Leonard Ivor Powell
December 6, 1931 – April 1, 2025
The death of Leonard Ivor Powell of Humboldt, SK, occurred at Central Parkland Lodge, Lanigan, SK, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. He was 93 years of age. Leonard, the fifth of 12 children, was born to Arthur and Elizabeth (nee Arrowsmith) Powell on December 6, 1931, on the family farm in the Brithdir District. He began his education at Pilot Grove School and then continued at Duffville, where he completed his schooling. At the age of 15 he began working for farmers in the area, including his older brothers Edgar and Roy who had taken over the family farm when their parents moved to British Columbia. In 1951, Leonard decided to venture out to Victoria where he tried his hand at various jobs which included a bush camp, plywood mill, dry docks, as well as fire fighting. Due to numerous strikes and lack of permanent work, he returned to Saskatchewan where he began work for Ted Knudson of Bengough. It was there that he met his one and only love, Shirley Smith. They were married on October 11, 1957. After spending that winter in British Columbia they once again returned to Saskatchewan. In the spring of 1958, Leonard and Shirley purchased a farm in the Attica District from H. A. Spence & Co. of Guernsey. As they settled into farming, Leonard took on jobs driving gas truck, working for J. K. Campbell & Co., as well as at Alwinsal and Colonsay mines. The extra income helped during the first hard years of farming. He was a man of many talents, with formal training in electrical as well as a vast knowledge of plumbing, carpentry, and mechanics. Many a neighbor had called upon Leonard’s ability to fix or repair. His love of the land extended to his knack for gardening as he looked after the planting and harvesting of the potatoes and, in later years, expanded to include lettuce, carrots, beans, tomatoes, and sunflowers. He also found much joy in the bounty of his harvest. Over the years, Leonard and Shirley enjoyed many travelling adventures; visiting the islands of Hawaii, a Yukon/Alaska tour, European vacation, a drive to the east coast of Canada, and a memorable cruise of the Panama Canal. In the summer months, over the years, you could find them enjoying time with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, teaching them the art of camping life and the beauty of nature. In 2003, Leonard and Shirley made the hard decision to retire from farming, although they remained on the farm until July 2020, at which time they made the move to Humboldt. Leonard, like his father, was a quiet, strong-willed man. He had a never-ending love of family and enjoyed spending time with them as well as with numerous friends. He was always up for a friendly game of cards or to shoot some pool. In his quiet time, you could find him in his favorite chair with a western novel and perhaps a box of chocolates at his side. Leonard was a very proud farmer and, even through all the hard years, he stated he would do it all again in a heartbeat. After Shirley’s passing in 2023, Leonard moved to Caleb Village where he remained until his passing. Leonard will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his three children and their families: KEVIN (Betty) Powell and family, Natasha (Charles) Hampton and their children Taylor, Mason, Nick and Luke, Mitchell (Bethany Mackinnon) Powell, and Brett (Rebecca Turpin) Powell; DEBRA (Terry) Schatz and family, Sara (Dax) Irons and daughter Brogan, Tanner (Jenelle) Schatz and children Elise and Hazel, and Stacie (Louis) Stilling; DAVID (Denise) Powell and family, Melissa (Geoff) Yaworski and children, Dominik, Kaden, Nash and Ben, Courtney (Justin Kaufmann) Powell and children Elle and Quinn, and Tylor Powell; and by numerous siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends. The Funeral Service was held at Westminster United Church, Humboldt, on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Al Hingley. Others taking part were: Tanner and Jenelle, Mitchell and Bethany, Melissa and Courtney, readers; Natasha and Sara, eulogists; Lynne Brecht and Natalie Lohman, memorial table attendants. The urn bearer was Kevin Powell. Music ministry was provided by director Maxine Moore, organist Deb Sarauer, and soloist Stan Garchinski. Honorary pallbearers were “all those who shared in Leonard’s life”. Inurnment followed at Humboldt Public Cemetery. During the memorial luncheon at Westminster United Church Hall, a power point presentation created by Stacie was shown. Memorial donations may be direct to the Humboldt District Hospital Foundation – General Equipment Fund (P.O. Box 1740, Humboldt, SK, S0K 2A0).
This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral & Cremation Services - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)