Leonard "Slade" Willison

Peacefully on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at the Simkin Centre in Winnipeg, Mb, Leonard “Slade” Willison passed away at the age of 80 years. Slade is survived by his wife Helen, his 2 children Laura (Bill) and Stephen (Jody), 5 grandchildren Karleigh (Chris), Scott, Alyssa, Ian, Caitlyn and 4 great grandchildren, Izabelle, Mason, Charlotte & Cooper.

Slade grew up in Portage la Prairie and moved to Winnipeg with Helen in his 20’s when he started his job with Manitoba Hydro where he worked for over 30 years and retired at 55. Slade enjoyed curling his whole life and was a very active member of the Fort Rouge Curling Club where he made many long term friendships. Slade loved organizing the annual fishing and hunting trips with his buddies. This passion for the outdoors took him to the ownership of an island in Lake of the Woods where he designed and built a cottage that would be his pride and joy. It may have taken many years to complete but he was determined to do it on his own and he did with the help of friends and family. He spent many great years enjoying island life where many memories were created and will never be forgotten.

Slade was a man that knew it all….or so he thought. Challenge him and you had your work cut out for you and you better come prepared. His family was very important to him and although he didn’t always express that it really came through in his last 5 years how much his family meant to him. The grandkids always knew the “Big” guy was just their little teddy bear and that he loved having them on his lap in his “chair” to play or even for a quick nap.

The family wishes to thank the staff on Weinberg 3 at the Simkin Centre for the hands on care they provided.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

If friends so wish donations may be made in Slade’s memory to the Simkin Centre online at www.simkincentre.ca/donate.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com