LEO JOSEPH BLUEKENS, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at the age of 87 years.

Leo is survived by his loving wife, Alma; his children Anita (Dewain), Curt (Karolina) and Brent (Rene?), as well as his grandchildren Aspen, Lola, Colin and Cameron.

He was predeceased by both of his parents and sister.

Leo was born in 1934 in Kincaid, Saskatchewan, and moved to Lethbridge at an early age. He met the love of his life, Alma, whom he married in 1960. They then  began a journey together that lasted for 61 years.

In 1966, he began his passion for farming which evolved into Le-Al Farms Ltd, a legacy that would be passed down to his children and grandchildren. The essence of Leo's life can be described in The Farmer's Creed:

I believe that a man's greatest pride is his dignity and that no calling bestows this more abundantly than farming. I believe that hard work and honest sweat are the building blocks of a person's character. I believe that farming, despite its hardships and disappointments, is the most honest and honourable way a man can spend his days on earth. I believe that farming nurtures the close family ties that make life rich in ways that money can't buy. I believe my children are learning values that will last a lifetime and can be learned in no other way. I believe farming provides education for life and that no other occupation teaches so much about birth, growth and maturity in such a variety of ways.  I believe that the best things in life are indeed free; the splendour of the sunrise, the rapture of wide, open spaces and the exhilarating sight of your land greening each spring. I believe that true happiness comes from watching your crops ripen in the field, your children grow tall in the sun, your whole family feels pride that springs from their shared experience. I believe that by my toil, I am giving more to the world than I am taking from it; an honour that does not come to all men. I believe that my life will be measured ultimately by what I have done for my fellow man, and by this statement I fear no judgement. I believe when a man grows old and sums up his days, he should be able to stand tall and feel pride in the life he's lived.                     I believe in farming, because it makes all this possible.

At Leo's request there will be no funeral service.

In memory of Leo, donations may be made to Stars Air Ambulance (https://stars.ca/ways-to-donate/ab/)