Obituary of Leonard Romanski

Watch the recording of the service here https://video.ibm.com/embed/recorded/128126386

ROMANSKI, Leonard

1938 - 2020

Born in Eastern Ukraine to Eugenia and Ivon, Leonard had a challenging start. Losing his father at only 2 years old, he spent the next 10 years in labour and displaced persons camps. In 1950, he and his mother emigrated to Lady Lake, Saskatchewan and were joined shortly after by his older sister Helen. As a young adult, he moved to Saskatoon and worked at Woolworth’s where he met the love of life, Hilda Collier. They married in 1962 and started a family right away. Together they raised three sons and grew a successful business, Foster’s Shoes.

Len never wanted his life to be defined by its modest beginning and he rarely talked about the old country. He worked hard to make a better life for his children than he had for himself.

Len loved work and thought of himself as a working man. Anyone who has worked with him will tell you that what he really liked about work was being the boss. Delegating, overseeing and going out for lunch were the parts of work that he liked best. He wasn’t scared of relaxing either. Len loved camping with his family, traveling with his beloved Hilda, and spending time at their cottage.

The last 7 years were hard for Len. A diagnosis of dementia forced retirement earlier than he ever would have liked and he struggled coming to terms with his growing dependence on others; he also was unable to really got over the death of his wife. That being said, his later years found him to be a kind and gracious old man who showed us to age with dignity. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude for the kindness, caring, and competence shown by the staff and management at Trinity Manor, where his spent his last 2.5 years.

Len is survived by his sons Len Jr, Mike (Lori), and Ray (Katherine); grandchildren Ross, Beverley, Fraser, Jessica, Hannah, Ben, Max, Hugo, and Nora; nieces Hanya (Ken) and Irene. He is predeceased by his wife Hilda, sister Helen and brother-in-law John, and daughter-in-law Heather

A private service for Len will be held at a later date.