After battling the ravages from both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementias, Leonard Frank Peters, 76 years old, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2024 at his home at Wiigwas Elder and Senior Care Home in Kenora, Ontario, where he had been a resident since June 2023.
Leonard is survived by his wife, Naomi, his sons Karl (Amy) and Logan (Tatrina Tai), his grandchildren, Gianna, Isabella, Lukas, Jett and Aria; his brothers Wilf (Rita) and Roy (Tamara) and sister Betty Folk (Wayne), mother-in-law, Grace Bjorklund, Bonnie Fernets (the mother of his children), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Leonard was predeceased by his parents, John and Katherine (Tina) nee Friesen, brothers David (in infancy) and Edwin, and sisters Opal (in infancy) and Erna, his father-in-law Ivan Bjorklund and sister-in-law Zoe Tetley.
Leonard was born in Matsqui (Abbotsford), BC on March 14, 1948, and moved to Saskatoon with his family two years later. Making a career as a professional driver, Leonard served both the cities of Vancouver and Saskatoon as a Transit Operator. Leonard retired from Saskatoon Amalgamated Transit in December 2010 and subsequently served the Saskatchewan Prairie Spirit School Division as a school bus driver, officially retiring in June 2018.
Leonard completed the initial three-month Officer’s Training with the Canadian Military; graduated from Kelsey (now known as Sask Polytechnic Saskatoon) in Recreational Technology Diploma and their pre-automotive program. His love of sports made him an accomplished team member in football and basketball during his high school years, then playing basketball well into his 50’s. He was an avid golfer, playing on Saskatoon’s Holiday Park Golf Course and Wildwood Golf Course, plus numerous golfing holidays. During his semi-retirement years, you could find him walking with the greyhounds and friends. Leonard’s final retirement years, since 2018, were spent in Northwestern Ontario with his wife and greyhounds.
Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and his ashes will be interred at a later date. However a Celebration and Remembrance of his life will take place in Ignace, August 28, 2024, Silvertops Hall, 2-4pm as well as in Saskatoon, September 11, 2024 at the Willows, Twilight Room 2-4pm.
In lieu of flowers, Leonard’s family asks that you please consider making a donation in his memory to either the Canadian Mental Health Association or the Alzheimer’s Society of NW Ontario. Both of these organizations provided significant support services to both Leonard and Naomi, allowing Leonard to remain in his home in Ignace longer than anticipated; as well as support services to the wonderful medical and care staff at Wiigwas Elder and Senior Care Home.
‘Out Among the Stars’
