Wilf Lenius

It is with great sadness that the family of Wilf Lenius announces his very peaceful passing on Monday, August 24th, 2009. Our Dad, in his 96th year, lived a charmed life of good health, a fulfilling career, a wonderful wife and family, many friends and over 30 years of an active and enjoyable retirement. Dad was born on February 2nd, 1914 in Winnipeg. He was the first born of John and Mary Lenius. They homesteaded at Rockglen. In 1930 Dad left school to work in the family coal mine. It provided an income for the family during the “dirty thirties”. Dad returned to school, completing three years of high school in one. He took his teacher’s training in 1941. Due to the shortage of teachers, and his success, he was graduated after six months and assigned a school in Arborfield, Sask. In July of 1944 Dad married Florence Zopf, in a double wedding with his brother Ted and Mom’s sister Irene. After teaching at Borderland and Fife Lake, they bought a grocery store in Rockglen and opened the first SGIO (Saskatchewan Government Insurance Office). In 1957 they closed the store, expanded the insurance office, and Dad began teaching in Rockglen. In 1974 Dad retired from teaching but continued in the insurance business until retiring in 1976. Their retirement was very fulfilling with traveling, volunteering, socializing and following their beloved “Blue Jays”. In his youth Dad was an excellent ball player and coach. His fondest memories were of coaching the “Rockglen Royals” – a select team of 14 year olds. For many years Dad was Rockglen’s “Mr. Baseball”, sitting high in the “nest” at Rockin Beach, calling the games. Dad served on many boards and committees including St. John’s Catholic Church, town council, Kinsmen, and a host of others. A gifted orator he was always sought after for Master of Ceremonies work at weddings and other functions. The community of Rockglen will remember him as a leader in the community. His students will remember him as an excellent math teacher who taught them the “Apple Theory”. His family will remember him as an intelligent, productive, strong father who provided a wonderful role model for all of us. Dad is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Florence; his daughter Colleen (Rick) Koller; daughter La Verne; and son Keray (Lori Jane). He is also survived by his sister Marj Fredericks. Dad will be greatly missed by his cherished grandchildren Kent, Justin, Krista Joel, Michael, Amanda, Elissa, Sarah, Aaron and Blake; and his ten great grandchildren Skye, Jordan, Emjay, Christian, Summer, Eli, Dane, Elizabeth, Ashley and Lincoln. He will be welcomed by his parents John and Mary Lenius; his brothers Ted, Frank, John, Norbert and Dennis; as well as many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. During the past ten months Dad was wonderfully cared for by the special staff at Extendicare. For this the family is very grateful. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 27th, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in St. John’s Catholic Church in Rockglen. Father Andrew Pawlowicz will be presiding celebrant and burial will take place at St. John’s Cemetery. For those so wishing, memorial donations in Wilf’s name may be made to the St. John’s Cemetery Fund, c/o Marion Spagrud, Rockglen, Sask. S0H 3R0.