It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Leonard Ewashina on January 19, 2015. He was born in Kamloops on August 19, 1931.
Len was predeceased by his wife Helen Ewashina on Dec 1, 2014, first wife May (Stone) in 1955, his two sisters (Annie and Ora) and brother Mike.
He is survived by his children Wink (Shelley) Ewashina, Ralph (Jo-Anne) Ewashina, Penny (Shawn) MacLeod, Coralea (Bill) Towler, Brenda Shevolup, and Wendy (Richard) Wenham.
Len had 14 grandchildren, eight great grand-children, many nieces and nephews, and many good friends, particularly Bob Hart, a long-time friend of nearly 45 years, who visited him regularly right up to the end.
Len grew up in the North Thompson Area and started logging at 17 years old, where shortly after he bought his first logging truck. Many old-timers referred to him as ‘Sonny’, and he was also known as the ‘North Thompson Hippy’ for his many years logging in Blue River.
He was an incredibly hard worker and risk-taker, being the first logger to switch from short logs to long logs, hauling from Blue River to Heffley Creek (Balco).
Len trained many young loggers and gave them their first chance in the bush. Even after his retirement, he still spent countless hours working in the bush or on his property at Genier Lake, helping Wink, building his airstrip or pushing new roads until dark.
Len had an old-fashioned level of trust; his handshake was golden, and he always said that the only thing you take to your grave is your name. Len built 100’s of roads in his life and he has gone on to build his last road to meet up with Helen.
As requested by Lenny, there will be no service. The family will have a gathering in the summer to honour both Len and Helen.
If anyone should so desire, donations may be made to Barriere Legion 242, where Len was a member for many years.