Len was born in Moose Jaw, SK on December 9^th, 1939 to Clair and Florence (Birchard) Sheldon.  He was brought home to the farm in their 1926 Model “T” Ford.  Len grew up with his parents, Grandma Addie, Aunt Mayme, brothers Wayne, Dave, Garry, Cecil, Bruce and sister Meryl.

He lived on a farm about 55 km southwest of Moose Jaw, near Old Wives, SK.  The farm involved mixed farming as was typical for that time.  Len and the other children were responsible for contributing to the farming effort, such as milking cows, carrying water, coal and wood and feeding the animals.  All had a chore to do.

Len started school in a one room school house in 1946 when he was six years old.  Grades included one to eight.  The farm was about 4 km from the school.  The children would walk in the summer and in winter would usually get a ride with a team and sleigh.  Len would, later in life, obtain his grade 12 equivalency.

As an adult, Len was employed from 1961 to 1963 on the Gardner Dam project near Outlook SK and in various part time construction jobs.  In the fall of 1967 he went to work for Sask Power in Moose Jaw as a part time winter job.  That part time job lasted 32 years and involved working in Swift Current, Outlook and Regina.

Len and Doris (Bussiere) met and were married in Swift Current on April 11, 1970.  The birth of two sons followed with Stacey born in Outlook and Shane in Regina.  Work, responding to family needs and summer holidays spent camping kept him busy until retirement in 2000.

Retirement meant that Len now had time for other interests.  One of those interests was wood turning that started after Len and Doris moved to Qu’Appelle in 2005.  He began turning with a few friends from Regina and was involved in the formation of the South Saskatchewan Woodturners Guild.  Turning continued to be an interest well into Len’s senior years.  Many friends and relatives have benefited from the beautiful bowls and ornaments that Len has turned.

The move to Qu’Appelle in 2005 provided an opportunity to live in rural Saskatchewan again.  Many long time friends were made.  After living in Qu’Appelle for twelve years, Len and Doris moved to Melfort to be closer to the cabin, purchased in 1996, on Nemeiben Lake.  Retirement meant that a great deal more time could be spent at the lake.  Both Len and Doris looked forward to and enjoyed the many guests they entertained at the cabin.  Len spent many hours taking guests to his favorite fishing spots.  The move to Melfort was also an opportunity to meet other wood turners.

Len passed away July 9 after a brief but intense struggle with cancer.  He is survived by his wife Doris of 53 years, his daughter Susan Hennicke, our sons Stacey (Janeen Fiedelleck, their daughter Natalie) and Shane (Angela Shiek Sheldon).  He is also survived by brothers Dave (Shirley), Garry (Brenda), Cecil (Carol), Bruce (Carol) and sister, Meryl (Gary) McKechnie and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the many friends and family who have supported them through the painful and difficult experience of journeying with Len as he struggled with illness.  We thank those, in advance, who wish to make donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in Len’s name.  A celebration of Len’s life will be held at a later time.

To leave condolences for the Family, please visit the online guestbook at www.fedusiakfuneralchapel.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to Fedusiak Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Melfort. (306) 752-3838

 

 

• Date : 2023-07-09
• Location : Melfort, SK