Mr. Leo Louis Cvitkovitch

Peacefully on April 21, 2010 at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg Leo passed into his next journey at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Helen, his daughter Karen, son Dennis (Susan) and grandchildren Katherine and Graham, his brother Frank (Violet), nieces Patty, Joan, Sandy, Donna, nephew Ken and sister in-laws Veronica (William) and Madeline.

He was predeceased by his Mother Mary, Father August, Sister Eleanor (Ed), and mother and father in-law Frank and Helen Polak and son Donald.

Leo had a full life. He attended St. Ignatius School, St. Paul’s High School and The University of Manitoba. He was always ready to volunteer his time, especially in coaching sports teams of all ages and genders. He was involved in cubs and scouts in many capacities throughout his life. He was affectionately known as ‘Uncle Leo’ to many of the kids that he mentored. He always contributed his time to the parishes that he belonged to and was especially fond of St. Gerard’s church where he helped establish a new building in 1959. After moving to Windsor Park in 1962 he became a major presence at St. Bernadette’s where he was involved in the men’s club, the Knights of Columbus and with ministerial duties.

His work life began at Searle grain where he caught the business bug. He then went into business with his friends at Dominion Armature works in St. Boniface. The company eventually began manufacturing steel fasteners and became known as Dawsteel and later Westland Steel where he served as President and General Manger until his retirement in 2001. He was always willing to listen and help anyone who would ask, and often those that were afraid to ask.

Although he travelled to many places his favorite spot in the world was his cottage at Falcon Lake. He watched uncountable sunsets from his boathouse deck and was proud of the cottage he built with the help of friends and family. Leo enjoyed fishing, golfing, BBQing and relaxing with plenty of visitors as the kids were growing up. He will be missed but he will always be with us.

The family would like to express thanks for the support that Leo had from the team at Cancer Care Manitoba, his home care worker Amando, and all the staff and Nurses at St. Boniface General Hospital, Linda and Father Fred for making him comfortable during his last days.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Bernadette’s Church, 820 Cottonwood Rd at 11:00 AM on Monday April 26. Interment will follow at Green Acres Funeral Home with a reception back at St. Bernadette’s.

In Lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so can please make a donation to Cancer Care Manitoba or the Canadian Cancer Society.