Leonard Arthur Donais
December 10, 1926 - April 23, 2018

Leonard Arthur Donais passed away peacefully on April 23, 2018 at the age of 91, surrounded by his family. While he was sharp as a tack right to the end, his lungs and heart decided they’d had enough.
Leonard was born on December 10, 1926 in Rabbit Lake Saskatchewan, the second of five children. He started out working on the railroad but after meeting the love of his life Betty, and starting a family, he quickly realized a different career path was needed. They moved to Edmonton where he attended the University of Alberta and obtained a Bachelor of Education. He spent the majority of his career as the Superintendent of the Roman Catholic School Division in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. After retiring from the school system they bought land near Prince Albert and ran a successful market garden and bedding plant operation for many years. Leonard was happiest planting, growing and selling wonderful vegetables and beautiful flowers. His other passion was the cabin he built on an island at Lac La Ronge, in Northern Saskatchewan. Many summers were spent there with family and good friends, fishing, having cook outs and camp fires and maybe the odd rum.
In 2008, Leonard and Betty decided to pull up stakes and move to High River, Alberta where they would be closer to their Calgary-based daughters. Once again, they made wonderful friends and neighbors and became part of the community. They were also able to enjoy a few winters in Phoenix.
Leonard lived life to the fullest, was so proud of his family and loved people in general. He was famously gregarious and talked to anyone and everyone. Nothing made him happier than to make someone smile, even a total stranger. He was a loving husband to Betty, his wife of 63 years and a wonderful, caring, supportive father to his children.
He is survived by his wife Betty, his daughters Michelle MacNair (Mark Milligan), Maureen Bonli (Scott), and sons David (Melissa McCormack) and Timothy (Lene Madsen), nine grandchildren, his sisters Lorraine and Bernice and a brother Ray.
The family would like to thank all the nurses, staff, and especially Dr Rehak at the High River Hospital for all the care and attention given to Leonard over the past months. You truly made a difference in his life. Thanks also to the Foothills Country Hospice for their expert care over the last few days.
Funeral services will be held at St. Francis de Sales Parish, 206-9th Avenue West, High River on Saturday April 28, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Foothills Country Hospice Society, Box 274 Okotoks AB. T1S 1A5. To express condolences please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Homes Ltd. (High River) 403 652 2222