Leonard Parkin Young was born October 22, 1929, in Dodsland, SK, to Wilfred and Mary Young. In 1930 the family moved to the homestead in Ladder Valley. In 1943 they moved to East Coulee, Alta. In 1951 they returned to Ladder Valley, where he lived until September 2020, when he moved into the Debden Manor. In July 2024 Leonard fell and broke his hip, from the hospital he moved to the Big River Health Centre, where he lived until his passing on February 17, 2026.

Leonard attended school in Ladder Valley and later in East Coulee, Alta. As a young man he worked Various jobs in Alta, including the coal mines and at a dairy farm. He worked at a die cast factory in Dundas, Ont. for a short time and spent 4 winters fishing on Great Slave Lake from ’52 – ’55.

He married Kate Vaadeland in 1958. They had six children – Wilfred, Karen, Rita, Dulcie, Myrna, and Trent. The family lived and farmed on the homestead. From 1975 to 1990 Leonard also worked at the mill.

He was a proud member of the Ladder Valley Community and over the years participated in and helped out with many events, dances, curling, ball, horseshoes, LV picnics, etc.

He enjoyed countless rounds of golf with family and friends. Other activities Leonard enjoyed were playing cards, scrabble, matches, watching the Leafs and the Jays or just going for a drive to ‘Scout things out’.

Leonard will be remembered for his big smile, great sense of humor, quick wit and his love of people. He was always up for a visit, whether with a great friend or a complete stranger. He looked forward to family gatherings, especially those Christmas Eve’s when somehow over 60 people would gather in his home. We sure will miss that dad, was above all else, a proud family man and loved everyone of us as much as we loved him.

Special thanks to the staff at the Debden Manor and Lakewood Lodge for their compassion, care, and respect shown to dad over the last 5 ½ years.

Leonard is survived by his children Wilfred (Jo Ann) Young, Karen (Roy) Gilbert, Rita (Gilles) Lepage, Dulcie (Mike) Hoffarth, and Trent (Trudy) Young; Son-in-law Ron (Amanda) Crashley; Grandchildren Krystal (Danny) Breker, Janine (Justin) Young, Brendan (Emma) Young, Tamara (Dean) Christiansen, Shawn (Amanda) Smith, Michelle Lamotte, Janelle Lepage, Lindsay (Josh) Belair, Tyson (Graham) Lepage, Jordan (Jenessa) Hoffarth, Mitchell (Nikki) Hoffarth, Chelsey (Justin) Crashley, Dylan Crashley, Britney (Tanner) Crashley, Brianna Bear, Katrina (Allison) Bear, and Zach (Kristal) Gilbert; 30 greatgrandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; Brother-in-law Ruben (Darlene) Vaadeland.

He was predeceased by his parents Wilfred and Mary young; Kate’s parents Severin and Karen Vaadeland; Wife Kate Young (2008); Daughter Myrna Crashley (1989); Son-in-law Wayne Smith (2009); Kate’s siblings Peter (Anne) Vaadeland, Arne (Margaret) Vaadeland, Freda (Joseph) Amundson, and Clara (Eric) Olson; Nephews Stan Olson and Eldon Amundson.

A service to celebrate Leonard’s life was held on February 24, 2026, in Big River, SK. Interment at the Big River Cemetery.

A thank you to Pastor Jake McCrea, the Royal Purple for the lunch, and Jeanette Wicinski for recording.

In lieu of tributes, donations may be made in memory of Leonard to the Lakewood Lodge Auxiliary (Box 846 Big River, SK S0J 0E0) or Friends of the Manor (Box 608 Debden, SK S0J 0S0).

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lynn Anderson, Funeral Director, Shellbrook, SK 306-747-2828.

• Date : 2026-02-17
• Location : Big River, SK