Leonard C. Sharland
October 31, 1967 ~December 16, 2024
It is with profound sadness the family announces the sudden passing of Len Sharland (Papa). Our hearts are filled with immense gratitude for the lessons he taught us and the wonderful memories he created for our family.
Dad had a variety of jobs through the years and settled into a career with Northwest Nitro (later Western Coop Fertilizers) until the plant closed. His favorite job was as a young man on the SS Klondike Steam paddle wheeler sailing from Vancouver Island to the Yukon and working as an oiler. His commitment to family had him leave this position to come home and look after his mom after the unexpected passing of his dad.
Len can best be described in the words of his granddaughters—The definition of a gentleman, the kindest soul and the best Papa a girl could have dreamed of. He was strong, yet so gentle, unbelievably creative, witty as they come, one heck of a drummer, a gifted artist, an expert green thumb, a dedicated family man and already missed beyond measure.
Dad/Papa found great pleasure in music, the arts, maintaining a park-like yard, and supporting the love of his life, Laurie (Mom), in anything she needed. Dad was a Life Director of the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede, putting in countless hours over almost 50 years. He and Mom had many memorable trips to CFR, NFR and numerous smaller rodeos where valued, lifelong friendships were formed. He enjoyed the comraderie of the cast and crew when he was part of the orchestra for numerous local musicals and performances. Dad remained a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 17 and the Medicine Historical Society.
Left to cherish his memory are daughter, Raeann; granddaughters, Jennafer Yuhas and Jessilyn (Dan Forigo); most cherished great-granddaughter, Leni (Elena) Forigo and dearest family friend, Theresa Wiebe. Len was predeceased by his wife of 65 years (minus 13 days) Laurie; only son, Leonard Jr.; brother, Don; sisters and brothers-in-law, Leona and Maurice Knowles, Marion and Frank Bagshaw; nephews, Jack Knowles and John Dowler. Also left to mourn his passing are sister-in-law, Marylou Sharland, nieces, nephews and so many former bandmates from a multitude of bands and musicals. Special connections were maintained over the years with nieces, Bonnie Groves, Maureen Dowler and Dawn Knowles.
A graveside service will be held at a later date when the trees are full and blossoms are plentiful, just as Mom and Dad loved. For now, listen to your favorite music, spend time with your family and make someone’s day just a little better.
As was Len’s way, we don’t say goodbye, we say “Cheers!” to an exceptional man and a life beautifully lived. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be directed to South Alberta Pipes and Drums Society, 17 Noble Crt SW, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 4A2, as both Len and his father were pipe band drummers; his most recent performance being his cameo appearance drumming an amazing Scotland the Brave on his 90th birthday! (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reflections Reception Facility, Medicine Hat, Alberta. Telephone: 403-527-6455
- Date : 2024-12-16
- Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta