On May 22, 2024 with family by his side, Leonard Helmfred Jackson passed away peacefully at Lake of the Woods District Hospital at the age of 87 years old.
Len is survived by his children, Debbie Girling (Ron), Micheal Jackson, and Pamela Locken, along with his grandchildren Melissa Thompson (Greg), Jackson Locken (Tiffany), and Karly Tidey (Jordan). Len will also be adoringly remembered by his great grandchildren Cooper Thompson, Quentin Thompson, Makenah Thompson, Everly Locken, Hunter Locken, and Sloan Tidey. Leonard will also be fondly remembered by his close friends Tom and Sue Coulis, his wonderful neighbors of over 30 years Kim and Ray Smith, Randy and Carla Baird, and Alicia and Mike Mcready.
Len is predeceased by his loving wife Anita Jackson of 38 years, his parents Fred and Hildur Jackson, brother Jim Jackson, Aunt Norma Tanner, his son In-laws Garry Grubb and Barry Locken, and his partner of 25 years Kathleen (Kay) Coulis.
Leonard was born in Kenora Ontario to Fred and Hildur Jackson. He spent his years growing up in the Lac Lu area with his big brother Jim Jackson. In his later childhood years, the family moved to Winnipeg Manitoba. He would often tell his children and grandchildren how when he was a teenager his job was to polish the golden boy that sits atop the legislative building in Winnipeg. After marrying the love of his life Anita Jackson (Frenette) on February 5th, 1955, they settled down in the Lac Lu area of Kenora for many years where they raised their three children, until moving into town. Leonard worked at the local paper mill Abitibi Consolidated also formerly known as Boise Cascade for 37 years and retired as a superintendent at the age of 55.
Len and his wife Anita built a camp out on Storm Bay Road where they enjoyed spending their free time together. He loved fishing, and hunting with his friends and family. He took great pride in teaching his children and later his grandchildren how to fish, and hunt. He had many great life skills that he proudly shared with those he loved. His grandchildren will cherish the memories of spending time out at their camp on Storm Bay Road, many early morning fishing trips, mini vacations to fishing lodges, and a trip out to British Columbia to visit Anita’s family before her passing. After his wife Anita passed, he was so lucky to find someone to love again with Kay, who stepped up and helped him raise his granddaughter, Melissa, and helped him muddle his way through her teenage years. When Len met Kay, he also found a great friend in her son Tom Coulis, who became a great fishing and hunting buddy. He enjoyed spending time out at the Coulis camp fishing and doing yard work. During his retirement he took on a few little ventures such as starting up his own little guiding service, he also tried his hands at wood working with making picnic tables, and other small wood working crafts with the help of his partner Kay.
Len loved to go for car rides out to Lac Lu with his Aunt Norma to reminisce about the old days, bringing his great grandchildren a dozen doughnuts every Sunday morning, watching them play hockey, and driving them to school while sharing his stories from when he was younger. Len also took great pride in his yard. He could always be seen in the summer months driving around on his riding lawn mower, puttering and cleaning to make sure he had the “nicest yard on the street”.
A small intimate graveside service for family and close friends will be held on June 15th, 2024 at 1:00pm up at the columbarium at the Lake of the Woods Cemetery, where he will go to his final resting place with his wife Anita Jackson.
A celebration of life to follow at his home.