Friday, May 8, 2026
Flashbacks on Len
As a 4 year-old, I was the centre of attention from parents and grandparents. And then one day, mum and dad brought home baby Leonard Charles and I became a big brother and the attention shifted to the little bundle. I remember his beautiful blue eyes and long eyelashes. The difference in our ages meant that we didn't play together a lot or share experiences, but as we got older we found there was much to discuss -in long sessions: family history, education, politics, religion and moral issues, car and truck purchases. Len was sharp, engaging, critical and funny.
And then there were his schemes: a system to predict the winners of horse races; running a bowling alley; developing a firewood resource in Chertsey.
As member of a group of teachers, school administrators, consultants and clerics, Len developed a curriculum in Moral and Religious Education for the Ministere de L'Education. Many of his ideas permeate the school system of Quebec to this day. He loved the planning meetings!
I think he was happier when he left teaching and became admin assistant for Sigrid's real estate business. He was a valuable partner - drove around the Chateauguay area to put up signs, deliver paperwork and get home in time to do housework and make meals.
I remember him as “Man with Truck” puttering, sawing and chopping wood in Chertsey and Ompah. He he was often on his own, comfortable and relaxed in the rural milieu, enjoying the quiet with a glass - or more - of his home-made wine.
