Tribute

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Leonard (Len) Alex Pinske on Saturday December 5, 2009 in his 76th year at the South Okanagan General Hospital.
He was born on March 24, 1933 in Stowlea, Saskatchewan (a small township outside St. Walburg). He was raised on the family farm in St. Walburg and attended most of his schooling in St. Walburg. He also completed a portion of his schooling in Fort Macleod, Alberta.
Len came to Penticton in 1952 and took a job at Allison Pass with CP Rail in their offices. In 1956, he started a job with the BC Government, Department of Highways division and shortly after married Elizabeth (Betty) Johnston, his wife of 53 years.
In the spring of 1963, he transferred to Oliver where he was the Project Manager for SOLP (Southern Okanagan Lands Project) until that branch dissolved in the early 1970’s and he transferred to the Ministry of the Environment in Penticton. When they closed the Penticton office, he commuted to their offices in Vernon for two years. His health had him change to his final job before retirement with the Pollution Control Branch, where he enjoyed being out in the field taking water samples from local lakes and rivers.
Over the past years, he belonged to Kiwanis and the Masonic Lodge. He volunteered with the Oliver Horse Show committee and was a cub scout leader. Len enjoyed camping, fishing and travelling in his younger years. He also had a great love of gardening, old music, dancing, westerns and nature shows. Len spent the last two years at Sunnybank Centre and McKinney Place with numerous visits and overnights at home.
Len was a quiet but very well liked man and will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all.
Along with his wife of fifty three years, he is survived by his two children Lynne (Sean) of Calgary, AB and Darren of Kamloops; five grandchildren Ashley (Carlos), Graham, Andrea (Harley), Kayla and Shaileen and the pride and joy of his life, great-granddaughter Madison; brother Herb (Les) of Cawston as well as numerous nephews and extended family.
Len was predeceased by his parents Alex & Margaret Pinske, in-laws Nan & Jimmy Johnston and brother-in-law Jim Johnston.
A family graveside and urn interment will be held at a later date.
Donations are gratefully accepted to the ALS Society, #119 – 1600 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 1R3.
Condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos, BC.