Rita Lean

It is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of a remarkable woman, a trailblazer in the welding industry, loving Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Auntie, Great Auntie, Co-worker, teacher, mentor and friend.

She is survived by all of her children; Sandy (Alexander) Jones (Mary), Lori Dyck (Darren), Darryll Jones and Juanita Jones (Ron). Her Grandchildren Amanda Dyck (Jeremy), Alyssa Dyck (Dallas), Bohdan Dyck, Majesta Myskiw (Kory), Justin Myskiw, Garrett Jones and Daphne Jones and both of her Great-Grandchildren, Owen Myskiw and Mason Gustin. Her sisters Shirley Rosche (Jim), and Cindy Pasternak, and brothers Arvo Lean and Ken Lean (Donna).

Rita was predeceased by her Mother and Father, Pauline Lean (nee Podolchuk) and John Arvo Lean. Her sisters Dorothy Boila (Nick), and Elizabeth Jones (Phil) and her Sister-In law, Wendy Lean and Brother-In law Wally Pasternak.

Rita was very proud of her heritage, and would often share stories of her family’s history. Her grandparents came from the Ukraine and Finland, both known for their great food and perseverance nature she was that. Born into a hard-working farm family with metal working skills in her blood, it was a part of who she was. Her grandfather, learned black smithing in Turku, Finland before moving to North America and settling down to construct the railway near the Whitemouth River in Manitoba.

Rita came from a caring household, and loved her parents dearly. She was so proud of her dad, John and his accomplishments. He was an Aircraft maintenance Engineer who served during WWII. Rita was born in Elma, MB just after her parents returned from service during WWII in Truro, NS and Mont Joli, QC. Life on the farm wasn’t easy, and taught her many life-long lessons. Not only how to tip cows, or outhouses, but also about how to raise a family, and support loved ones in any way she could. She would often tell us about her first metal working, how she helped her dad in the shop stoking the fire with a flute to keep the fire hot so he could forge equipment for tractors and airplanes for his clients and neighbors who would often stop by for quick repairs. One time she said, a helicopter landed on their property as they heard about John’s workmanship and needed repairs, it was the talk of the town and she would never forget it.

She did not stay on school long, or graduate high school, as often children would stay home to help on the farm. She worked many places over the years from running a day care, being a factory worker or waitress until she became a welder, and then her job developed into her career, and this became her passion for many decades.

Rita forged a distinguished career in a field which was dominated by men. It is not because she was a woman who culminated her career with very high qualifications, but rather because of the high regard the industry has for her and the legacy she leaves behind. Her high standards to quality, pride in her workmanship and respect for the industry’s practice and members were a way of life to her. She wanted everyone to succeed and would help you in any way she could to get there. This is her legacy that she passed on to everyone she worked with, mentored or taught, to be proud of what you do and how you did it and how you treated others while doing it.

Beginning as a welder decades ago, her career advanced to becoming a Level 3 Welding Inspector. and started working for the Canadian Welding Bureau, which took her across North America where she was known by all who knew her for her expertise and dedication.

Beyond her professional achievements, Rita was the cornerstone of her family, and a large part of all our lives growing up, no matter how far her travels took her she would never want to miss a sports event for the kids or any award ceremony, or family functions. She would orchestrate family holidays, and dinners for many years, baking her famous Strawberry Rhubarb pies and serving up every kind of food you could imagine. Summertime her favorite was always a big batch of some good quality barbequed steaks served up with homemade garlicky Caesar salad with lots of bacon bits.

There was never a dull moment when she was around, some even called her Risky Rita because of her antics. You know she’ll be there, ready for fun anytime, but she will show up fashionably late and in the most beautiful outfit, looking her best every time! function. Mom will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her and we all deeply cherish the time we had with her.

A private Celebration of Life will be held to honour Mom.