Tribute

Len Westnedge left this world on May 5^th with his wife of 64 years, Mary Lou, and their children Mitch, Lynn and Judy by his side.

There will be no flowery BS obituary or service at his request.

The only words Len wanted to share was that he was so fortunate and happy to be born and live in Kimberley through most of his almost 89 years. He knew Kimberley was the greatest small town in BC long before there was a contest. What he believed made it great were the people that crossed his path throughout those years.

What we wanted to share as a family was just a little bit more…

If you are also long time Kimberley resident, Len the Barber, likely cut your hair and gave you a double bubble gum. Len or Lou might have served you breakfast at the short lived, Bavarian Haus Restaurant or sold you case lot groceries at DL Groceries in the 1970s. Many of you came from families that relied on the Sullivan Mine where Len also worked as a miner (but not for long!) before he began his final career with Canada Post as a letter carrier and retired from 27 years ago. He might have educated you on the need to shovel your sidewalk.

Len also made connections with those who accompanied him or shared tales of climbing Fisher, Teepee and North Star mountains, and back packing in Banff, Kootenay and Jasper National Parks. He was a life master in bridge, continuing to play into his final months as his mind and card skills remained sharp and competitive. He enjoyed the drive from Cranbrook, where he resided during the last decade of his life, to Kimberley on a weekly basis to play and stopped at the Sully many mornings to have coffee. (He even made the round trip a time or two on his bike while he was in his early eighties. It was not an e-bike but it did have gears.)

Those wishing to remember Lenny the Legend, (as he was known by those closest to him) may do so by hiking those mountains, racing up the ski hill (make sure your time is faster than who you went with and if you take a stop watch but no water all the better), take an overseas trip, catch a fish in a local lake, savor a huckleberry, cut some firewood, win at a game of cards, run a marathon, or adopt a Britney Spaniel.  Ride a horse, preferably one that isn’t broke. Just don’t get a cat.

Lenny was long on hellos but short on good byes. Enjoy a conversation with a friend, neighbour or stranger (but don’t forget to turnoff or ignore “that damn device”).

Len was also happy the three children he brought into the world with his wife Mary Lou, Mitch, Lynn and Judy were raised in Kimberley as were four of his grandchildren, Rob and Bryan Bannatyne and Jess and Shane Daniels. Mom and Dad had the opportunity to see the Egypt, Israel and Cyprus during visits with Mitch and their youngest grandchildren Megan and Evan Westnedge. In recent years they were able to visit at their home in Kelowna.  Dad was also proud to show his home town and this corner of BC with his relatives from Ontario.

Len and Mary Lou were further blessed with three Kootenay born great grandchildren, Ava, Alex and Aaron Bannatyne. Len shared a bond and love of sports with son in law Paul Dashkewytch. Len is survived by one remaining sibling, Audrey Vance of Creston, the only person who has known him his whole life.

Forgive me for writing this Dad, but it’s not an obituary…..

We hope you float like a butterfly but this stings like a bee. (Muhammad Ali).