Obituary of Edward Leonard

B I O G R A P H Y LEONARD: Edward Scott Leonard passed away in the Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on Tuesday, July 4, 2006 at the age of 14 years. Edward is survived by: his mother Laura Leonard of Maidstone, his father Jeff Leonard of Lashburn, his sister Megan and her daughter Jean of Maidstone; his maternal grandparents: Ron and Diane Blake of Lashburn; his paternal grandparents Robert and Alice Leonard also of Lashburn as well as numerous other relatives. The celebration of life for Edward was conducted from the Lashburn Community Hall, Lashburn, Saskatchewan on Friday, July 7, 2006 at 11:00 A.M. with Brennan Becotte officiating. Active pallbearers were: Dave, Randy, Rick, Jason, Mike and Gerry. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster administered the funeral arrangements. Excerpts from the eulogy given by Brennan Becotte We will all remember Ed for his signature cowboy hat, boots and black leather jacket. A person didn’t dare touch or pretend to touch either of these things as Ed’s grandpa gave him his leather jacket and his grandmother gave him his hat. He was sure proud of these. I had the great pleasure of teaching, guiding and sharing my days with Ed. Although I only knew him for a year, it seems much longer. He was my gate keeper. Every morning he would greet Mr. Teeling and myself at the door around 7 - 7:30 regardless of the temperature or the day of the week. When I asked Ed’s mother why 7:00 A.M. she had no reason other than he loved to be at school morning, noon and after school. A perfect day at school for Ed would be from 7:00 - 9:00, 12:00 - 1:00 and 3:30 - 5:00. Ed loved to play basketball. He never missed a practice or a game. When Ed was on the court he would run and run and run, not always in the right direction, but he would run regardless. He was a very proud player and it showed on his face and in his actions while he was on the court. Just recently Ed was renamed “Uncle Eddie.” He was the happiest kid around, and boy he sure loved having his new baby niece, Jean. The experience made Ed the happiest person for the week that he was able to enjoy it. “Ed is a Guardian Angel and we will all depend on Ed to lead and guide her.” We’re trying to understand why someone with a heart of gold and someone who valued and cared about school so much had to leave us so soon. His mother and I agreed that if anything, his purpose was to remind everyone of the importance of treating those around you the way you would like to be treated. Life is too short to say harmful words. Life is too short to be unkind to others. We all need to remember life can be taken at any time. Ed had his purpose. Let’s learn from Ed’s caring nature. Remember that there may come a time when it’s too late to apologize for one’s actions. Live your life like it’s your last day. When God Calls Little Children - Author Unknown When God calls little children to dwell with him above, We mortals sometimes question the wisdom of his love. For no heartache compares with the death of one small child, Who does so much to make our world seem wonderful and mild. Perhaps God tires of calling the aged to his fold, So he picks a tiny rosebud before it can grow old. God knows how much we need them And so he takes but a few, To make the land of Heaven more beautiful to view. Believing this is difficult, still somehow we must try, But the saddest word that mankind knows will always be “Goodbye.” So when a child departs, We who are left behind, Must realize God loves children, Angels are hard to find. EDWARD E is for the excellence D is for the determination W is for wonderful A is for amusing R is for respectful D is for dedication Love always your cousin, Mykaila Card of Thanks The family of the late Edward Leonard would like to thank all the Doctors, nurses and hospital staff for all their help. To Brennan Becotte for leading the service and for the touching and thoughtful words about Edward. To the pallbearers for helping to honor Ed and to the Ladies for the lovely lunch they provided after the service. We would also like to thank everyone for the flowers, cards, phone calls, visits, thoughts and prayers and the food brought to the house. You have helped to make a hard time much easier to bear. The Edward Leonard Families Donations in memory of Edward may be made to LABIS or to a Charity of the Donor's Choice.