So sorry to hear of Les' passing, I didn’t know, just found out now. I worked with Les at Grey Goose Bus Lines back in the 1990s. He was such a great guy and we got along great. Up until the 2023, we always exchanged Christmas cards (Canada Post was on strike near last Christmas), even though I haven't worked at Grey Goose since 1997. I missed seeing his posts, so I looked him up on FB... rest in peace, my friend, I miss you.

Tim, My condolences to you and family on Les' passing. I believe I first met Les at one of the many parties on Warsaw Street in 1979. We last crossed paths at your stag and doe. Of course the evening ended with us chatting over a coffee at one of the coffee shops on Osborne. When I was out at the farm this summer, it crossed my mind that Les would enjoy sketching and painting the landscape around Trembowla and that I should extend an invite to him to go there at anytime to take in those surroundings. Perhaps his spirit will venture there. Hugs my old friend.

Dear Lisa,

I offer you my condolences on the death of your father and I share your grief. I did not know him, but now I understand where your artistic inspiration came from.

With all my affection.

Our condolences on the passing of your dear father and grandfather. We commissioned Les in the early 80’s to create a memory of trips with friends canoeing the Bird river. Those days have slipped by but art lives on. Les captured the beauty of Winnipeg and then shared it with all lucky enough to be his Facebook friends. He was a beautiful soul and will be missed.

I first met Les when we were both in the Fine Arts program at the U of M. I was struck by his incredible talent-especially his work with ink wash. He also had a spectacular Afro in those days. One day he asked me if I liked beer. I'm pretty sure this was our first conversation. Days later he showed up un-announced at my appartment with a six pack. He had somehow spotted a painfully introverted individual who needed to be Loosened up. We lost touch for awhile after university, but he did contact me to see if I would give guitar lessons to one of his daughters.(Ali I think) I was a starving musician at that point and I suspect he was once again coming to my rescue. After my first marriage ended and I was somewhat adrift, Les and I got together for coffee. I told him about the person I was seeing and the wonderful relationship I'd developed with her and her little girl. I was unsure what to do. Les said, "marry her" He was right and I did. He came to our house for dinner a couple of times and on one ocassion he spent some time talking to my youngest daughter, and she said afterward she could tell how sincerely interested he was in what she had to say. Years later, when we attended one of his shows, he gave this same daughter one of his paintings. Les was kind, perceptive, and generous with his time and talent. Barb, Freyja, Lilja and I will miss him. My sympathy to his family and friends.. Ted Parnell-Best and family.

I met Les as a fellow CMBC student in the early 70's. In the 90's he drove Grey Goose bus for a couple of our Westgate choir/band tours (BC & Ontario)..Sudents loved his easy and humourous chatting! In recent years when I lived in the Osborne Village I would often run into Les; on his bike, on his skates, doing crossword puzzles at the Pancake House, shows of his artwork at the Grove. A very good guy!

I met Les when Lisa and I became friends in grade 7, and from the very beginning, he always made me feel welcome. I loved spending time at his place with Lisa and Ali... we were always doing something creative and fun, like cutting out magazine pictures and making collages. We’d eat Gondola pizza, laugh endlessly, and I always left feeling not just entertained, but inspired. Les created an environment where I felt like I belonged and where my creativity thrived.

When I turned 18, Les let me choose a painting from his gallery. I couldn’t believe it! My first piece of real art! I chose a beautiful watercolor of Lisa and Ali as children at the Narcisse Snake Pits. It still hangs on my wall to this day, along with two other Les Brandt originals that I treasure and proudly show to guests, always sharing the story of how I knew the artist.

Les had a way of making everything fun. I remember one visit when Lisa and I ended up at his place for a hat party, which was pure silliness and joy. My sense of humor always felt at home with him and his family, and that connection meant a lot to me.

I’ll miss running into him on Corydon, and my deepest regret is that we never met up for one more drink there. Les, you will be deeply missed.

BUDDING ARTISTS

..would like to share this photo of 1958 summer Enns family gathering.

Our Auntie organized an artist gallery of grandchildren's artwork. These were mounted on the outside walls of the playhouse

(note blurry objects on R.H.corner of playhouse).

Clearly remember the Brandt cousins' outstanding sketches of the scenery of their northern Manitoba home (Loon Straits?)

-very advanced talent even then..

Tho I no longer live in Manitoba, I really enjoyed and will truly miss Les's posts of his adventures and art.. He showed me a Manitoba that I never got to know ! .Thanks Les.

Sincere condolences to the Family on the loss of Brother, Dad, Granddad.

Love, cousin Sandra

Ahhh Les, you will be missed. Who will I skate with now?Condolances to the family near and far.

Les was a fixture in our neighbourhood. We'd look out the window and there was Les checking out the Little Red Library or the view from the Hugo Street dock. If you met him he'd always have time for a conversation or a cup of coffee. We'll miss him.

Dear Lisa and Ali

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad.

He and your Mom Di, were always so proud of you. They nurtured and nudged you to become the special people you are.

With sympathy

Lori (Wilcosh) Tighe

Les was a keen observer, well read, a great story teller, and as fine a friend to hang out with as one could find.

in the early 1980s Les and i drove Unicity Taxi 218 together - usually Les on the day shift and i was the night driver. in the morning i'd sneak into his bedroom and pull his big toe to wake him for his shift. at the end of his day shift we'd get a chance to talk and share cab stories. i enjoyed his humor and good natured tales of the city's characters. he was a wonderful big brother to me. one summer i was away and he wrote, with drawings from the road. he always wrote good letters and made fun cards....

I knew Les for a number of years before leaving Winnipeg for Toronto in 1986. Unfortunately, since my return to Winnipeg in 2023, we did not have the opportunity to reconnect in person, only briefly by email. I own one of his pieces of art and remember him fondly. RIP

I have known Les for 23 years, he would ride over with his bike. A gentleman in the real meaning of the word,dependable kind and friendly. You will be missed but never forgotten. RIP