Leo Thorwaldson Obituary Leo Thorwaldson 1930 -2025 The family of Leo Berd Thorwaldson sadly announce the peaceful passing of our precious Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather on March 26, 2025 surrounded by the love of his five daughters. We are thankful that he has joined his wife, our Mom Audrey Theresa Cortens, son-in-law Brian Everest, beloved grandson Coleman Everest, his Mother Christia MacNeil, Father John, and brothers Oscar and Angus. He is survived by his five daughters and their families; Lea and Tom Legge, Michael and Ali, Leo and Charlotte, Matthew and Elodie, Eva and Brady, Kaitlin and Justin [Keough], Christie and Jack McPherson, Meghan and Oliver [Leslie] Rose and George, Andrew, Dan, James, and Meghan [Dobie], William, Emily, and Dan [Thurlbeck], Lynn and Mike [Surman], Joseph and Mallory, Freiya, Aidon, and Asa Thorwaldson, Joanne [Everest], Hannah, Louis, and Bronte, Sef and Ahmie, Trudi Thorwaldson, Levi Forest, and Maddie [Gregory] Camille Forest and Owen [Brown]. Our Dad had a very cherished connection to our moms family, the Cortens clan, and loved them dearly. He is survived by Trudi, Bernice, Brian, Dave and Marg Cortens, and many nieces and nephews, as well as his paternal nephew Russell and Joyce Thorwaldson. Dad was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on January 1st, 1930, A New Years Day baby, he always told us. He lived on Fleet Street in Winnipeg his entire life before he married our mom, Audrey. St. Ignatius Church was a big part of Dad's life. He was baptized there, was an altar boy, a Minister of the Eucharist, an usher, sang in the choir, administered the mass collection, attended the youth club and dances (where he met our mom), and served on the Credit Union and school board. He attended Earl Grey Elementary and Kelvin High School. He worked at Great West Saddlery, Orange Crush bottlers, and Canada Post. He retired at 58 years old and was very proud to say that he never took a day off from his mail delivery, even through the extreme temperatures that Winnipeg is famous for. He was a devoted son and lovingly cared for his mom and dad in their later years. After retirement, Mom and Dad traveled every year for ten years. They visited California, Florida, Hawaii, Toronto, and BC and captured all those memories in beautiful photos. Mom and Dads life revolved around their five daughters. They worked very hard to ensure that we had all we needed and that all five of us attended St. Ignatius church and school as well as St Marys Academy. Dad took us on many camping trips, hosted family Christmas parties, and welcomed all of our school and neighborhood friends to the dinner table. He was an amazing cook and photographer. He has left a legacy of photos and a family that has been inspired by his eye for capturing special moments in photos. He taught us to appreciate the simple pleasures of family and gatherings and to continue to grow and to expand our horizons. We will carry his wisdom, quiet teachings, and spirit always to honor his memory and "carry this love" to our next generations. His resiliency and strength were inspirational. After many strokes, spinal stenosis, and health challenges, he rebounded to remind us that there was always a new day to look forward to and to cherish the healthy days. Dad loved the CFL and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He was almost always correct in his predictions for which team would win the Grey Cup. He and Mom displayed an unconditional love for family and taught us to be compassionate and to be kind to each other. They wished nothing more than for us to look after each other. Dad was dignified, spiritual, and patient. In his last 6 years, he lived at the Gardens at Qualicum Beach. He accepted all the care, compassion, and kindness that he was offered by the care team. He reached out to all to make connections and friendships. In his retirement home, they ask the question "What is most important to you?" He was clear in his answer "my family, my religion, and my health". He lived to cherish those grounding principles and values. We are missing you every day, Dad, but so very happy you are with Mom and at peace in your eternal reward. As Pope Francis said, "Death is not the end of everything but a new beginning". Eternal rest grant upon them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Funeral mass will be held at St. Ignatius Church in Winnipeg on July 21st/2025, at noon with Father D Miranda officiating. Reception to follow at the McPherson residence, 20 Daventry Place, between 1 and 3 PM. All are welcome. A private internment at Chapel Lawn Memorial will be held when Leo was laid to rest beside Audrey. Many thanks to our extended family and friends for all their love and support.