Obituary of Leonard Kopelchuk
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Leonard was born on February 22, 1942, in Canora to Peter and Antonia (Kondra) Kopelchuk. He grew up in Donwell with his sister Audrey and brother Allan. He attended Donwell school until grade eight and then high school in Canora. Following graduation, he moved to Moose Jaw to take carpentry at Saskatchewan Technical Institute.
In 1963 he met Winnifred (Swan) when they were paired in a wedding party. They were married on August 7, 1965, and lived in Canora raising their three daughters. Leonard was proud of the house he built for his family, and this is where they have lived for fifty years. There were many fond memories created in this home. Following his schooling in Moose Jaw, Leonard worked for Logan Stevens, Co-op Lumber Yard, Marchinski Lumber and Town of Canora. Leonard also farmed for many years in the Donwell area.
Leonard enjoyed camping, fishing, shishliki BBQs, a drink, and a good game of Troika with family and friends. Every weekend in the summer the camper was packed and ready to go at 5 o’clock on Friday. He also loved to travel and had been to many places including Hawaii, and Mexico. Leonard was very social, and well known in the community. He always took time to visit or stop for a coffee or a drink. He never said no to helping anyone and always made time. During retirement he was the cheerleader and chauffeur for his grandkids, putting many miles on his truck. In the fall of 2022 Leonard became a resident of the Norquay Health Centre, and they treated him as family.
Leonard is predeceased by his parents Peter and Antonia Kopelchuk, father-in-law Fred Swan, mother-in-law Rhea Andrusiek; sister in laws Sherry Kopelchuk and Alice Swan; brother in laws Jim Onofriechuk, Marlin Swan and Edward Olszewski; nephew Delbert Swan and niece Judy Swan. He is survived by his wife Winnifred, three daughters Carla (Mike) Moretta, Tracy (Roman) Gulka, and Janine (Darcy) Kotzer; four grandchildren; Mackenzie, Jacob, Sydney, and Nathan; sister Audrey (Ron) Hoehn and brother Allan (Sandy) Kopelchuk; sister-in-laws Beryl Onofrychuk and Sharon Olzewski; brother-in-laws Lionel Swan, Wayne(Elsie) Swan and Reg Swan; Darcy’s daughters Nicole(Chance) Helmsing and Kristen(Ben) Reves; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
