Leonard Berschiminsky
March 13, 1939 – January 8, 2018

The death of Leonard Bershiminsky of the Carmel District, SK occurred at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, SK on Monday, January 8, 2018. He was 78 years of age. Leonard Stephen Berschiminsky was born March 13, 1939 at the family homestead in the Carmel District just ¾ of a mile north of Leonard and Marilynn’s current farm home. Leonard was the youngest of 9 children born to John (born August 23, 1903, Novodvorowka, Mariupol, USSR) and Anna (Grenz) Berschiminsky (born May 29, 1897, Marienpole, USSR). He grew up on the family farm where, beginning at a very young age like all farm kids from that era, he was required to perform tough manual labour. He attended Highgate School near Carmel where he completed his Grade 8 education. He was also a member of the school softball team. Leonard met Marilynn Ehalt at the opening of the Stoney Lake pavilion in 1959, the beginning of a lifelong love. They were engaged on Valentine’s Day of 1963 and married July 13 that same year at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church in Humboldt, Saskatchewan. Shortly after their first baby, Lora, arrived in 1964, followed by Brad in 1965, Wes in 1966, and Clint in 1967…yep they were busy. Some of Leonard’s early employment included Kloshinsky Electric, Federal Grain and Searle Grain Corporation, prior to becoming a full-time farmer and moving to the current family farm in 1973. While farming he also had part-time employment with Brockman Concrete and Esso/Dunham Crop Services. He was also an active member of the R.M. of Humboldt #370, and was counsellor for Division 3 from 1992 to 2002. His greatest passion was music - he enjoyed playing accordion, keyboard and guitar. He had the remarkable gift of being able to pick up an instrument and, with a bit of practice, play any song by ear. He took great pleasure in dedicating countless hours to learning a new tune. He used his given talents to fix pretty much anything and build/create/invent things - from electric ice augers, a motorized 3-wheeler made from a SnoCruiser snowmobile, hockey nets, handheld grill for open fires, decorative plant stands, sunflowers, and anything else you can imagine…almost always created from old machinery parts. He was most creative with a welding rod in his hand. He was the neighbourhood handyman and was called upon time after time to rectify any problems with plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and heating. He was a sausage-making and smokehouse connoisseur as well as an expert at the barbecue. For anyone that had the privilege of enjoying Leonard’s bbq’d treats, it was always “the best you’ve ever tasted” and if you didn’t know that he would make sure to tell you. He was a man of the land which was apparent in his love of farming and caring for the land. In between the nooks and crannies of farming, he also took great pride in the fruits of his labours derived from tending to the family garden. All these passions will live on in his children/grandchildren although getting to Dad’s level will be a challenge. He had an uncanny ability to tell and remember jokes, always followed by his very unique infectious laugh. Many will also remember him for perfecting his craft as a practical joker. When you remember and think of Dad, we hope it is with a smile on your face and laughter in your heart. Leonard will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of almost 55 years, Marilynn (nee Ehalt) Berschiminsky; their four children and nine grandchildren: Lora (Rudy) of Fulda, SK and family, Dustin (Maegen), Rheanna (Morgan); Brad (Lana) of Saskatoon, SK and family, Ethan and Isa; Wes (Dallas) and his family, Bryce, Blake and Bray of Humboldt, SK; Clint (Lara) and their family, Jordan and Jenae of Saskatoon, SK; 3 sisters: Sr. Delphine Berschiminsky, OSE, of Saskatoon, Elizabeth Daschner of Humboldt and Agnes Dyck of Hope, BC; and 1 sister-in-law, Marcella Berchiminsky of Watson, SK. He was predeceased by: his parents, John and Anna; three brothers, Nick, Peter and John; two sisters, Mary Fetter and Madeline Hornback; brothers-in-law; Leo Daschner, Carl Fetter and Irvin Dyck. A Funeral Mass was offered on Friday, January 12, 2018 at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church Humboldt, SK at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Michael Yaremko and concelebrated by Fr. Paul Paproski, OSB. Others taking part were: Ethan Berschiminsky, cross bearer; Colette Rheaume and Maegen Urdal, scripture readers; Jenae Berschiminsky, intentions; Jenae Berschiminsky, Ethan Berschiminsky and Isa Froese, giftbearers; Pat Engele and Vernice Engele, memorial table attendants; Dale Family with organist Dolores Hinz, music ministry; Leonard’s children and grandchildren, eulogists. Honourary Pallbearers were “All those who had the honour to be a part of Leonard’s (Lenny’s) life.” Active Pallbearers were: Dustin Fraess, Rheanna Fraess, Bryce Berschiminsky, Blake Berschiminsky, Jordan Berschiminsky and Bray Berschiminsky. Interment will take place at a later date. Memorial Donations may be directed to the St. Augustine Parish Center or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. 

 

This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)