Leo Nygard, aged 82 years old, passed away peacefully in TBRHSC with his family by his side after a brief illness. Leo was born in Port Arthur in 1941 and was raised in Devon with his brother Roy and sisters Doris and Debbie.
Survived by his children Shawn (LeeAnn), Sheldon (Twyla), Kim and Candy (Joel), his grandchildren Sara, Kyla, Jesse, Dallas and Cody and also by his girlfriend Alice Stetch. He is also survived by his sisters Doris Kangas, Debbie (Brian) Tenkula and sister-in-law Maureen Nygard as well as numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives. He is predeceased by his wife Sharon, his parents Meimi and Gunnar Nygard and his brother Roy.
He married Sharon Lennox in 1965 and together they raised four fabulous children first in South Gilles and then in O’Connor where he continued to live for the next 50 years.
Leo held various employment in the logging industry throughout his working life. He was owner operator of Nygard Trucking where he drove his own log truck.
He was always an active member of the community taking part in local events like fish derbies, strawberry socials, bingos, music nights and anything else to socialize with friends. He could often be seen out driving the countryside in his 1972 Super Beetle.
He enjoyed camping and travelling and a highlight was an annual two week road trip with his wife Sharon, his sister and brother-in-law Fay and Les to various locations across Canada and the US.
Leo liked a good game of cards and was even more fond if he was taking other people’s money. Leo had a great sense of humour which he maintained until the end entertaining the nursing staff at TBRHSC.
From a young age he loved dancing and went multiple times a week right up until his recent hospitalization. Nothing pleased him more than a compliment on his dancing skills. He met many friends over the years at various locations.
Cremation has taken place. As per Leo’s final wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Kakabeka Legion on March 30, 2024 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm with a dance to be held afterwards from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. A private interment will be held at a later date.
Leo was so grateful for the compassionate and outstanding care he received at the TBRHSC on 2A, 2B and in the ICU. He charmed his way into the hearts of many nurses and asked that if friends so desired in lieu of flowers donations to the TBRHSC, in his memory, would be appreciated. The family would also like to thank Northwest Funeral Alternative for their professionalism and compassion.
God saw that he was getting tired,
A cure was not to be.
So He put His arms around him
and whispered “Come with Me.”
With tearful eyes, we watched him suffer,
And saw him fade away.
Although we loved him dearly,
We could not make him stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes “the best”.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
