It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lester (Les) Gerard MacDonald on Monday, November 5, 2001. Les entered into rest peacefully at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon at the age of 48 years, after a brief but very courageous battle with cancer. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Elaine; sons, Brent (Richael) and Jared; daughters, Kimberley and Ashley; and grandson, Tristan. Also surviving are Les' brothers, Everett, Jim, Cliff (Helen), Ken (Lynda), Ray, Ron and Al; sisters, Edna and Ida (Vernon). He was pre-deceased by his parents, Bernard and Frances MacDonald and his sister, Gerry. Les was born on October 30, 1953 in Souris, Prince Edward Island, and grew up in Bear River. At the age of 19 he ventured to Oshawa, Ontario where he resided for a year. In 1973 Les moved to Lynn Lake, Manitoba and began working underground in the Sherritt Gordon Mine. It was at this time that he met Louise Bjornson and they were married in 1975. Les wore many hats while in Lynn Lake: Town Councillor, Boyscout leader, member of the Kinsmen and Snowmobile Club and President of the Steelworkers Union. He was also an avid camper and fisherman. Les was a proud dad when Brent was born in 1979 and Kimberley in 1982. As it sometimes happens, Les and Louise separated and he relocated to Brandon, Manitoba where he began working with the Province of Manitoba as a Workplace Safety and Health Officer, a position he held for 19 years. In 1986 Les and Elaine (nee Prescott) were married and purchased a house in Brandon, which remained their home until present day. Daughter, Ashley was born in 1989 and son, Jared in 1991. In the fall of 1998 Les took a leave of absence for approximately one and one-half years to do some safety consulting in Fort McMurray, Alberta. Les was a person who was well respected in the field of safety, and over the years took many courses and training sessions to satisfy his desire to become more knowledgeable and gain experience. Les was a very proud grandpa when grandson, Tristan, was born on October 4, 2001. He was a soccer coach, chairperson for Parent Council at Waverly Park School, member of the steering committee, treasurer of the Wheat City Group and involved in numerous other groups and affiliations through his work. Les was an admirable craftsman and the project he took the most pride in was the completion of his basement. He was interested in gardening and landscaping and loved to cook. His family was his pride and Les took great pleasure in helping others. His radiant smile, outgoing nature and keen sense of humour touched the lives of many people. He will be sadly missed. A time of visitation for friends was held at Memories Chapel in Brandon on Thursday evening, November 8, 2001 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Ceremony of Christian Burial was celebrated at Memories Chapel on Friday, November 9, 2001 at 1:30 p.m. Celebrant was Fr. Kevin Smith of St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church. The immediate family entered the chapel and placed single white roses upon the casket, poems were read by daughters, Kimberley and Ashley, a favourite hymn "Amazing Grace" was heard, the eulogy was delivered by son, Brent and the service was concluded by youngest son, Jared, releasing balloons containing a special note. Pallbearers were brothers, Everett, Jim, Cliff, Ken, Ron and Al. Honorary pallbearers were sisters, Edna and Ida. If friends so desire memoriams may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 2B7. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glint on snow
When you awake in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
So do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die

Card of Thanks

We would like to take this opportunity to say a very special heartfelt thank you to all family, friends, neighbours, teachers, coaches and co-workers for their phone calls, visits, generous gifts of food, lovely flowers and plants, beautiful cards, gifts, words of encouragement, prayers and help during Les' hospitalization and passing. Your kindness and comforting support will always be remembered. The family would like to express their thanks to the doctors, nursing and hospital staff, We Care workers who sat with Les, and the Chemotherapy Department for their wonderful care and thoughtfulness. Thank you Fr. Kevin Smith for your visits, prayers and very beautiful service. Thanks to Vern Schneider of Memories Chapel for his kind support and assistance during this very difficult time. We deeply appreciate all that was done for our family.

Sincerely, The MacDonald Family Memorials
Canadian Cancer Society