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Leonard Bonaventure Edwards

March 13, 2004

EDWARDS, Leonard Bonaventure

October 6, 1923 - March 13, 2004

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Len, peacefully at his home in Snaw naw as, on March 13, 2004. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 57 years, Peggy, and sons and daughters; Wayne, Jessica, David, Caroline, Gordon, Howie, Jocelyn, Sharon, Steven, and Donna. Loving husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is predeceased by his son Ronald Carmen. Born in Bellingham, October 6, 1923. Leonard’s early years were spent working in the logging industry for MacMillan Bloedel as first aid attendant, warehouse man, logger, and spar tower operator. A great humanitarian and communitarian, Leonard made many life long friends, as a member of the Nanaimo Shrine Club and the Masonic Lodge in Nanaimo and Parksville. Known as “Doc”, he volunteered as a first aid attendant with many sports associations and teams such as the Nanaimo City and Nanaimo Native Sons Lacrosse teams. He was also a boxing coach, baseball umpire, a skip in curling, volunteer firefighter, golfer, commercial and sports fisherman, and a foster parent. Leonard was an Elder at St. Phillips by the Sea Church. He also contributed to the Nanoose First Nation community as Chief, and a councilor. After Len’s retirement he began his Elder role, sharing and teaching his First Nations culture to the children of School Districts #68 and #69. He played a key role in recording the Hul’qumi’num language to pass on to the generations to come. To his family he leaves his legacy in the echoes of the drums he made. The paddles he carved, to help them through their journey in life. To carry the stories and laughter he made them baskets of pine and cedar. For their health and happiness he left them medicine to heal their pain. Leonard is dearly loved and will be forever remembered in the hearts of those he touched. He followed the Shaker faith. Prayer services were held at Nanoose First Nation Community Hall in Lantzville at 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 15. Funeral service was held Tuesday, 10:00 a.m., March, 16 at Tsow tun Le Lum gym. Email condolences may be sent to: yatesfuneral@shaw.ca.



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