LEONARD KRETZEL (June 11, 1923- October 2, 2024)<\/p>\n
Born and raised on a farm in Mundare Alberta to a large family, Len spent his formative years on the railroad and then at sea, working his way up to become an accomplished chef and purser. He travelled the world for many years with freighters and the Cunard line. Faced with conscription, he joined the American merchant marines and was one of the lucky ones who survived after his ship was torpedoed and sunk. He was hospitalized for a year following.<\/p>\n
Although based out of Vancouver, he ended up in Montreal where he met and married Betty (nee Cherry). They settled in Ottawa where he worked for Canada Catering Company until his retirement.<\/p>\n
Len remained an avid traveller and photographer, who camped, skied, hiked and played tennis. He had a passion for medicine and spent many years as a ski patroller at Camp Fortune, and then as a CRP instructor for Bell Canada. He was also active in senior care and was proud of his work advocating for seniors rights.<\/p>\n
Len was predeceased by his wife Betty (nee Cherry) and son (William), survived by his youngest sister (Betty Slawuta), his 2 daughters (Wendy Desormeaux, Pat Peterson), grandson (Eric Peterson), and great-grandson (Owen Young) and extended family.<\/p>\n
He spent his last 5 years at Valley Stream retirement home. Fiercely independent, he chaffed at his ailing abilities.\u00a0 Many thanks to those who cared for him and likely listened to his stories. He had many to tell.<\/p>\n
As per Leonard\u2019s request there will be no funeral or celebration of life gatherings.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LEONARD KRETZEL (June 11, 1923- October 2, 2024) Born and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":16127,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"class_list":["post-16126","orbituaries","type-orbituaries","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n