It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Leonard Nelson Mann announces his passing on August 21, 2026, at the age of 66.
Lennie was born on September 25, 1959, in Rainy River, Ontario, to Lawrence and Opal Mann. He grew up in LaVallee alongside his brothers William (Billy), Larry, Dennis and Terry, and was proud to be the baby of the family.
His years in LaVallee remained special to him throughout his life. He spent countless days with his brothers sharing adventures, getting into a little trouble, and creating stories that would be told for years to come. It was also there that he formed many lifelong friendships that continued to mean a great deal to him. As the years went on, Lennie remained close with his brothers and always enjoyed their coffee visits, catching up and sharing stories and laughs.
Lennie was a hardworking man who spent many years in the logging industry, a career he was passionate about and took great pride in. A natural fixer, he could repair just about anything and especially enjoyed working alongside his boys on whatever project needed to be done. His determination, work ethic, and willingness to lend a hand were simply part of who he was.
Above all else, family meant everything to Lennie. Some of his favourite memories were made during summers at the lake, boating and tubing, winter snowmobile rides with the kids being pulled behind in the sleigh, bonfires, and family gatherings. He loved having everyone together and valued every moment spent with his children and grandchildren.
Lennie made a point of keeping in touch with his kids, whether through a regular phone call to check in or by randomly showing up at the door just to say hello – usually with a Tim Hortons coffee in hand. Those everyday calls and unexpected visits became such a familiar part of life and will be deeply missed. He loved spoiling his grandchildren and took great pride in watching his family grow.
Lennie shared many wonderful years with his lifelong partner, Connie Elizabeth Whalen. Together, they raised their family and shared a life filled with love, laughter, family gatherings, and moments that would stay with them always. What they built together and the family they raised meant so much to Lennie. After Connie passed away in 2022, Lennie never stopped loving or missing her and carried that love with him for the rest of his life.
Lennie had a lifelong love of classic cars and was proud to finally own one of his own. As a member of the Borderland Cruisers Car Club, he enjoyed attending car shows, catching up with friends, admiring the cars, and talking with fellow car enthusiasts. He took great pride in his car and was always happy to come home with another trophy.
Later in life, Lennie was fortunate to find companionship with his partner, Robin. They truly enjoyed their time together, whether attending car shows, spending time with friends, or simply enjoying each other’s company. Robin brought kindness, care, and many special moments to Lennie’s later years. His family is grateful for the care she gave him and for being by his side until the very end.
A true rock-and-roll fan, Lennie loved listening to his favourite music and attending concerts with family and friends. He also enjoyed keeping busy around home, whether doing yard work, tinkering with things, or finding something that needed fixing. He appreciated the quieter moments too, including settling in to watch a good Hallmark movie.
Lennie will be remembered as strong, hardworking, fun, easygoing, lovable, and charismatic. He was someone you could always count on and was there when his family and friends needed him. To know Lennie was to love him. His sense of humour, warm personality, and easygoing nature made him someone people naturally enjoyed being around.
Leonard leaves behind his children and grandchildren, who were the greatest pride and joy of his life: his son Bill and his wife Dawn, and their children Cameron, Kai, and Rosie; his son Joshua; his daughter Jaimee and her partner Jeff, and their children Aubree, Kinleigh, Layla, and Beckett; his son Brody and his partner Katherine, and their son Theo; and his son Brett and his wife Shelby.
He also leaves behind his partner Robin; his brothers Dennis (Charlotte) and Terry (Lynda); along with numerous nieces and nephews, extended family members, lifelong friends, and many others who knew and loved him.
Lennie was predeceased by his lifelong partner Connie Elizabeth Whalen; his parents Lawrence and Opal Mann; his brothers Wayne, William (Billy), and Larry Mann; his sister-in-law Carol Spuzak; and his brother-in-law Rick Whalen.
Honourary pallbearers will be his grandchildren Cameron, Aubree, Kai, Kinleigh, Rosie, Layla, Theo, and Beckett.
His absence will be felt most in the everyday things – the phone calls, unexpected visits, stories and laughter, and simply knowing Dad was only a call or a short drive away. Lennie leaves behind a lifetime of memories that those who loved him will carry with them always.
He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
A graveside service will be held at Barwick Cemetery at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, for family and close friends.
Following the graveside service, family and friends are invited to join us for a Celebration of Life at the Barwick Hall, 140 Main Street, Barwick, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Light lunch and refreshments will be available.
Lennie’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has reached out during this difficult time. The condolences, kind words, messages, phone calls, visits, food, and many thoughtful gestures have meant more than words can express. Your love and support have brought great comfort to our family, and we are truly grateful to everyone who has kept our father in their thoughts and shown us so much kindness along the way.
