Fred Lesyshen

As he wished, at home and surrounded by his family, Fred Lesyshen aged 80, passed away Saturday February 11th, 2012. Fred leaves behind his wife of 53 years Viola, daughter Shelly, son Mike and his wife Dina, and 2 grandchildren Layne and Brooke. He will also be missed by his brother John (Donna), sister Jackie, and their families.

Fred was born in Winnipeg, but grew up in Dauphin, MB. At school, Fred excelled in track and field and racquet sports. After high school, he began his career the Imperial Bank of Commerce, with whom he spent the next 45 years. In the mid 1950's his work landed him in Leader, SK., where he was to meet his future wife Vi. Additional moves with the family took them to Atikokan, Port Arthur and then back to Winnipeg to stay. Family was always important to Fred and regular visits with the in-laws in Saskatchewan and Alberta became welcomed events. The distances between his brother in Iowa and his sister in Montreal made visits less frequent, but just as memorable, including the family's first airplane trip to the '76 Olympics in Montreal. Fred was a doting Grandfather to Layne and Brooke and he and Grandma provided weekday care for them early in their preschool years and continued to spend as much time with them as he could. Fred had a passion for curling and tennis and would take every opportunity to catch it on TV. He could never say no to a deck of cards and a Crib or Rummoli board, and always enjoyed a good drink when visiting with family and friends. Fred was a long time member of Grey St. United Church and participated in many activities, choir and committees. He did have one bad habit - wearing one…as an original member of the Sisters of the Holy Rock troupe! He also spent many years as an annual volunteer at the Christmas Cheer board.

The family would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses of Cancer Care Manitoba and the WRHA Home Care Palliative Unit for, even under trying circumstances, treating Fred with dignity and compassion.

In accordance with Fred's wishes, there will only be a private family interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred’s memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave,

Winnipeg, MB., R3E 0V9.