LESLIE WALTER DESPINS

Peacefully, after a short battle with cancer, Les passed away on August 28th, his 71st birthday, with his wife and sons by his side.

He will always be remembered by his wife, Donna; sons, Doug (Jennifer), Blair (Shaleen), and Neal (Miranda). He loved his grandchildren Trent (Virginia), Kylie, Rylan (Libby), Audrey, Sarah, Colton and Austin and was eagerly awaiting the birth of his first great grandchild.

Les was born on August 28, 1951 in Winnipeg, and passed away at the Selkirk Regional Hospital on August 28, 2022. He married Donna on July 20, 1974 and they just celebrated 48 years of marriage.

He is survived by siblings Robbie Harris, Geordie and Wendy Despins, Arlene and Kaz Sawicz, Debbie and Dave Payment, Maureen and Wayne Mosionier, Pat and Stan Hadden and their families. He will also be missed by sister in laws Nancy and Tim Flook, Sandra and Jack Robertson and their families. He was predeceased by his parents Bernard and Phyllis, brother Fred and brother-in-law Bob Harris.

Les graduated from Red River Community College as an Electronic Technologist in 1973. He immediately began working for Bristol Aerospace and spent his entire career there until his retirement in October 2011.

Les and Donna spent many years camping in Gimli before he built, with the help of his sons, family and friends, their retirement dream home on the Sandy Hook Golf Course. It was an accomplishment that he was very proud of and enjoyed every minute of living there. In his younger years he curled and golfed, but it was golfing that he enjoyed the most and he spent countless hours on the course with his family and friends.

Golf was a big part of Les’ life and was highlighted by his two Hole-in-Ones. There were many trips to courses near and far with his sons and also long-time playing partner Rene Davidson.

Travelling was also a must. There were annual family vacations when the boys were growing up, from road trips to Montreal, Vancouver Island and Disneyland to flying to Disneyworld.

After retirement Les and Donna were away almost as much as they were home. Cruising was something they found they loved to do. Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal and different Caribbean cruises were thoroughly enjoyed. He loved the history when they visited Scotland and France, the beauty of the scenery on their road trip to the Maritimes and he took a million photos along the way.

When he wasn’t travelling, he loved watching his grandchildren in all their activities. He was a proud Papa and spent many hours at the kart track, the curling club, dance competitions and soccer fields. He also found time to play bridge at the seniors club in Gimli.

In his early childhood he became lifelong friends with Vance Lavery and Marc Vivian and to this day, he would have us laughing with the stories he told of their “musical talent” and escapades. In later years, Larry Zack became his golf and bridge partner and although they may not have been the best bridge players, they had a lot of fun!

The family would like to thank the staff at the Selkirk Regional Hospital for their care and compassion during his stay. 

“Love you Forever”

“Miss you Always”

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Les' family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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