Leonard VANESS
<p>In 1991, Len moved back to the Valley with Shelley and their Irish Wolfhounds. They settled in Hosmer and began a happy and comfortable life here. Len renewed some old friendships and started many new ones. His forthright and witty personality made it easy to fit in no matter where he went. Soon after moving to Hosmer, Len and Shelley took over the Elk River Inn or “The Hoz” as many called it. Many people dropped in just to have a stimulating conversation with Len. He enjoyed those as much as they did. When the Hoz joined the local pool league, Len embraced it, and had a great time coaching, teaching, playing, and he took exceptional glee in messing up his opponents as often as he could! </p><p>Over the years, Len made an impact on this Valley, from Elkford to the South Country. His many personas touched so many. Folks started looking forward to his visits, regardless of the season. His gift-giving, his smiles, jokes, and ready conversation endeared him to all who knew him or knew of him. </p><p>Len had all the time in the world for the public organizations that protect us. First and foremost, the Hosmer Volunteer Fire Department. Len’s love and support for “his” firefighters was endless. He had much time and respect for all our Valley Fire Departments and made many visits to all over the years. He also strongly supported the RCMP, Ambulance Service and the Conservation Service. Len supported the efforts of the Fernie and Sparwood Legions and made it a vow to attend Remembrance Day services. For the last few years, he created statuettes to set at the Cenotaphs. Some of these are still on display at the Legions. He was also a firm supporter of our local Salvation Army. He would visit almost daily to chat with Thrift Store staff and make a donation. </p><p>A service for Len will be held at the Hosmer Hall, Friday, December 29. 2023 at 2:00 PM. </p><p>One of the most comforting things for Shelley at this time are the stories and memories of Len that others are sharing. </p><p>Len was truly a local legend. Complications from a stroke ended Len’s life far too soon. He will be both missed and celebrated for years to come. </p><p>Cards or flowers for Shelley and family may be left at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #36 Fernie. </p><p>In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Len’s name to your local Fire Department, the Fernie Legion, Fernie Salvation Army or the Fernie Red Cross. </p><p>Anyone who has photos of Len they would like the family to have, please see Char at Fernie Printing Company or email them to tfpc@shaw.ca </p>Obituary
In 1991, Len moved back to the Valley with Shelley and their Irish Wolfhounds. They settled in Hosmer and began a happy and comfortable life here. Len renewed some old friendships and started many new ones. His forthright and witty personality made it easy to fit in no matter where he went. Soon after moving to Hosmer, Len and Shelley took over the Elk River Inn or “The Hoz” as many called it. Many people dropped in just to have a stimulating conversation with Len. He enjoyed those as much as they did. When the Hoz joined the local pool league, Len embraced it, and had a great time coaching, teaching, playing, and he took exceptional glee in messing up his opponents as often as he could!
Over the years, Len made an impact on this Valley, from Elkford to the South Country. His many personas touched so many. Folks started looking forward to his visits, regardless of the season. His gift-giving, his smiles, jokes, and ready conversation endeared him to all who knew him or knew of him.
Len had all the time in the world for the public organizations that protect us. First and foremost, the Hosmer Volunteer Fire Department. Len’s love and support for “his” firefighters was endless. He had much time and respect for all our Valley Fire Departments and made many visits to all over the years. He also strongly supported the RCMP, Ambulance Service and the Conservation Service. Len supported the efforts of the Fernie and Sparwood Legions and made it a vow to attend Remembrance Day services. For the last few years, he created statuettes to set at the Cenotaphs. Some of these are still on display at the Legions. He was also a firm supporter of our local Salvation Army. He would visit almost daily to chat with Thrift Store staff and make a donation.
A service for Len will be held at the Hosmer Hall, Friday, December 29. 2023 at 2:00 PM.
One of the most comforting things for Shelley at this time are the stories and memories of Len that others are sharing.
Len was truly a local legend. Complications from a stroke ended Len’s life far too soon. He will be both missed and celebrated for years to come.
Cards or flowers for Shelley and family may be left at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #36 Fernie.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Len’s name to your local Fire Department, the Fernie Legion, Fernie Salvation Army or the Fernie Red Cross.
Anyone who has photos of Len they would like the family to have, please see Char at Fernie Printing Company or email them to tfpc@shaw.ca
Events
02:00 PM
Hosmer, BC V0B 1M5