In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

NALEZYTY, Leonard Walter - died peacefully and surrounded by his family at his residence at Roseview Manor, Thunder Bay, on 08, December, 2008, at the age of 87. Len was born on 2nd August, 1921, at Melnice, Manitoba, near Winnipeg Beach. He came to Fort William with his parents as a small child and the family lived for many years at 217 Robertson Street. Leonard attended Ogden Street School and Fort William Vocational High School. After completing high school he worked for a period at Canadian Car before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Navy where he received training in electronics and communications, achieved the rank of Petty Officer, and served at sea aboard HMCS ARNPRIOR. On 14 November,1942 he married, Daun Kannegiesser, in Fort William, and so began 66 years of a loving life together. Leonard joined Abitibi Power and Paper Co, Lakehead Woodlands Division, in 1946, as communications technician and for the next 39 years, he planned, managed, and maintained the company's extensive bush camp, marine, and haul truck communications systems across northwestern Ontario, retiring in 1985. Over that time in the course of his travels across the region he became widely known and made many friends. Leonard had an interest in sports throughout his life, beginning in high school where he played on school teams and won several track and field district championships. Later, he played for a number of years with the Port Arthur Mustangs Football Club, and was a member of the team which won the 1948 Western Canada Senior Football Championship. After his playing days he involved himself in youth sports. Len was one of a group of former Mustangs and Fort William Redskins players who in the early 1960's began Thunder Bay's first youth football league and was its first president. Leonard was also amongst the group which began the Current River Little League where for many years he was an umpire and where he also served as president. He was one of the founders and on many occasions was chairman of the annual Abitibi Curling Bonspiel which grew to become the second largest annual curling event in the City. Len was a member of the Port Arthur Curling Club for over 40 years, participated in the Go-Slow Curling League, and was a regular bridge player at the Club until his dementia prevented him from continuing. Leonard was active in the credit union movement. He helped to establish the Abitibi Lakehead Woodlands Employees Credit Union and served as its president for a number of years. He was a long-time board and committee member at Abitibi Provincial Papers Employees Credit Union, and later APPLE Credit Union. Len was, until his retirement, Lakehead Woodlands Division editor for Abitibi Magazine. He was a member of the Abitibi Paper Quarter Century Club, and the Thunder Bay Naval Association. In retirement until he could no longer do so, Leonard spent several days every week visiting family, long-time and many newly-made friends at City seniors' homes. For many years he and his wife Daun, enjoyed travelling to the Caribbean, especially to Barbados and Grenada. Leonard was an avid reader, history and poetry being favourites, and his interests were many and eclectic. He was possessed of a quick wit, and a wonderfully dry sense of humour. Len was meticulous in everything he did and was regularly called upon to exercise his ability to fix pretty much anything. Quiet and respectful of everyone, Leonard said little, did much, and could always be depended upon to lend a hand to help others. He took quiet pride in all his immediate and extended family, and his grandchildren in particular. All in all Leonard had an exceptional life for which we are all grateful. At its end he managed his dementia with the same dignity that characterised his life. He was looked after by caring professionals, and he died quietly with his family by his side. We should all be so fortunate. Leonard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Daun (Kannegiesser); Son Alwynn and wife Maureen, of Calgary; son Reg and wife Lee-Ann, of Thunder Bay, grandchildren Lindsay (Calgary), Heather (Calgary), Erik (Winnipeg), and Hillary (Toronto); brothers and sisters-in-law, Gary and Mary Kannegiesser (Sacramento, CA); Jim and Peggy Mc Farlane (Thunder Bay), cousin Rudy (Margaret) Honoway (Winnipeg), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Lillie (1950) and father Louis (1967). Cremation has taken place and in accordance with Leonard's wishes, there will be no service. Burial will take place at a later date in the family plot at Mountain View Cemetery. Should friends desire, donations to the St Joseph's Manor Alzheimer's Day Care Centre or Roseview Manor Volunteer Resident Programme would be appreciated.

Leonard's ashes were committed to sea and the side was piped by the Thunder Bay ex-servicemen's association.

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.
I I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.

Ships served in:

HMCS ARNPRIOR

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