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Leonard Payne

Image by Nick Andréka

LEONARD PAUL PAYNE

July 03, 1952 – October 17, 2021

With great sadness and heavy hearts, the family announce that Leonard passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at St. Boniface Hospital surrounded by loving family and a very dear friend; he was 69 years old.

 

He is survived by his siblings Lillian Nast (Ed), Pat Payne, and Glen (Brenda); twin sister Diane Rybczuk (Walter); his dear special friend, Pearl Gordon;  step-grandchildren, Christopher, Kali, Abby and Dom; numerous nieces and nephews, Harold Nast (Denise) and family, Karen Kristjanson (John) and family, Corrinne Baker (Vince) and family, Kenny Payne (Lisa), Gary Payne (Beverley) and family, whom he adored so much.  Leonard was especially fond of the newest generation of great-great nieces, Sadie, Kelita and Hadley.  He called them his little munchkins. Also surviving are his cousins, Theresa (Reuben) and family, Violet (Dave) and family, Margaret and family, Pam (Gerry) Pineau, Steve (Candace) Prozyk. He also leaves behind numerous friends. He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Mary Payne; sister Marlene Baker; brother Lloyd Payne; and his very special cousin Steve Prysiazniuk.

 

Leonard spent his entire working career in the welding profession. He was happiest in the outdoors, whether it was camping, boating, fishing or feeding the wildlife. One of his other passions was karaoke. Leonard was the life of the party and usually very mischievous. He was at his best with a drink, a guitar and karaoke system, belting out one off his favourite Elvis or Johnny Cash tunes. He would love to sing to the ladies in his life and family "Hello Darlin', nice to see you...."

 

In Leonard's final weeks of his life, he was able to spend some quality time at his nephew Harold's cottage. He enjoyed the peace and serenity during that time. He even got to feed a fox which thrilled him

 

Thank you to the staff at St. Boniface Hospital for Leonard's care. A special thank-you to nurse Dave, unit E5 for the special care given to Leonard in his final hours.

 

In accordance with Leonard's wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held.

Leonard's 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.

 

A celebration of Leonard's life will be held in early summer 2022. Date and location to be determined

TO THOSE I LOVE AND WHO HAVE LOVED ME

When I am gone, release me, let me go

I have so many things to see and do,

You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears;

Be happy that we had so many years

I gave you my love, you can only guess

How much you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for all the love you each have shown,

But now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve for a while for me if grieve you must;

Then let your grief be comforted by trust,

It's only for a while that we must part,

So bless the memories in your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on;

So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near

And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear

All my love around you soft and clear.

And then when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile and say

"Welcome home"

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

Please share a story, photo, memory or condolence for the family by completing the form below and clicking "Post Comment"

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Trista

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Uncle Len, Words cannot express the sadness our family feels over the loss of such a great person. So many memories come flooding back of our childhood spent with you and the family. You were such a comedian, always trying to put a smile on everyone's face, and not to mention, quite the charmer. Thank you for the phone calls over the years to let us know you were thinking of us. Thank you for spending time with my dad before your passing and making one last memory together with him. We will miss you greatly, and will think of you often. I'm sure your name will continue to come up in conversations for years to come. Love, your Trista-Etta❤

Helen mcnulty

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Hi Walter. Thank you so much.  It is such a beautiful tribute.  Appreciate it.

Jan Jeff and Jan

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

We met "Lenny" as we called him, thru his partner Pearl and while we didn't know each other all that long, he definitely left a lasting impression. I have not met anyone who would break into a Johnny Cash or Elvis song just out of the blue. He was very kind and whenever we saw him, he always asked, how are you?, and he was interested, it wasn't just the normal how are you greeting, he really wanted to know. I appreciated that about him. Lots of shits and giggles with him for sure. Rest in peace friend and sing loudly - JanJan, Jeff and Just Jan ❤

Helen mcnulty

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

diane beautiful song and tribute to Len.  It still feels surreal to me.  Len loved karaoke and would sing Elvis Presley songs as well as johny cash to name a few.  He had a beautiful singing voice.  I am remembering the good memories which were many.  Is there any way to save this.  Thank you for sharing.

