Lenard Waldo Durbin passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at the age of 69 at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital.
He was born in Fort Frances, Ontario, and moved to Thunder Bay at a young age. From there he moved to B.C., where he lived for several years working at his own roofing business. After a work accident, he moved back to Fort Frances for a brief period then ultimately made his home in Shoal Lake, Manitoba, where he remained for many years. He made some good friends there and enjoyed the small-town atmosphere of rural Manitoba. A stroke in July 2022 forced him to move into long-term care. He recently moved to long-term care in Rainy River, Ontario. His family was happy to be able to reunite and spend time with him during his last weeks.
He will be sadly missed by his son Tommy (Jen); grandchildren Jocelyn and Rosario and grandson Mackenzie; as well as brothers Gary (Lori), Tim (Wanda) and sisters Valerie, Susan (Don), Donna; sister-in-law Vicky; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Wally and Laura; brothers John and Cal; and daughter Jennifer.
Carpentry and woodworking were his favourite pastimes. He liked to work at small renovations in his home and some of his most prized possessions were the wooden dice games he made with his brothers in his retirement years. He also enjoyed a good game of chess. Len kept a good outlook on life and always loved to have company.
A funeral will not be held, instead there will be a gathering of family and close friends at a later date.
Special thanks to the nurses and Dr’s at Rainy River Health Centre and Thunder Bay Regional Hospital.
Donations can be made to Shoal Lake Community Foundation c/o Northridge Funeral Home. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W1E0.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
