Leonard Samuel Kernaghan December 9, 1935- August 2, 2026

Len passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at the age of 90 at Holy Family Home.

Len leaves to mourn his wife of nearly 61 years, Deanna; his daughter Karen; his son Darcy (Kristel) and grandchildren Anna, Clark, Delaney, and Kian. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Len was predeceased by his parents Samuel and Margaret; siblings John, Robert, Raymond, Milton, Evelyn, Edith, Gordon and Eddie, and son-in-law Dale.

Len was born in Crystal City, Manitoba, the youngest of 9 children (7 boys and 2 girls). He was raised on a family farm in Cartwright, Manitoba. He had daily chores like gathering eggs and wood. His sisters liked telling the story that he liked to hide in the barn to avoid naps.

Len moved to Winnipeg with his parents and one sibling in 1955. He went to Gordon Bell High School where he completed his schooling. His part-time job during that time was delivering groceries on his bike in the Gates.

After high school, Len worked as a mail boy at Beaver Lumber. Following that, he got a job as an accountant with Parish and Heimbecker in the Grain Exchange. After 12 years, he moved on to work as an accountant for United Grain Growers in their farm supplies department for 13 years.

Len met Deanna on a blind date at a dance at the German Club in 1963, where he won her over with his quick wit and charm. They married two years later and bought a house in Windsor Park, where they spent the rest of their lives together. Together, they enjoyed many years of curling, bowling, old-time dancing and spending time with friends and family.

Their daughter Karen was born in 1970 and son Darcy in 1973. As a family, they went every summer on 3 week camping trips across Canada and later joined the Winnipeg Wandering Wheels Trailer Club for weekend camp outs as well. Len also spent time with his family doing activities closer to home, like tobogganing, cross-country skiing, skating, biking, yard games, and board games. He enjoyed attending Jets and Goldeyes games and watching TV sports.. He was an incredibly fun and loving hands-on father and grandfather. Len rarely missed his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, and even coached Karen’s baseball team. He never outgrew his playful spirit and loved playing make-believe games like “restaurant” and “school,” hide-and-seek, and ping pong with his children and grandchildren.

In his spare time, Len could also be found outside tending to the vegetable garden, pulling weeds, or fixing the cars. He was very handy and along with Deanna they took care of most of the maintenance and house projects together.

He built relationships easily with others with his sense of humour and one-liners. He was quick to strike up a conversation with friends and strangers and always had a pocketful of candy to share. He loved brain-teaser games and practical jokes.

Along with Deanna, Len was an active member at Windsor Park United Church for over 50 years. He was a member of the A.O.T.S., on the memorial gardens committee, and volunteered at numerous social events.

Len’s love, laughter and steady presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.

A special thank-you to friends and staff at Holy Family for their wonderful support and care provided to Len and the family.

A celebration of Life will be held at Windsor Park United Church on Tuesday, 1062 Autumnwood Dr,, August 18th at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Len’s memory to Windsor Park United Church, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, or Holy Family Home.

Rest in Peace