Tribute

After a long, hard-fought battle with heart and lung disease, our family matriarch, Leanne Louise Renaud, is finally at peace. On March 13, 2025, at 9:50 p.m. in Fernie Hospital, she passed away, surrounded by her family. Leanne was born on March 27, 1959, in Kimberley, BC. The youngest of four, she was nicknamed “little chicken” by her father. She learned early that survival was self-dependent and that inner strength was paramount for personal success. Leanne took nothing in life for granted, and she worked very hard for every thread of life. Even during this past year, as her health was deteriorating, she pushed herself well beyond her comfort zone in an effort to maintain her “All go, No quit” attitude. We can all use a little Leanne in our own “get up and go.”

Leanne is survived by her husband, Wes McCollister; sister, Darlene Lewis; brothers, Rick Renaud and Vic Renaud; soul sister, Catherine Jean Huppie; daughter, Jami-Lynn Roberts (David); daughter, Jessika Renaud; son, Kyle McCollister; stepdaughter, Jolene McCollister (Kyle); and stepson, Calib McCollister. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Jesse McCollister (Linda); sisters-in-law, Harriet McCollister and Lana McCollister; and many other cherished family members. Leanne was blessed to be both a grandmother and a great-grandmother. Her grandchildren include Travis Roberts, Lucia McCollister, Jorgia-Lynn Renaud, Kyson McCollister, Kenzie Komant, Cole Komant, and great-granddaughter Emery-Lynn Renaud. Other significant family members include her nephew, Ryan Lewis (Sherry); niece, Jocelyn Boroski (Lindse); and nephews Denny and Christopher White. There are countless more cousins and loved ones we could mention, but Leanne’s most favorite among them was Linda Blackwell (Daniel).

Leanne is predeceased by her parents, Richard Renaud and Enid Renaud; her in-laws, Richard McCollister and Nova McCollister; her sister-in-law, Cara White; her sister-in-law, Denise McCollister; and her granddaughter, Caitlynn Renaud.

Leanne was very much her own woman, influenced only by the things she supported, and vocal about the things she did not. Both intelligent and resourceful, Leanne could overcome anything presented to her. Perhaps her most celebrated talent was her cooking and her desire to leave no one hungry. The kitchen was her favorite place… after the laundry room! Her generous heart and fiery tongue will be deeply missed and irreplaceable.

Leanne requested that there be no service. Instead, she asked that we host a luncheon/BBQ so that everyone could share their memories over a meal. The location and date are yet to be determined, but the end of May is the likely target.

Leanne’s family is asking that, in lieu of flowers, a donation in Leanne’s name be made to STARS Air Ambulance at stars.ca.