Len passed away suddenly at home in Penticton on February 9, 2013 at the age of 75.
Survived by Marion his loving wife of 42 years and children Julie (Steve), David (Louise), Carol (Jarrod) and 2 grandchildren. Also survived by Patricia Willis, mother of his children Brock (Lauri) and Jana (John); 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Also leaving behind his brother Eugene (Joanne) and sister Gail (Ken) and several nieces and nephews.
Born in Richmond, B.C. to Nicholas and Julia, Len was raised on a farm. He earned a Bachelor of Agriculture and then a Bachelor of Education at U.B.C.
Len taught school in Richmond before following his dream to be a farmer. In 1970 Len and Marion were married and moved north to Terrace (Old Remo) on the banks of the Skeena River. Len worked tirelessly clearing heavily timbered land for pastures, built a cedar log home and barns and raised beef cattle and hay.
With his family Len enjoyed cross country skiing on trails on his land and downhill skiing and snowboarding at Shames. He supported Terrace Minor Hockey and the 4-H Club.
In 2006 Len and Marion moved to Penticton and planted an organic vineyard. Len’s appreciation of premier wines grew exponentially! He was an avid fan of the Penticton Vees hockey team and English Premier League soccer.
He will be remembered for his positive, energetic personality and strong bear hugs. Len was proudly a “man of the soil” and will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 2:00 pm with a reception to follow at Penticton United Church. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation.