Howard Warren Leonard, born September 26, 1939, passed away on January 11, 2022, at the age of 82 in Barrie, Ont. after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Lewy body dementia. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Leonard, his son Randy Leonard, his grandchildren Justin Kyle Leonard and Joshua Jordan Leonard, his siblings William Russell Leonard, Leonne Reichel, Lorraine Leonard, Lois Leonard and Mark Crawford. He is predeceased by his siblings Helena Crawford and Virginia Reichel. He is together again with his mother, Hazel Leonard, in Heaven.
Howard (aka Sonny) wore many hats while on this earth. He was a Father, husband, grandfather and great grandfather. He delivered groceries, pumped gas and spent many hours buying and selling plumbing and heating supplies. He was an outdoorsman, hiker, cross country skier, mountain biker and fisherman (there’s a few stories if you ask anyone who’s been fishing with him). He was a Judo master and a bouncer (more stories). Howard was a cutter and splitter of wood and loved to heat his home with locally felled trees. Despite being mechanically challenged, he was willing to give it another go. He was a singer and musician and had a deep love for music. He was a writer and author of 4 books (all adventure novels). Howard appreciated a good joke and loved to laugh (and was rumoured to be a lady’s man). Howard overcame his earlier struggle with alcohol and spent much of his life helping others across Canada find their path to sobriety.
The family would like to thank all the care he received at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in Barry’s Bay and Roberta Place LTC in Barrie.
Online memories and condolences may be made at www.peacefultransition.ca
Alzheimer’s Poem
Do not ask me to remember
Don’t try to make me understand
Let me rest and know you’re with me
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand
I’m confused beyond your concept
I am sad and sick and lost
All I know is that I need you
To be with me at all cost
Do not lose your patience with me
Do not scold or curse or cry
I can’t help the way I’m acting
Can’t be different though I try
Just remember that I need you
That the best of me is gone
Please don’t fail to stand beside me
Love me ‘till my life is done
Lesley McCambridge
Posted on: Sunday, January 16, 2022So sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. We only met him in his later years, but he still had a joy for life, a wonderful smile, and an infectious sense of humor! How I loved his books. He made a great impression on us both, and I treasure his insight and wit to this day. Rest in peace, dear Howie.
Kristan Hamon
Posted on: Monday, January 17, 2022My condolences, Yvonne.
I am very sorry for your loss.
I will remember with gratitude Howard’s laughter, his quirky sense of humour, his example of service to others.
With prayers,
Kristan
Barry’s Bay
Rebecca Leonard
Posted on: Monday, January 17, 2022Dear Yvonne,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your husband Howie…..The love you shared had surpassed time and was powerful enough to find each other again in reconciliation.
The opportunity to be married twice to your soul mate is a gift.
Howie was good at making all of us laugh…you could tell he enjoyed it to the end……Thinking of you and caring for your son at this time is my priority….love Rebecca….xoxoxox
Lorna MacPherson
Posted on: Monday, January 17, 2022Yvonne, I just heard about Howie tonight. I am so sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences to you, Randy and the family. Please give me a call when you are up to it.
Lorna (905)967 3390
Denise Penny
Posted on: Friday, January 21, 2022Yvonne I am so sorry to hear about Howie’s passing.
It was a honor to know you both and work with Howie in his time of need.
Please pass my condolences to your family.
When your in Madawaska call me number still the same. Love to you