For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

 

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

 

Leo Albert Degelman

 

Submarine Detector, RCNVR

 

Born: 06 Nov 1924

 

Died: 15 Jul 2020

 

DEGELMAN, Leo Albert - On Wednesday, July 15 2020, Leo passed away peacefully at the age of 95. Leo is survived by his children, Donna (Cliff) Fox, Leona (Syd) Enns and Paul (Crystal) Degelman. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Josh, Chris (Laura), Katie (Jordan), Ashley (Terra) and Chelsey (Andreas); along with great-grandchildren, Luke and Violet, Conner, Liam and Avery, Haddie and Eva, and Lyla. He will also be missed by good friend Francis Buxton, and sister and brother-in-law, Jessie Benstead and Don Currie. Leo was born on November 6, 1924, the youngest child of Albert and Annie Degelman, on the Southside of Transcona. In his last years, he often travelled back in time remembering his happy childhood with his loving parents, and playing in the fields with his brother John, skating and hanging out with good friend Jim Buxton. Leo loved all sports and enjoyed playing hockey and curling. At the age of 18, Leo enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War and served on the HMCS ROYALMOUNT as a Submarine Detector. During the Battle of the Atlantic, Leo was involved in eight convoy crossings with no ships lost. Once the war was over, Leo returned to his employment, tin smith by trade, at the CNR in Transcona for over 30 years. What started as a blind date in a rumble seat of a car led to 64 years of love with Doreen (Dodie), the love of his life, until Doreen passed away in 2012. Leo was a gentle, kind man devoted to his family above all. As well as being 'foreman' to his children's many house projects, he also cared for his aging father and siblings. Leo and Doreen had a special love for the 'lake' home they built out of the wilderness on Clytie Bay in Shoal Lake, Ontario. It was a special meeting place for family and friends. Leo loved to fish and spend time with the grandchildren, alongside his many building projects. On arrival to the lake, there was always the anticipated cold beer in the fridge. Leo's family would like to thank the staff at Pembina Place Personal Care Home for their care of our dad, especially in these trying times of the Covid-19 pandemic. "The best and most beautiful things in life cannot be seen, not touched, but are felt in the heart" - Helen Keller  (Winnipeg Free Press 18 Jul 2020)

 

Ships served in:

HMCS ROYALMOUNT

 


 

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