Leonard Henry Buss

April 29, 1927 ~ Nov. 21, 2020

After a long and full life, it is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Leonard Henry Buss at the Beausejour Hospital Saturday morning.

He will be greatly missed by his children Ron (Lorelei), Barbara, Karen (Art), Wayne (Kelly) and Mark (Jann), daughter in-law Carol Hunter, his 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren, his brothers Alfie, Willie, Gordon and George and their families, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and many friends.

He was predeceased by his wife Olga, son Brian, brothers Herbie and Roy and his parents Henry and Matilda Buss.

Born on April 29, 1927 in Golden Bay, Manitoba, he was the eldest of seven brothers. After school he worked several years in bush camps in Ontario and Manitoba and at the Seven Sisters Dam and McArthur Falls.

He married Olga (nee Fuerst) in April 1949. Together they worked their first farm in Golden Bay, had 14 cows and one pig and began raising their family.

Purchasing 120 acres across from the Golden Bay School, they moved to the new farm in 1957, expanded their family and built up the farm over the next 30-plus years, until their retirement from the dairy in 1988.

Moving a half-mile east to the farm built by his grandfather, they continued mixed farming in Golden Bay until 2014 when Len suffered a stroke, which required them to move into Beausejour that same year. Married for 67 years, Olga was the love of his life and his primary caregiver following his stroke until her passing in February 2016.

In February 2017, Len moved to East Gate Lodge where he spent his time zooming around in the hallways in his electric wheelchair. Ever the social butterfly, he was always joking around and being cheeky with staff. He most enjoyed spending time outside in the fresh air with the sun warming his face.

Over the course of his life, Len was known in the Beausejour-Brokenhead community for his dedicated volunteer service. He was a Golden Bay School trustee, served on the Golden Bay Lutheran and Zion Lutheran Church councils, was active in the Brokenhead Ag Society for decades including serving 12 years as president, a member of the Brokenhead River Community Hall board for many years, and volunteered at Zion pancake dinners, Club 50 and Old Time Dances to name a few. He was also a staunch Conservative supporter, and when it was election time he was often putting up and taking down signs late into the night.

Len was also known by many for his smile, quick wit and an uncanny ability to make friends with anyone willing. A champion bowler, he was an avid hunter and fisherman as well as follower of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Dad was always up for a celebration, having a ‘schluck’ and a game of cards. Christmas, New Years and weddings were held at the farm where he held court and poured drinks. He was also a dedicated member of the “coffee crew” at Chicken Delight, driving into town at least twice a day.

The family would like to thank all the staff at East Gate Lodge for their exceptional care, and a special thank you to Sally for her compassion and friendship. To Pastor Bart Coleman for all the spiritual support and kindness afforded to Dad and family. Thank you to Dr. Van Rensberg for looking after Dad these past few years – he looked forward to your weekly visits. To the staff at the Beausejour Hospital emergency department and Dr. Harmer for her kindness and care in his final hours – bless you.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to East Gate Lodge’s Recreation Department or to Zion Lutheran Church. Better yet, follow Dad’s lead… get out and volunteer.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the immediate family service is being planned with a celebration of life to occur at a future time when it is safe to gather once more. Condolences may be left at www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

“God be with you till we meet again.”

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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