Victor Joseph Leasak

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Victor Joseph Leasak, late of Vawn, SK on January 29, 2012 at the age of 59 years. Victor was born on October 29, 1952 at North Battleford, SK.

Left to forever cherish Victor's memory are his brothers and sisters: Irene (Gerry) Litoski of Edmonton, AB and their children Garrett (Melanie) and Deryck (Belinda); William (Beverly) Leasak of North Battleford, SK and their children Vicki (Denis) Quirk, Kyle (Sheri) Leasak, and Quinn (Shelley) Leasak; Harry Leasak and close friend Janice Bell of Edmonton, AB; Elizabeth (Rick) Cadrin of Calgary, AB; Barb (Gilbert) Blaquiere of Edam, SK and their children Brett, Christa, and Shanae; as well as 12 great-nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father John Leasak in 1970, mother Sophie Leasak in 2009; and his niece Elaine.

This is a eulogy written by the family and read by a long-time family friend, Henry Brumby and close brother-in-law, Gilbert Blaquiere.

Victor Joseph Leasak was born October 29, 1952 at 9:53 a.m. in North Battleford, SK weighing 8 lbs 8 oz., to John and Sophie Leasak. He joined his sister Irene and brothers Bill and Harry. Liz and Barb later completed the family.

Victor attended Langmeade School until Grade 7 and thereafter bussed to the Vawn school in Vawn, SK.

He took over the family farm in April of 1970 while still in grade twelve after his father’s unexpected passing. Not long after taking over the farm, he put in indoor plumbing and central heating into the farm house, much to the relief of his mother and younger siblings. As the years went on he acquired additional farmland and with that, newer and larger equipment. His brothers, brother-in-law and nephew would also give him additional help during the seeding and harvest seasons which he greatly appreciated.

He took pride in farming and when asked a couple of years back if he ever thought of doing anything other than farming, he said, “No. Getting up at six in the morning to go to work is not for me.”

In his younger days, he enjoyed his hunting excursions for whitetail deer with his friends Marcel and Robert, and had many a great tale to tell. One story that comes to mind was somehow, a gun was discharged inside his truck and the truck floor bore a bullet hole. Can just imagine how the occupants’ ears rang for some time after that!

Besides hunting, Victor enjoyed fishing, making trips to northern lakes with his nephews and brother. He did try ice fishing but didn’t enjoy getting stuck on the lake.

Victor enjoyed the casino immensely and never passed up the opportunity to strike it rich. Whenever a sibling came home for a visit, he would take them to the casino hoping they would be his lucky charm to win that jackpot. Unfortunately, that never happened but he sure had fun trying.

Victor’s proudest hobby was photography. He had a keen eye for the perfect lighting and setting. He filled numerous photo albums with special moments and events captured on film. Upon looking through these, you will find many family gatherings, community events, storm clouds, sunsets and sunrises, scenery, the harvest, Mom’s flowers, birds, and animals. Some of his pictures even made it into the calendar for the North Battleford Credit Union.

He also enjoyed watching movies. His collection of movies, ranging from old classics to the latest releases, would put Blockbuster to shame. His favourites were comedies; god how he chuckled. With some he would watch them a few times over just to catch the lines that may have been missed the first time.

He also enjoyed music. His latest love was Lady Gaga. He would crank up the stereo so loud that the filaments in the lightbulbs would break and when one song ended, he would hear the coyotes outside howling along in accompaniment. He also enjoyed listening to Shania Twain, The Dixie Chicks, Pink, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Who, and Garth Brooks.

Victor loved to read, whether it was a comic book, newspaper, magazine, or book. Although he did not travel, he visited the world through the Nation Geographic. Besides the local newspaper, he would also buy the newspapers for the cities we lived in just so that he knew what was going on in our areas.

He proved to have a real green thumb in gardening. After Mom could no longer plant a garden, Victor took it upon himself and produced bountiful crops of cucumbers, tomatoes, beets, etc. He so enjoyed his fresh vegetables and fruit; not that tasteless stuff you buy in the store. He proudly shared these crops with his siblings and the community. Not to be forgotten, was his legendary horseradish which will take your breath away as Tammy will attest to. As well, he enjoyed picking wild Saskatoon berries and would happily share with family or the community.

Victor was meticulous at chronicling events and history. He faithfully journalled every day since he took over farming. Now that is quite a number of notebooks, but, he would be able to tell you what the temperature was for that day, if it was foggy/cloudy/sunny, how much precipitation came and what had transpired. He could tell you what cow calved, when he went to town and for what, who stopped by to visit, etc. Looking around this room today, you would be amazed at how many of your names made it into his journal.

Victor loved family. He took interest and attended many sporting events his nieces and nephews took part in, as well as graduations, concerts, and supported their fundraisers. He was a godparent to many. He always had time to stop and talk with cousins, aunts, uncles, and in-laws. He was known to phone an Auntie just to ask how things were going and was the Hub of any and all news to share with the siblings in Alberta.

Victor was a faithful and dedicated John Deere, Co-op, Pool Elevator man, as well as an avid Saskatchewan Roughriders fan, and he loved to collect their memorabilia. He also supported the Saskatchewan TeleMiracle for many years.

Our brother was a gentle soul who emitted calmness and peacefulness. He cared for everyone and would drop everything just to help out a family member, friend, or neighbor. He so patiently and compassionately cared for our mother all through her life. If you asked him for help he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He always prided himself on his honesty to his fellow man or woman. He was a humble man and he never tried to do anyone out of any mony or other consideration that was not due to him.

Here’s a quotation Victor wrote in his will: “In closing, I wish to thank one and all for an enjoyable life with you. At times it was trying, but, in some circumstances we learned to grow with them. I loved you all as much as I could have. I was never one to express my feelings in public; forgive me for this. Finally, I guess it is time to say goodbye to one and all. With love from myself. – Victor”

So now… we sadly say goodbye to a dear brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, godparent, nephew, cousin, neighbor, and friend. God bless you Victor, and rest in peace… until we meet again. You will be greatly missed by all.

Prayers were held on Sunday, February 5 with Jean Pawlus presiding. The memorial service was held on Monday, February 6 with Reverend Father Gerard Legaspi officiating. Both services were held at the Chapel of Sallows and McDonald – Wilson and Zehner Funeral Home. Henry Brumby and Gilbert Blaquiere gave the eulogy. Music ministry was by Lisa Hornung-Chipak as organist and Jaki Esquirolas soloist. Honorary pallbearers were: Henry Brumby, Arnold St. Marie, Robert Blais, Mark Higgins, Marcel Duhaime, Richard Pelchat, Gordie Derenoski, and Jim Leasak. The family have requested that donations in Victor’s memory be made to Canadian Diabetes Association. Interment took place at the City Cemetery, North Battleford.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Kristeen Nylander of Sallows & McDonald - Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home, North Battleford, SK. (306) 445-2418.