It is with profound sadness that the family of Leonard Lloyd Lewandoski announces his sudden passing at 57 years old on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, in Calgary, AB. Len, Lenny, Uncle, will be lovingly remembered by his mom, Betty Lewandoski (nee. Sawchuk), and left with decades of fond and colourful memories are his siblings Louella (Gary) Skogberg, Lori Gale, Lyle Lewandoski, Lois (Peter) Popoff, Leslie (Etsuyo) Lewandoski, Linda (Don) Utas, and Lila (Mike Schaap) Lewandoski, and his many nieces, nephews, extended family members, lifelong friends Kim and Eileen Bessette, Doug and Lisa Altrogge, Lloyd and Fah Renneberg, Walter and Bonnie Hauber and many other friends. Lenny was loved for his generous spirit, big personality, wonderful laugh, creative kitchen skills, detailed handiwork, and positive energy that followed him everywhere he went. No matter your age or how much money you made, Lenny made time for you. His final gift to all was a lifetime of wonderful memories.
Lenny not only lived large but he also lived loud - literally. He cranked his music, chose a loud, rockin' song for his ringtone, and was often on the receiving end of a shushing sound from someone who thought he was just a little too loud. That was until recently when he decided it was time to pick up a hearing aid that restored full hearing in both ears for the first time since he was 12 years old.
Deaf in one ear from a childhood infection, a few years later, he lost sight in one of his eyes as a result of a freak hockey accident. Naturally, this made him an excellent hockey referee. And for those who dared heckle him on the ice, he was a master at flipping you the bird from his back pocket. Not only did he love reffing games, but Len also thrived when playing hockey, bocce, softball, golfing, and, of course, curling. Len was a natural athlete and could pick up any sport he chose. Possessing half his hearing and sight did not deter him in the least.
Len worked hard and he played hard - and that led to his fair share of injuries. In addition to the missing vision, hockey brought him a broken leg. Bocce contributed a big lump on his head (that healed nicely, thankfully). A hover board resulted in a torn rotator cuff. A home reno landed him in the hospital with compartment syndrome. As far as we know, golf and curling were kind to him. Really, how much trouble could Len get into skipping a curling game?
Len was always quick to help others and was generous with his time and expertise. He was a snow angel for his friends, neighbors, and community, this love of shoveling snow stayed with him throughout his life. He would also be there to help with the dreaded moving day or requests that involved building things (decks, landscaping, driveways, cabinets, sheds - you name it) and he painted many of our homes. He physically left his mark on the many projects he has built. He loved working with his hands and was an excellent handyman. There was not a job around the house he did not love or attempt to do. He shared these skills with anyone that hung around.
A true connector, he genuinely valued every one of his relationships. He made it a priority to stay connected with friends and family and to create opportunities to bring people together. He particularly thrived when he gathered people together around food and drink and was exceptionally skilled in the kitchen. He arranged and participated in numerous cooking competitions - chili cook-offs, best rib cooking competitions, burgers, wings, and more. Len loved to cook.
No matter how big or small, and if he could help it, Len never missed a Cudworth Sports Day or any ball tournament, wedding, wake, reunion, and social gathering. And for those who had the pleasure of dancing a fast polka with him, you are probably still smiling and laughing from the experience. It was his personal mission to bring a smile, laughter, joy, and a little mischief to every situation.
An adventurer at heart, Len shone whenever he travelled. It was passion. His larger than life and exuberant spirit made it easy for him to meet people and make new friends wherever he went. Len made several trips to Southeast Asia, including to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Japan. In true Lenny style, he traveled via scooter or motorbike and got off the beaten track to experience local culture, cuisine, and customs.
When in Canada, he loved a road trip and would take any opportunity to get in his car or motorbike and hit the road. In 2015, Len embarked on a road trip on his motorbike, travelling solo throughout the US and Canada. Each social media or email update showed him enjoying great food with new friends, capturing the sights or landscape, and loving every minute of it. Of course, his optimal travel time was overnight when all you wanted to do is sleep but he knew traffic was so much lighter (not to mention fewer radar guns) in the wee hours of the morning.
Throughout his life, Len continued to learn and challenge himself. He became proficient in auto body repair, a master in drywall installation, and adept at commercial painting. In recent years, he completed ice-making courses and obtained his security guard license.
All of these attributes, accomplishments, and experiences only scrape the surface of the amazing man Len was. He will be greatly missed every single day by all that came to know and love him.
On January 2, 2021, at 11:00 am, Len's family will gather to say their goodbyes and shower Lenny with love. After all of the COVID restrictions are lifted, the family will plan his celebration of life. Lenny would want a fun celebration and he deserves one.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating directly to the Women in Need Society of Calgary https://womeninneed.kindful.com/?campaign=244485
Len always brought his possessions to them for fundraising.
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