It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we say goodbye to Leonard Beland, loving partner, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 15, 2024, after cancer surgery at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Leonard was born on January 23, 1944, in Kapuskasing, Ontario, to Jeanette Lavoie and Leopold Beland. He had three sisters: Joanne Belair, Suzanne Lecours, and Lucy Beland (deceased). He was a forester by trade specializing in mechanical harvesting. He went to the University of New Brunswick, took management courses at Texas A & M and Cleveland Ohio Eaton Corporation. His first job was with International Paper in the forestry division. He worked as General Manager for Timberjack and later he worked with Wajax Industries as the Ontario Regional Manager. His work also allowed him to travel to Scandinavia, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. He worked for 38 years retiring in 2002 at the age of 58.
Leonard married Nicole Duchemin in April 1966 in Saint-Georges-de-Champlain. They lived in Sault Ste. Marie, Kapuskasing and Thunder Bay, where they raised their two sons Michel & Marc. Leonard enjoyed downhill skiing with his family, golfing, and taking family road-trips throughout Canada and the United States. He was a soft spoken, kind, thoughtful soul who always had a smile on his face and was loved by everyone who knew him. Leonard and his partner of 22 years, MJ McCracken were members of the Fort William Country Club where they spent every summer playing golf with family and friends. Golf was one of Leonard’s true passions in life.
Leonard is lovingly remembered by his loving partner, MJ McCracken, his oldest son Michel Beland (Johanne) grandchildren Emilie, Renee and Jeremie. Marc Beland (Trudy), Dan Kuppinen (Nicole) grandchildren Leila and Nathan. Sisters Joanne Belair, Reginald (deceased), Suzanne Lecours (Andre), nieces Annie and Julie, Sophie Freeman, Roxanne Laurin, and nephew Luc Lecours. Predeceased by his parents Jeanette Lavoie and Leopold Beland, sister Lucy Beland, brothers-in-law Reginald Belair and Brian Coghlan. Also predeceased by mother & father-in-law Mary McCracken, Don McCracken, brothers-in-law Jim McCracken and Bill McCracken.
The family would like to thank the doctors and wonderful nurses in the ICU for their exceptional care. As per Leonard’s wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no service; however a celebration of life will be held in the spring/summer. If friends so desire, donations can be made to the Northern Cancer Fund or Northern Cardiac Fund.
Please share fond memories and condolences at www.sargentandson.com.
