Date de Décès: 2008-04-14
Date de Parution: 2008-04-18
Source: The Chronicle-Journal, Thunder Bay, ON
STARR,Leonard Anthony 2008-04-18 July 29,1931 – April 14, 2008 A star has been returned to the skies. Leonard was born and raised at his homestead on Lake Lenore. It was there that he developed his passion for the land. As a young man, he ventured west to British Columbia to fulfill his dream of becoming a forester. His family was extremely proud of him, not only for being the log rolling champion 3 years running, but mostly for being the first in the family to receive a post secondary degree. Having said good-bye to his sister, Adele, in BC, in 1965, he returned to Thunder Bay to begin his career as one of the first regeneration foresters in the business. He retired from Bowater (formerly Great Lakes Paper) in 1991 to pursue his many interests. However, he continued his close relationship with his colleagues as they met regularly long after his retirement. In 1966, he purposely fell off a t-bar at a local ski club to meet the love of his life, Janet. Len and Jan moved to Nolalu in the early seventies and ran the Nolalu Store for several years. His friends still remember and talk about his famous sauna parties! Len & Jan then decided to be closer to the water and built their retirement home at Silver Harbour. Having completed this, he fulfilled Janet‘s dream of owning a camp at Silver Islet and spent many years renovating and socializing. Len had a zest for life and loved all aspects of this world – water, where he loved to boat, canoe and fish; air, where he piloted across the Northwest; and earth, where he hunted, camped, curled and skied. He enjoyed his fishing buddies at the Slates, the Wynias, Goodmans, Haas‘ & their families; his hunting partners, grandson David and the Tracks; and his many canoeing partners for the annual 24th of May weekend. Len & Janet shared 40 adventure-filled years together traveling the world – Spain, Poland, Germany, France, Alaska, bicycling across Holland with good friends Frank and Sue, canoeing down the Yukon River, kayaking in the Baja, and in later years wintering in Morelia, Mexico. Wherever their travels led them, Len was known as the “king of the pancake makers” and on any Sunday morning, Len could be found heating up the griddles and warming up the syrup. Len held active positions with the Professional Foresters of Ontario, the Search and Rescue Club, the board of Magnus Theatre, and the Thunder Bay Power Squadron. Leonard will be lovingly remembered by his wife Janet, son Jim Heney, daughter Dr. Jan Heney (Dr. Connie Kristianson), daughter Liz (Terry Harms), daughter Stasia (Gary Hoard), grandchildren Tom Heney, David and Matt Breiland, Alina and Livia Hoard, sister in law Myrtle Starr, special niece Jean Track and her children Jeff and Floanne Track, as well as, the Polish connection south of the border. His memory will be cherished by wonderful friends from many corners of the world. He will be remembered for his twinkling eyes, his kind smile & generous hugs. Predeceased by son Tom, daughter in law Barb, grandson Jake, parents Anthony and Catherine, brothers Henry & Eugene and sisters Mary & Adele. A celebration of Leonard‘s life will be held on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008 at 11:00 am in the HARBOURVIEW FUNERAL CENTRE, 499 North Cumberland Street. Friends may gather one hour prior to service time. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer‘s society, Magnus Theatre or the charity of your choice would be most greatly appreciated.