Lenard Joseph Knapik

Lenard Joseph Knapik passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at the age of 96.  He was the third of six children (Dennis, Isabel, Lenard, Teresa, Evelyn, and Edna) born in Broderick, SK, to Bill and Vera.

Lenard operated the family farm until he moved to Cowley, AB, in 1958 to run his first Esso service station. Wanting bigger things, he relocated to Calgary to operate another Esso station at the corner of Bow Trail and 45th. Shortly after arriving in the city, Lenard met and married the love of his life Josephine Carroll in 1960. Together they proudly raised their five sons in the community of Westgate.

Lenard loved to travel the world with Jo and play cards regularly with friends. He was a sharp cribbage player and played until his last days of life. Following his retirement, he ventured into acting and modelling for fun. He particularly enjoyed being an extra in the Legends of the Fall movie.  Lenard was an avid volunteer for many organizations including Cedars Villa, the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, and the Calgary Stampede as a parade marshal and master pancake flipper.

Always ready with a Dad joke, he will be remembered for his devotion to Jo, strong Catholic faith, love of cooking (especially the Sunday roast beef dinner and angel food cake for birthdays) and green thumb. Indeed, his Saskatchewan farmer roots were evident by his bounties of potatoes, vegetables and tomatoes that he grew himself in his backyard garden until he was in his 90s. 

Missed dearly, he is predeceased by his wife Jo; and survived by his sister Isabel; sons, David (Marla), Jim (Gayle), Tom (Carolyn), Rob (Amy), and Donald (Sasathorn); ten grandchildren, Chris, Emma, Emmanuelle, Matthew, Ben, Sam, Sophie, Julian, Hayley, and Mackenna;

as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

A private memorial service for family will be held on Saturday, May 13th.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation in memory of Lenard at www.albertacancer.ca.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Lenard Joseph Knapik, please visit our Tree Store.