Leo Albert Degelman

Leo is survived by his children Donna (Cliff) Fox, Leona (Syd) Enns, and Paul (Crystal) Degelman. He is also survived by his grandchildren Josh, Chris (Laura), Katie (Jordan), Ashley (Terra), and Chelsey (Andreas); along with great grandchildren Luke & Violet, Conner, Liam & Avery, Haddie & Eva, and Lyla. He will also be missed by good friend Francis Buxton and sister and brother in law, Jessie Benstead and Don Currie.

Leo was born on November 6, 1924, the youngest child of Albert and Annie Degelman, on the Southside of Transcona. In his last years, he often travelled back in time remembering his happy childhood with his loving parents, and playing in the fields with his brother John, skating and hanging out with good friend Jim Buxton. Leo loved all sports and enjoyed playing hockey and curling.

At the age of 18, Leo enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy during WWII and served on the HMCS Royal Mount as a Submarine Detector. During the Battle of the Atlantic, Leo was involved in eight convoy crossings with no ships lost.

Once the war was over, Leo returned to his employment, tin smith by trade, at the CNR in Transcona for over 30 years.

What started as a blind date in a rumble seat of a car led to 64 years of love with Doreen (Dodie), the love of his life, until Doreen passed away in 2012. Leo was a gentle, kind man devoted to his family above all. As well as being 'foreman' to his children's many house projects, he also cared for his aging father and siblings.

Leo and Doreen had a special love for the 'lake' home they built out of the wilderness on Clytie Bay in Shoal Lake, Ontario. It was a special meeting place for family and friends. Leo loved to fish and spend time with the grandchildren, alongside his many building projects. On arrival to the lake, there was always the anticipated cold beer in the fridge.

Leo's family would like to thank the staff at Pembina Place Personal Care home for their care of our Dad, especially in these trying times of the Covid 19 pandemic.

“The best and most beautiful things in life cannot be seen, not touched, but are felt in the heart” -Helen Keller