Leonard Edmund Kurbis

Our beloved father, Leonard Edmund Kurbis, passed away on August 25, 2024, at the age of 86.   Although sharp in spirit and strong in strength, a brief bout of lymphoma was his final challenge that could not be overcome.

He was born to parents Valentine and Karoline Kurbis, on April 30, 1938, in Sporna, Poland.   At the age of 11, he immigrated to Canada from Germany, with is mother and three siblings, Karl, Kurt and Laura Niessen.  Hard work was borne upon him early, as he was initially farmed out in Onoway, Alberta, and only saw his family in church on Sundays.  Eventually, the family relocated to Edmonton, where his mother remarried, and welcomed two additional siblings, Lorraine and Harvey Bulicz.

Our dad wed Eleanor (Lange) Kurbis in 1969, and they eventually settled in Salmo, British Columbia, to grow their Motel & RV Park.    The business was primarily our mothers to manage while our dad pursued his logging ventures within the Kootenays. They operated their property for 45 years and while there, lovingly raised their children, Cheryl and Kris.   Our father was pre-deceased by his first son, Jimmy, who briefly spent time in Salmo.

One of our dad’s greatest talents was his ability to strike up conversation with anyone.   Tales of his speedy telegram deliveries via bicycle as a teenager in the city, or his days ‘danger falling’ trees as a young adult with his trusty 090 chainsaw, rolled off his tongue like butter to a hot biscuit.  Frequently, his stories would venture astray but return on point with a gentle nudge or reminder.

The game of Cribbage was a passion of our father's.  He taught us to play at an early age and we can proficiently ‘hold our own’ as worthy adversaries.  He dealt with and received the elusive ‘29’ hand, a feat we are yet to realize.   

Towards the latter years of life, his brightest moments were spent with his grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Lucas, Logan and Priya.  He took great admiration in their musical and sporting abilities and was very proud of their successes.   The children enjoyed spending time in Salmo, as they would collect eggs with Grandpa, water his ‘special’ plants and go to Esso for pop.

Our dad had a natural sense of humor, a willingness to help people and a genuine interest in the stories conveyed by others.   It is these fine qualities that we will continue to strive for in our lives.

Rest easy dad.

Love Cheryl (Brett) & Kris

 Cremation has already taken place and a private, family burial will occur in Spring 2025.

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