Obituary of Leo L. Minich

August 21, 1939 - North Star, Alberta

October 7, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Leo Minich, lifelong resident of Manning, AB, peacefully passed away with his loving wife of 63 years by his side on Saturday, October 7, 2023 in Calgary, AB, at the age of 84 years.

Leo was born in North Star, AB on August 21, 1939. He was the youngest of five children born to Stephan and Viktoria (nee Mendel) Minich. On November 18, 1960, Leo married Joyce Atkinson in Manning, AB. Together they raised three children, Randy, Rhonda, and Rena. Born and raised on a farm, Leo dedicated over 50 years to farming, growing grain, and raising cattle and horses on his farm just east of Manning. Leo possessed remarkable skills in welding, carpentry, and mechanics, and he could build or fix most things around the farm. Leo was especially proud of the large steel spheres atop the posts of the entrance gates, a project that required several prototypes before he was satisfied.

In his early 20’s, Leo co-owned and operated Manning Tire Service. He later worked as a seed buyer and elevator manager for UGG. Leo held a Class 1 license, and during the oil boom, Joyce and Leo operated a small trucking company. After retiring from farming, Leo started a topsoil business and took great pride in delivering the finest topsoil to his customers.

Leo’s true passion was raising and training thoroughbreds. Through reading and studying books, he learned all things horse related. He would often say that one of his biggest accomplishments was raising a foal, Red Academy, that ran in the Canadian Derby in 1998. His involvement in horse racing led to his collaboration with fellow racing and rodeo enthusiasts, building state-of the-art racing gates and grandstands for the Battle River Ag Society.

Leo filled his life with various hobbies, gun collecting and reloading of ammunition, hunting, ice fishing, and snowmobiling.

Leo is survived by his wife Joyce; children, Randy Minich (partner Deb Stewart), Rhonda Stampe (husband Shane Stampe) and Rena Findlay (partner Kevin Jackson); grandchildren, Megan Brayshaw, Chad Minich, Hayley and Hunter Findlay; and great-grandchildren, Kaiden and Zander Brayshaw; as well as much extended family and friends. Leo was predeceased by his parents, Stephan and Viktoria Minich, brothers Emil and Henry Minich, and sisters Ella Sokolan and Hilda Goesen.

Leo’s ashes will be interred at the North Star Cemetery, North Star, Alberta. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Leo’s family here.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to G.G.’s Groom & Room Manning Strays & Adoptables P.O. Box 1142 Manning AB T0H 2M0 email: gfazikos@telus.net

In living memory of Leo Minich, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.