Carol

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

This is such a beautiful tribute to Leonard.  He had such a full life . He could always make you laugh and smile.  We'll all miss that crazy, mischievous guy.  Rest in peace Leonard.❤ 

Bev & Brian Born

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Diane, what a beautiful and touching tribute. Your story has painted a clear and loving picture of your dear twin brother, Leonard - may those precious memories help ease your grief. Despite not knowing him, our hearts ache with yours on his passing. Our sincerest condolences to you and Walter. Love Bev & Brian

Harold & Denise

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Was so very hard for me to put in words how much you meant to us Uncle Len. You were like a brother to me and I often remember you saying that to me. We are deeply grateful for all the good times we had together and will never forget that. Love you and miss you very much already!!! 

Caitlin

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Great uncle Len. You had a love for rock n’ roll and cars which was certainly a conversation starter! When ever someone was down you would bring them back up and cheer them up! You were not only the life of the party but you were and will always be a remarkable man!! We love and miss you dearly!!! ❤

Brenda & Jim Edmondson

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Diane..........What a beautiful tribute to your treasured twin brother. Although Jim and I did not have the pleasure of meeting Leonard, we feel that we got to know him through the many stories you shared with us. May it be of some small comfort to know that he is at peace, and that you and Lodge are in the thoughts and prayers of so many during this difficult time. We send our most heartfelt condolences for your loss. Love Brenda & Jim

Karen Kristjanson

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Uncle Len, I am going to miss you so much. Just watching this tribute brings tears to my eyes thinking of all the good times and how you were such a big part of this family. I will truly miss your phone calls and your laugh. RIP ❤

Nestor Rybczuk

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Always the life of the party'. Funny, a great Elvis impersonator... He will be missed. Love you Leonard. See you up there one day !

Peter Magda

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Leonard was a generous and very kind man who was loved by all!  I will miss Leonard deeply particularly his silly remarks designed to make us laugh out loud Len was very good at that and I love him and will miss him a lot RIP my friend see you on the other side!❤❤❤😳

Tara

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Rip Len,you were such a generous man and we will all miss you dearly here at the Cambridge. ❤

Walter Rybczuk

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Such a good person, a great brother-in-law and a great friend.  I will miss your smile, your laugh and your mischievous ways.  Being married to your twin sister, we had a very special bond !!  I love you !!  You can now rest in peace.  See you on the other side. Love Lodge (Walter Rybczuk) ❤ ❤

Diane Rybczuk

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My broken heart aches with such sadness in the loss of my dear twin brother Len (my wombmate)!!  We shared so much together, especially our birthdays.  I will forever miss your daily phone calls.  You will forever be a part of me and never forgotten.  I treasure all my memories of you and will continue to celebrate our special day as you will be there in my heart.  I love you Len, until we meet again, Rest In Peace !! Your loving twin sister, Diane  ❤❤

Walter Rybczuk

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

With a heavy heart of sadness, I had to say good-bye to my beloved brother Leonard.  I'll miss him terribly and his phone calls almost every day.  He'll forever hold a special place in my heart.  I love you Len.  Your loving sister, Lil  ❤❤

Carol patterson

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

beautiful  tribute  so young  and so much life in him  thoughts and  prayers to the family

Jim J Rak

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Sorry, to hear about the loss of Leonard, may he rest in peace. My deepest condolences to the family.

Vheri

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

So very very sorry for your loss! Hugs and love,John and Cheri

Stella Karr

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

so sorry of Leonard's passing.  He was a great guy! God Bless

Corrinne

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

Beautiful obituary and tribute,  Uncle Len had a heart of gold. He loved nature, fishing and animals. I remember his dog Suzy when I was growing up. Shawn and I have fond memories of growing up with uncle Len. He is greatly missed. We all love you.❤ Love your niece Corrinne Baker and family  Rest in paradise 

Stephanie Nast(Ponewas)

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

Uncle Len (lenny doubtfire) as you called yourself  when you called me. I will miss you so dearly. As i watched this slideshow and the wonderful photos everyone has and memories, tears of joy streamed down my face. You always had the cheesiest jokes but you cracked me up everytime. I will certainly miss your smile, your late night calls but most of all, i will miss you. I love you, Rest in Peace my friend❤

Marcie

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

Uncle Len is how he introduced himself to us and the only name we called him. From the first time we met Uncle Len he made us laugh and made us feel like family. When we think of Uncle Len we remember how much he talked about Harold, Boots (Denise), Trista, Randall, Kelita, Hadley, Stephanie and Cody.  We know you are fishing, singing and making everyone laugh where you are today! Condolences to your family.  Always remembering you with a smile on our face.  Until we met again❤ Love Lorne and Marcie
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