Leonard Martinoski

Leonard Martinoski, age 90, passed away on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK. Leonard James Martinoski was born August 22, 1928 to Anthony “Tony” & and Emelia “Emma” Martinoski near Gerald, SK. Along with his older sister, Elsie, and younger brother, Libbert, they lived on the family farm until 1947, when the family moved to a farm in Perth District, near Rocanville, SK. In 1949, Leonard moved to Rocanville and began his mechanical career at the Ford garage.

It was while living there that he met Marlene Palmer in 1953. In 1954, he took a job with Great West Ford in Swift Current. On October 1, 1955 Leonard & Marlene were married in Rocanville and made the permanent move to 656 9th (Hoffman) Avenue in Swift Current. It was here they began building their family, friendships, and home. On March 1, 1962, Leonard, along with Bill Grainger, purchased Swift Wheel Alignment. In 1983, Len purchased Bojo Automotive and continued working on cars until an octuple bypass surgery sent him into retirement. 

Leonard was always very involved in his community — he spent more than 40 years volunteering with the First United Church, Scouts Canada, and the Kiwanis Club. He was well known for his apple and Christmas tree sales, parade decorations, Fun Olympics, Spookarama, highway-cleanup, Meals on Wheels, and woodworking — his bird houses have found homes around the world. Leonard was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond jubilee award for volunteering in 2012.

If he wasn’t at the church or out with Kiwanis, he could be found in the garden or the basement workroom, depending on the weather. He enjoyed many camping trips with his family and in later years, trips with cousins, his sister, or Kiwanis friends. Leonard moved to Riverview in January 2017, where he created a new home filled with wonderful new and old friends. 

Leonard is survived by his children, Dwayne (Karon) Martinoski, Leta (Doug) Heuer, Larry Martinoski, Saralee (Dean Moraes) Martinoski, and Neil Martinoski; his grandchildren, Andrew (Brianne Giesbrecht) Martinoski, David (Jessica Haile) Martinoski, Nicole (Gary) Pope, Anthony (Amy) Heuer, Rebecca (Travis Sorensen) Heuer, Benjamin (Erin Watkins) Moraes, Maxwell Moraes, and Ava (Alex Va’a) Moraes; his great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Lincoln Pope, Natalie and Alexander Heuer, and Paige Sorensen; his sister, Elsie Sutton; his sister-in-law, Verla Grosskleg; his brother-in-law, Delbert Palmer; and by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Leonard was predeceased by his beloved wife of nearly 57 years, Marlene Evelyn Grace (Palmer) Martinoski, in 2012; his parents, Anthony & Emelia Martinoski; his brother, Libbert Martinoski; his parents-in-law, A. Maxwell & Clara Palmer; his sister-in-law, Marilyn Martinoski; and by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

The Funeral Service for Leonard Martinoski was held on Monday, September 17, 2018 at 2:00 pm from Riverview Village Estates, Swift Current, SK with Rev. Annette Taylor officiating. “How Great Thou Art” and “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” were sung by the congregation, with Joan Williamson serving as pianist. The eulogy was given by Rick Martinoski and Barb Mickalyk. The Private Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service from the Mount Pleasant Burial Park Columbarium, Swift Current, SK.

In memory of Leonard Martinoski, donations made to a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

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