Leonard Ernest Skibinsky Obituary

Leonard Ernest Skibinsky was born in Canora to Eugene and Victoria. Growing up on a farm meant there were lots of back roads to explore on bike, motorbike or skidoo, as well as responsibilities that required driving tractors, cars, and farm trucks earlier than the law allowed. Leonard loved driving, so it was no surprise that he took a Class A license and started driving semis.

In between long haul loads, he enjoyed getting together with his mom Vickie, dad Eugene, Uncle Walter, Uncle Dan, sister Cheryl (Allan), and brother Darren (Irene) for holidays. Leonard loved to cook and always wanted to take over seasoning any meal prepared. He was a fan of science fiction and fostering the imagination and would dress up as Santa for his niece, Sarah, as well as send her marvelous whimsical Harry Potter themed gifts for her birthday. Fishing was another of Leonard's loves and there was rarely a season where he did not join RLee and Nancy up at Lac La Ronge for a fishing trip.

Leonard drove all over the United States and Canada for over 30 years without an accident. He finally left Caron Transport and had to give up fishing when the years of sitting at the wheel started to take a toll on his body. Leonard found good friends at HallCon Crew Transport in Saskatoon at the Sutherland yards and knew all the pickup and dropoff spots for the CPRail workers. Jerika and Moein shared their home with Leonard and his beloved cat so he could live closer to the CP yards. As his health deteriorated, his boss Bernard ensured his continued employment by making him a trainer and resource for newer drivers. Although he delighted in being considered a 'grumpy old fart', he loved sharing his knowledge and helping out others as he was able.

Leonard is survived by his mom, sister, brother, niece, and cat CP (thanks, Samantha). His ashes will be taken to Lac La Ronge so fishing season will never end.