Samuel Leinweber
Still mourning the loss of his wife Laura who died on October 30, 2009, Sam slipped away peacefully on the morning of Monday, August 23, 2010. He was 91 years old. The son of German emigrants from Russia, Sam was born and raised in the Riverside neighborhood of Calgary, Alberta. He was both musical and athletic, belonging to the Boys Harmonica Orchestra and was an avid player of both hockey and baseball in his youth and was a bowler and curler as an adult. He joined the CPR in Calgary as a Boilermaker in his early twenties and was soon transferred to Nelson, BC, retiring in 1979. He remained in Nelson throughout his life until his wife’s ill health forced a move to Merritt in December, 2008 to be closer to family. He loved Nelson and was a familiar face on Baker Street where he walked daily. Sam was a born gambler and enjoyed many trips with Laura to various casinos in the US. He studied mining stocks intensely and took great pleasure in playing the stock market. His love of music stayed with him throughout his life and he liked nothing better than to entertain others with his mouth organ, especially when accompanied on the piano or guitar by his son, Ken.
Sam was predeceased by his parents Peter and Katherine, his sisters Polly and Matilda, his brothers Albert and Lorne, as well as his beloved wife Laura. He is survived by his son Ken (Jo-Anne Portman) and his adored granddaughter Kate (Jesse Enright), sisters Joyce and Hilda, sisters-in- law June and Barbara Leinweber, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Pat McEwan, many nieces and nephews.
He enjoyed many friendships in Nelson and would want to particularly be remembered to Bill and Cora Lunn, Don and Joan Segur, Malcolm and Grace Coupland, Will and Judy Jeffery, and Isabelle and Emerson Moore.
For the past year and a half Sam has made his home at the Florentine in Merritt. Words simply fail to convey the family’s gratitude for the exemplary care and affection shown to Sam by both the staff and residents. Sam felt very loved by all. Further thanks are extended to Dr. Don McLeod for his friendship, compassion and expertise as well as to his clinic staff for the many kindnesses extended to Sam and our family. Your thoughtfulness and consideration will never be forgotten.
There will be no service by request. Flowers gratefully declined.
Sam and Laura were our neighbours from 1992 until they moved to Merritt. We think they were both wonderful people, and we loved Sam’s humour.
Please accept condolences from their neighbour Bill Jones, who lives just across the street from their house.
Dear Ken, Joanne and family,
We’re sending our condolences for your loss. Please stay in touch as our thoughts are with you. With affection, Rand and Fred
Ken and family: Our thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time. I miss them both very much and we are thinking of you.
Dorothy Cote and Bev and Eli Tetrault
Nelson