Leslie "Les" Thomas Richardson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Leslie Thomas Richardson at 86 years young.

He was born in Gladstone, Manitoba on April 7, 1933, to Roy and Laura Richardson, brother to Bob Richardson and one sister Marlene Paterson.  He was predeceased by his parents Roy and Laura Richardson, a young son Thomas Glenn Richardson and an infant daughter Kathy Richardson. His son-in-law David Harapiak, great grandson Jett 

He married his soul mate Marilyn Hertlein on March 24, 1954 and was blessed with 5 children together. Harvey (MJ) from The Pas, grandsons Jeff and Scott (Chrystal).  A daughter Brenda (Wayne) Schell of Neepawa, granddaughters Jocelyn (Ronnie), Leslee (Steven) , grandson Garrett (Terri). A son Calvin (Karen) of Steinbach, grandsons Jason (Laurie) and Chad (Daria), twin granddaughters Meagan (Jared), Tricia. Daughter DebbieHarapiak of Winnipeg, granddaughter Alannah (Randy Mac), grandson Braxton. A son Brian (Darlene) of Lockport, grandson Michael (Robyn), granddaughter Shani (Ryan). A decade ago, ason Greg Trenholm (Dryden) came into his life, with his children Jackie (Paris), Pattie and Greg Jr. (Iris). And a very special friend Bev Seaborn who was like a daughter to him. And many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Dad left school at a very young age but was self-taught in guitar, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, welding, mechanics. He had many career choices over the years including laborer, farming, miner but ultimately settled in the trucking profession, from which he retired.  Mom and Dad moved around Manitoba and Saskatchewan, but finally settled in Franklin Manitoba. He moved to Neepawa in 2017 after 42 years of being affectionally known as “the mayor” of Franklin. 

As a trucker, dad saw many parts of North America from the eye of a trucker. In later years, mom and dad liked to travel, making a trip to Alaska and 2 trips to Cuba.  They loved to dance, play cards, and attended many roundups over the years. The guitar became a new friend and was a source of expressing his hidden talent.  As a one time resident of Snow Lake, he acquired a taste for hunting, fishing, and engaged in the life style of secluded northern life.    

The coffee crowd described dad as a fun loving, jokester with many “one liners”.  He could dish it out ….but he could take it as well. Always happy, always smiling and always willing to give a helping hand and many will remember his many “words of wisdom”. He was a member of AA for 52 years and has sponsored many others inflicted with Alcoholism. Country Meadows viewed him as a regular, even though he was not a resident. His daily routine of showing care and compassion tomom, who is a resident… will never be forgotten.

It is one of the most difficult things in life to see a parent’s health fail, while you stand by helplessly. Many thanks to all health care professionals that attended to his needs over the years. If you ever met him… you will never forget him…. that is just the colorful character he was!

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