjoyed every one of our casual conversations. Len will be missed by all who knew him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jan and family.
Rose Winnicki
So very sorry for your loss , take care .
Don and Sandy Hemminger
So saddened to hear of this loss. Our deepest condolences to Jan and all of the family.
Lea Bangert
I am so sorry to hear this Jan. I had just heard of Len’s passing. We had a couple very nice chats last winter when I worked at Crosstown. And how you’s had owned it many years ago! Sending hugs to you and family !