Mr. Leo Henry Genest

1927 - 2011

Leo Genest passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at RUH on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 after a lengthy battle with COPD. He will be loved and remembered by his loving wife of 59 years, Anne and their children; Kathy (Doug), Gary (Kathy), Brent (Holly), Brian (Barbara), Allan (Gail), Kevin (Donna), Tracy (Gary), fourteen grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, his sister, Bertha Hainstock, sisters-in-law, Ruth Genest, Phyllis (Geoff) Evans, brother-in-law Don (Shelby) Gwozdz and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Emile & Celina Genest, brothers Louis, Ralph, Albert, sister Violet and grandson Keith. Leo was born to Emile & Celina Genest in 1927 on his grandfather’s farm at Harris. His mother passed away when Leo was only 4 ½, and he was raised by his sister Bertha. He took his schooling at Zealhar and Harris Schools and went on to marry Anne Gwozdz in 1951. Together they raised seven children. Through his entire life Leo enjoyed nothing more than being surrounded by his family. Leo worked for numerous farmers when young and also worked for the Dept. of Highways for a few years. The remainder of Leo’s years were spent farming with his dad Emile, his brother Albert, and eventually with his two sons Gary and Brent. He retired from the farm in 2008. From a very young age Leo laced up the hockey skates and spent as much time as he could on the ice. He played with the Bentley Bros (Doug & Max), Johnny Bower and other talented players with the Laura Beavers when they won the Allen Cup in 1945. After his hockey career he continued to coach, and to support and cheer his sons on the many teams they played for. Leo was also active in many other sports, such as curling, slo-pitch and golf. In later years Leo was never happier than when he had a fishing rod in his hands. He was very community-minded, being a charter member of the Harris Lions Club, active in the Elks and Legion. He was also the Reeve of Harris RM for 24 years and continued through his years to always play a part in the community he grew up in and loved. Whatever needed to be done in the community you could be sure that Leo would not only lend a helping hand, but often led the way. A Graveside Service was held at 1:30 p.m. at the Harris Cemetery on Friday, February 11th with Reverend Bill Shank officiating, followed by a celebration of Leo’s life at 2:00 p.m. at the Harris Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harris Cemetery Fund or to the Saskatchewan Lung Association, COPD research. Clements Rosetown Funeral Home entrusted with the arrangements.