Albert Leonard

Albert was born to Irene (nee Tull) and Antoine Leonard on a farm North of Lestock, SK, on quarter 17, February 17, 1935. He was the second child of four.

He grew up on the family farm and attended Emerald Country School. He started working on the family farm when he was 12 with his dad, where they shared a love for Hereford Cattle. Four years later, he worked for Lyle Record, farming just a few miles north of Lestock, Sk.

On July 23rd, 1955, he married his country-school sweetheart and soulmate, Laura Taylor. They lived on their first farm for 34 years and raised a family of six; four daughters and two sons. Along with running his own farming operation, he drove school bus, worked at Leross Cattle Auction and Wadena Cattle Auction. Albert also did custom grain and cattle hauling. In 1977, Albert and Roy Labas began farming 2000 acres up until 1984, when he purchased the Lestock Garage and a quarter of land closer to town. In 1989, Albert and Laura built a yard site on the land, where they resided for their remaining years together.

Albert loved his John Deere farming equipment – he made it very clear he wouldn’t farm with anything else. He was meticulous with how the equipment was cared for and its upkeep – which shows today with the appearance and condition of the remaining equipment. He had a love for his Hereford cattle, horses, and his dog, Lucky. He loved to tell a good story and brought humour to anything he told.

He took pride in his yard and spent many hours keeping the grass cut, and the yard harrowed. He loved hosting Sunday morning breakfasts (and many evening coffee visits) with the members of the Punnichy RCMP Detachment, where he made many life-long friends. Some of the RCMP members, became like family. Albert was a very welcoming man and treated everyone with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Albert is predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Laura Leonard in 2009. He previously stated that Laura remained his sweetheart until the very end. Comfort is taken in knowing that they are reunited again, along with their daughter Sharon Horvath (2006).

Albert will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by 5 children; Danny (Anne) Leonard of McLean, SK; Connie (Wayne) Faye of Abbotsford, BC; Cindy (Loren) Komodowski of Martensville, SK; Gail (Kelly) Komodowski of Lestock, SK; and Daryl Leonard of Aberdeen, SK; 17 grandchildren: Jamie, Ricky, Mandy, Jaelyn, Amanda, Andrea, Crystal, Tabitha (Kevin), Dusty (Brenda), Houston, McKenzie, Sheldon (Aimee), Dillon (Kayla), Jenna (Shawn), Breeanna (Scott), Savannah (Dylan), and Jayden; 21 great-grandchildren: Talyr, Finn, Connor, Kaylee, Colson, Tyler, Haileigh, Kaydence, Lincoln, Nate, London, Preston, Daisy, Hudson, Beckham, Emmy, Cadence, Tenley, Ellie, Eli and Annabelle; 3 siblings Theresa Mallard, Gerald (Delores) Leonard, Vince (Maria) Leonard; sister-in-law Maxine Taylor; brothers-in-law Robert (Shirley) Taylor, Clifford (Athen) Taylor, Rex (Christine) Taylor.

Predeceased by parents Irene (nee Tull) and Antoine Leonard; brothers in-law Ricki Taylor, Martin Mallard, Andy Latoski; Sister-in-law Faye (nee Taylor) Latoski