Obituary of Dennis James Leonard

Dennis James Leonard

1938-2026

Dennis was born March 3, 1938 on the family farm Northeast of Kinistino, Saskatchewan. The only son of Dan & Vivian Leonard. Dennis was raised on the farm with his sister Diane. He attended country school at Norden, then graduated from R.J. Humphrey High School in Kinistino in 1957. He took one year of Engineering in Saskatoon at the University of Saskatchewan before he was called back home to farm with his dad. Dennis farmed in the Kinistino area for 57 years, retiring in 2015. He passed away on February 6, 2026.

Dennis married Fay (Faith) Demerais of Birch Hills in 1962. Four children blessed their union, Carla, Shawn, Nicole and Renée. He was “Grandad” to nine grandchildren and took an interest in their chosen careers often clipping out articles to share with them in their area of practice. He also enjoyed their musical talents, entertaining and enjoying time with his close- knit family.

Dennis enjoyed playing softball, pitching for the Viking Monarchs, fishing & camping at Delaronde Lake, and travelling. He served on the Kinistino Kinsmen & K40’s, the Kinistino Junior Tigers Organization Committee and as a United Church Steward. Dennis will be remembered for his sense of humor and generosity.

He leaves to mourn his wife of 63 years, Fay Leonard (Demerais), sister Diane (Barrie) Wilson, daughters Carla (Barry) Hope, Nicole (Don) Nelson, and Renée Leonard, daughter-in-law Shawna Leonard (Brennan LaRoche). Grandchildren, Dylan Hope, Lauren Hope, Morgan (Kassia) Leonard, Jessica Leonard (Jared Tennant), Taylor (Chas) Boulding, Alexi (Cole) Schafer, Nikeda (Ryley) Morin, Mikailla (Lucas) Lorch, and Kasia Thorlakson (Cordell Anderson). And numerous cousins, brothers & sisters in law, nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents, Donald (Dan) and Vivian Leonard, parents-in-law Louis and Ethel Demerais, brothers-in-law Bill Demerais, Dennis Demerais; sisters-in-law Verla Becker, Colleen Demerais, and Wendy Demerais. His son, Shawn Leonard; and infant grandson Daniel Hope.

In lieu of flowers, please forward any donations to the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 7, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Kinistino Community Center with lunch to follow.  The video link  is https://www.facebook.com/events/812728131855701/ for those who are unable to attend.

The interment will be held with immediate family at a later date.