Leonard Derouard
(May 1, 1959 - December 21, 2022)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Len on December 21, 2022.
Len was predeceased by his loving parents, John and Therese Derouard. He was the cherished brother of Paul (Anita) Derouard, Wilf (Emily) Derourard, Linda Derouard, Allan (Sandy) Derouard, Marie (Stephen) Lundin, Jane (Perry) Dubchak and John (Michelle) Derouard.
Len was the adored uncle of Tracy, Tammy, Tara, Paul Jr., Shawn, Shalene, Wil Jr., Alana, Lisa, Deanna, Nicole, Marc, Stephanie, Blake, Carson, Brennen, Kyle and Tess, and was the loving great-uncle of numerous great-nieces and nephews.
Len was born into a large loving family. Being in the middle, he learned from his older siblings and taught his younger siblings.
In his younger years, Len loved working at Paul and Tot’s tourist camp on Black Sturgeon Lake. There he developed a love for fishing and learned how to filet fish to perfection. He was a very social and friendly person and quickly developed special bonds with the camp guests.
Len loved the outdoors. In addition to his passion for fishing, he was an avid hunter. He was very skilled and rarely came home from a hunting trip empty-handed. He loved sharing this passion with his brothers, friends and nephews. Len was in his happy place in the bush or at camp on Direct Lake or Walleye Lake. These passions went hand in hand with Len’s love of country music, which brought a broad smile to his face and a twinkle to his eye. Some of his favorite memories he would share were of his trips to the WE Fest Music Festival.
Len’s nieces were the apple of his eye! Uncle Len was always there to listen to them, share in their successes, and cheer them on at their activities.
Without question, family was the most important thing to Len. He loved spending time with Mom and Dad, his brothers and sisters, his large extended family, and several very close friends he considered part of the family.
Len had many friends. He was easy to be around and to have fun with. Those who were lucky enough to know Len, loved him. He was always kind, was never judgemental, and didn’t say a bad word about anyone.
Len was always ready to learn from his brothers. He loved helping to build houses and learned how to do electrical work. He shared an interest in airplanes and flying, snowmobiles, and fixing anything that needed fixing. Len was also very close to his sisters and was there for them whenever they needed him.
Len worked at the Kenora paper mill before joining his brothers in opening Derouard Motors. There, and later at K-Sports, he worked in several management positions until his retirement.
In a cruel twist of fate, at a far too early age, Len began to suffer from Alzheimer's Disease. His family rallied around him to assist him and make sure he felt loved. Family and his faith became his focus. His faith provided him with strength to carry on. Len accepted his challenges with dignity and grace. He never complained about the unfair hand he was dealt.
In his final five years, Len was cared for by the amazing staff at Pinecrest Home for the Aged. The care they provided Len helped him feel safe and loved. We wish to thank all the staff, and especially the two Lynns and Mike Limerick, for their exceptional care. Len’s family members had the privilege of spending time with him on a virtually daily basis during his stay at Pinecrest and gathered together to surround Len with their love during his final days. Len’s suffering has mercifully ended and he was no doubt welcomed with open arms by Mom and Dad and other loved ones who went before him.
Until we meet again Len, “toodle loo!”
A mass will be held for Len at Notre Dame Catholic Church on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at 11:00 am. Should one wish to honour the memory of Len, a donation to the Pinecrest Home for the Aged would be appreciated.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Derouard family.