JOSEPH ANTOINE (TONY) EUGENE LEONARD

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Tony Leonard, known lovingly to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as Pere.

Tony was predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Barbara, on August 17, 2023; his only son, Denis Robert Leonard, on October 10, 2015; his middle daughter, Jacqueline Renee Gerelus, on August 17, 2021; his sisters, Irene Leonard, Jeanne Forth, and Alice Davies; and half-brother Jimmy. While he carried the weight of these losses quietly, he never stopped showing up for those he loved.

He leaves behind his daughters, Sue Leonard and Monique (Bernie) Rempel; his son-in-law Mark; grandchildren, Casey (Kyle), Amy, Brayden (Noelle), Erin, and Noah; and great-grandchildren, Zach, Norah, Lucas, Elias, Sophie, and Madilyn. He is also survived by his half-sister Judy (Hugh) Gaw. Tony will be deeply missed by his “adopted” daughter Karen (Joe), as well as by the many friends—lifelong and newly made—who were lucky enough to know him.

Tony was born on December 20, 1934, in St. Boniface, Manitoba, the youngest of four and the only boy. Life dealt him difficult cards early, after losing his mother at just five years old to typhoid, and after more loss and change his paternal grandmother (Mamere) raised him and his siblings.

His upbringing in the Catholic Church formed the foundation for his life. And the resilience he showed through the many losses he endured was an extraordinary example to all of us. He served as an altar boy at the St. Boniface Basilica and graduated from St. Boniface College a year early by completing his final two years in one. While in school, he played both hockey and lacrosse, proudly serving as a lacrosse goalie—his favourite sport.

He loved music, and together with his best friend Armand, he pooled money to buy a record player. Every payday, they would each contribute toward a new record, slowly building a collection for them to enjoy.

Tony started working at just nine years old, setting bowling pins for a penny a line, for a total of 10 cents per game. By sixteen he was working for CNR in Transcona, and by seventeen and a half he had joined the Air Force, completing basic training in Quebec before being posted to Ottawa.

In 1955, at age 21, while Tony was in a bowling league he met Bill Gower. At the year-end bowling windup, Bill introduced Tony to his daughter Barbara. Barbara knew instantly she would marry this six-foot-two man. They married in September 1957. Their family grew quickly with the arrival of Denis (1958), Sue (1961), Jackie (1962), and Monique (1964).

Tony and Barbara settled in Transcona, where they became deeply involved in the community. Leadership came naturally to him—at home, at work, and in service to others. He held numerous leadership and coaching roles through the Kinsmen, the Community Club, and provincial politics. He helped build parks, hosted countless pancake breakfasts, coordinated fundraisers, published club bulletins, and assisted with organizing the Hi Neighbor Festival. His work ethic was admirable, and his impact enduring.

Their homes were always open—welcoming to their friends and to ours. The years on Sark Crescent were filled with pool parties and BBQs that became cherished memories. Even after moving to Brandon, people continued to make the effort to visit, drawn by the welcoming hospitality Tony and Barb created together.

He joined the Kinsmen Club in 1964 and found not just camaraderie, but validation of his love of giving back to the community. Tony served as President of the Transcona Club, both Governor and District Governor, and was honoured with a Lifetime Member Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution of Kinsmenship. He remained active in the K40 Club until the end and rarely missed a monthly breakfast meeting.

Tony enjoyed a 37 year career at Manitoba Telephone System. His first role was going door to door selling phone service. When that opportunity ended he accepted a pay cut in a different role to secure a future there, and worked his way up through the company. He took on several positions including having been a top salesman for many years and closing the largest telecommunications sale in Canadian history at the time. In 1978, Tony moved his family to Brandon, Manitoba, after being selected to manage the new Business Centre, returning again to Winnipeg in 1982. Tony retired in 1991 as a Marketing Manager. He was incredibly proud of his career and proud to see all three of his daughters follow in his footsteps at MTS. He continued to look out for them in his retirement by serving on the TRAM committee to ensure their pensions were secure.

When Tony and Barb moved back to Winnipeg in 1982 they found a great home in Southdale. They lived together in that house for 41 years making many great memories which it made it especially hard for Tony when Barb passed away. He stayed in the house for another 2 years without her. In June 2025, Tony made the brave decision to move into assisted living. Tony moved into his new apartment on September 20, and thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the new life he created there. He made new friends quickly, loved the food, appreciated the staff, was proud of his new apartment, and fully embraced the daily routines. Meal times became non-negotiable, and visitors quickly learned to plan around them. As soon as it got close to 11:30am or 4:30pm he would start making his way to the door to head downstairs to the dining room. He didn’t mind if the visitors joined him for meals, stayed in the apartment to wait for him or headed home.

What never faded was his desire to learn. He believed that growing older did not mean growing stagnant. He became a confident public speaker through Toastmasters, faithfully tackled the New York Times crossword, and could build or fix just about anything around the house. At one point, he even took on a car restoration project.

And then there was his love of technology. When he retired in 1991, he bought himself a personal computer and from that moment on, he always had the newest cell phone and an app for everything…including one to turn off the lamp sitting right beside him and feed his cat. He became unofficial tech support for his friends. And when a question was just beyond his expertise, he’d call Jackie or Monique, get the answer, and then call his friends back—sometimes without admitting he’d needed a little help.

Dad was happiest when he was telling stories, sharing jokes, or dancing with Mom. His jokes—especially the French ones—were legendary. He learned to dance from his sister Irene, from watching others, and eventually by inventing his own moves. When Dad and Mom danced, the room stopped. You couldn’t look away.

Family and friends were everything to Tony. He loved visits, phone calls, and long conversations—especially if they happened over breakfast and especially at Southdale Family Restaurant. We want to express our appreciation to the owners for treating our parents like family. The hospitality you provide in your restaurant feels deeply personal—almost as if each guest is being welcomed into your own home rather than a place of business. It’s the kind of hospitality that lingers long after the meal is over, turning a simple visit into a meaningful part of their day. We all love being part of your daily hug count.

We are grateful that the residents at his new home had the chance to know the Tony we all knew and loved. He rediscovered joy there. Tony’s sharp wit, sarcastic humour, and love of conversation never faded. He prided himself on being well-informed by reading the Winnipeg Free Press cover to cover each day, always ready to talk about anything with anyone.

There’s a quote from It’s a Wonderful Life that feels especially fitting:

“Each man’s life touches 

so many other lives, 

and when he isn’t around, 

he leaves an awful hole

—doesn’t he?”

At 91 years old, Dad lived a full and generous life. He led, he learned, he laughed, he served, he danced, and he loved deeply. We are better for having known him, and we will carry his example with us always.

Thank you, Dad.

We will miss you dearly.

Our family would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported us with kind words, visits, meals, and memories during this difficult time. Your love and compassion have brought comfort and strength, and we know our dad would have been deeply touched by the care shown to his family.

We would also like to thank the staff and residents at The Meadows for welcoming Tony so warmly and for helping him rediscover joy, friendship, and a sense of belonging in his final months. Your kindness meant more to him—and to us—than we can ever express.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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