Léo J. Lapierre passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 28th, 2019 at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, SK at the age of 76. He is survived by his wife Paulette Bueckert; his son Norman; his son Colin (Camille) and grandchildren Joëlle and Cézanne; his son Paul (Alanne) and grandchildren Simone and Adrien.  He is also survived by his close cousins Herculine, Alice, Gerry (Joanne), and Lauraine (Herb).  Léo was predeceased by his wife Majella Lapierre; his parents Wilfrid and Anne-Marie Lapierre; his grandson Alec Lapierre as well as his first cousins Joe Lapierre and Oscar Lapierre.

Born in ‘La Belle Province’ September 9th, 1942 as the only child of Wilfrid and Anne-Marie Lapierre, he was first raised in Marcelin where he became close to his cousins and cherished them as siblings.  The family then moved to the Prince Albert area. Léo developed an appreciation for nature at a very young age.  He spent weekends at Christopher Lake enjoying the intoxicating fresh air, admiring the panoramic scenery but most of all he marvelled at the varying colours of the birds as they soared through the air.

Early retirement motivated Léo to discover a hobby that would add meaning and enjoyment to his life.  While he was searching for ideas, he met a friend who showed him some of his bird carvings and recommended carving classes.  This suggestion appealed to Léo as he already had an aptitude and an interest for woodworking.  A carving bug hit him soon after a few classes.  He diligently worked at improving his skills and in a very short time Léo’s bird carvings received significant recognition in competitions in Saskatoon, Calgary and Winnipeg.  His excellent work reflected not only his talent but also his love for the wild.  One of his most humbling recognitions was when his carving of a robin was presented to the Cameron family in memory of RCMP Cst Robin Cameron who died in the line of duty.

Une des grandes fiertés de Léo était de voir que ses enfants et ses petits-enfants ont tenu à garder la langue française vivante dans leur foyer; fruit du travail en tant qu’un des parents pionniers de l’École canadienne-française à Saskatoon. Léo had moved back to Prince Albert in recent years and was able to spend as much time at his cabin in Christopher Lake where he gained the inspiration necessary to continue his work as a carver.  Every new carving brought additional delight and knowledge about his ‘fine feathered-friends’. 

Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the St. Mark’s Roman Catholic Church, 589 9th Street East, Prince Albert, SK. with Reverend Father Jim Kaptein officiating.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Light of the Prairies Society, 925 McKercher Drive, Saskatoon, SK, home to his son Norman and many other individuals with special needs.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel (306)922-4729.

• Date : 2019-05-28
• Location : Prince Albert, SK