Leonard “Len” Renkas
May 2, 1945 – May 5, 2017
It is with deep sorrow the family of Leonard “Len” Renkas wish to announce his sudden passing on May 5, 2017 at the age of 72 years following a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Len was the beloved husband of 52 years to Ellen (nee: Weiss) and father to children, Darren (Sue), and Monica (Brian Paul); 7 grandchildren (Matthew, Branden (Kayla), Jennifer, Ryan, Logan, Teagan, McKale) ; great-grandfather to Alexia and Mia. He is survived by his siblings Rose Fidyk, Annette Muntain, Ed Renkas, Mike Renkas, and Pauline Stankowski as well as sisters in law Bev Kosowan and Barb Reding and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Nettie Renkas, his mother and father in law, Florence and Lester Weiss, sister, Marie, and brother, David, in infancy as well special brothers in law, George Fidyk, Don Muntain, and Frank Stankowski and sister in law, Linda Renkas. Len was born in Prince Albert and raised on his father’s farm at Spruce Home attending school in a one room school house on the land his father donated to the school district where he later built a home and lived with his family for 40 years until his health required that he move to Prince Albert. Len was a “Jack of all trades”, using his life and work experiences from being a bell boy to a butcher, and finding his final passion as a heavy equipment operator responsible for installing water and sanitary lines and building roads in northern communities until his retirement. Len’s love for wildlife started at a young age, often bringing deer home for supper and earning spending money by trapping other small animals. His interest and respect for animals turned full circle as Len proudly surrendered his hunting gear to his son, son in law, and grandson in favor of watching the spectacular wildlife that he a religiously fed in his yard. And if you didn’t know Len’s yard all you needed to do is look for the white Dodge vehicles but through the support and guidance of his son in law, Len was introduced to other brands and colors of vehicles! Len was dubbed as the community “fixer upper”, lending a helping hand and having just the right tools or solution for anything that needed fixing. After hard day’s work, Len could be found in his backyard or sitting at a blazing campfire while gazing at the stars, northern lights, and scoping out meteor showers. And during the day, when he wasn’t helping someone or tinkering in his shop, he could be found at the Army & Navy enjoying cool refreshments, playing a competitive game of pool, and razzing the guys and gals at the club. His light hearted sense of humor, tremendous campfires, and embellished stories will surely be missed by all. Despite his carefree and playful spirit, it was important that his selflessness continue through the Body Bequeathal Program at the U of S. My darling, your final wish came true. The teachings and research for future Dr’s, dentists, physical therapists, and other medical professionals will provide invaluable skills and knowledge for generations to come. At Len’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service but a private family tailgate party is not out of the question! Special thanks to Dr. Robert Ardell, Dr. Spafford, Dr. Haider, and all the staff at Saskatoon Cancer Center, Prince Albert Chemo Department, and Victoria Union Hospital for your kindness and compassion throughout Len’s journey. In lieu of flowers,donations may be made to Saskatoon Cancer Patient Lodge 1036 College Dr, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W1.