Mr. Emile Jean Joseph Lehingrat

Peacefully and comfortably, Emile J.J. Le Hingrat passed on June 5, 2022 at VGH Hospital at the age of 88. Emile is lovingly remembered by his boys, Louis (Sue) , Richard (Kristy) , Robert (Laurie) and his grandchildren Tynan, Emily and Callum. He was predeceased by his wives Victoria Pura (1985) and Margaret Ann Boles (2016), sister Giselle (1997), brothers Lionel (2015) and Bob (2008).

Emile was born on Nov.28, 1933 in Cardinal, Manitoba. He moved out west in 1950 working primarily in mining at Keno Hills, Yukon and Britannia, BC. In 1954, he moved to Vancouver getting a sales position with Coates & Clarks, afterwards taking a letter carrier job in 1957. Emile, known to his friends as ‘Smokie’, enjoyed a long career at Canada Post rising to the role of President of the Vancouver Letter Carrier’s Union which he held throughout the 70s to 1987. He was actively involved negotiating several national collective agreements for LCUC and fought grievances to protect the working rights of local posties ; he was known for his fairness and would fight for human rights. Emile was a hardcore NDP supporter all his life. Over the years, he was active with Legion Branch 16 and several sports associations often serving as president; he ran fund raising dinner/dances and had a loyal following who feasted on his trademark gigantic prime rib dinner. Emile retired in 1988, spending the warm months at Sheridan Lake, BC where he filled his freezer with brook trout and entertained family and friends; he wintered at his East Vancouver home of 62 years.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks you to donate to prostate cancer research, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.