Leon Malinowski

Leon Malinowski (1932 2006) Leon Malinowski passed away in the hospital on August 23, 2006 from heart failure following a successful lung transplant operation. He was 74 years of age. Leon was husband for 52 years to Pauline, and father and grandfather to Susan (deceased); Leona (Andy) Walter and children Carrie (Eric) Webb and Clayton Kobitz; Diane (Doug) Ruf and children Sarah and Lisa; and David (Sherrie) Malinowski and children Dawson and Michael. Leon was born August 7, 1932, the oldest son of Stanley and Helen Malinowski. He grew up in the Bankend, Saskatchewan area. Leon attended and graduated as a Diesel Mechanic. He also attained his Journeyman status as a Welder while working at his Father's welding and machine shop, which later, in 1952, became his business. In 1954 Leon married Pauline Woitas from Westbend, Sask. Leon's business served the local farm trade and later, using his innovative and inventive skills, he began developing and building other farm products. His famous "Leon Dozer Blade Unit ", including modern patented features, helped propel his business to employ more personnel and expand into manufacturing. In 1967, Leon's Manufacturing moved to Yorkton, Saskatchewan and the product line expanded to include various agricultural equipment products, and later light construction equipment and custom metalworking services, which today are marketed on a worldwide basis. Leon loved his family. His concern for their well-being was endless in his generosity and determination to be a good provider. The grandchildren were his very special reward, and he always enjoyed talking about how good they were and how they were growing up properly. Leon's wife Pauline was a perfect partner supporting his activities, and Leon spoke often of his dreams that he and Pauline would spend many more years together. Leon's involvement in the business and particularly the agricultural community is well known. Many farmers knew Leon personally from the thousands of visits he made to their farms in all parts of the world. His innovative skills resulted in numerous inventions and patents attributed to him. His Leon products have received worldwide acceptance and are sold in every continent of the world. Leon was also involved in the formation of Ram Industries and Maki Enterprises, which operate in Yorkton. Leon believed in service to others and possessed a determination and zeal for work that often make the seemingly impossible become possible. He participated and supported various business and industry groups like the Prairie Implement Manufacturers' Association (PIMA), Association of Equipment Manufacturers' (AEM), Farm Equipment Manufacturer's Association (FEMA), local, provincial, and national Chambers of Commerce, various implement Dealer Associations, and other groups dedicated to helping the industry prosper and improve. Under his tenure, Leon's Mfg. Company Inc. has diversified from manufacturing Leon agricultural equipment to building Ramrod construction equipment and offering contract metalworking service through its Maki Metal works division. Leon had constant love and concern for his employees. His standards and expectations were high, but his support for his management and all working staff was even higher. He loved to associate with existing and past employees who often became his best friends. Leon was a charitable person in his own quiet unassuming way. He supported his church, community, and friends. Many stories remain untold of his generosity and assistance to employees. His metalwork donations grace the Wishart RC Cemetery and Model Farm (Westbend) churchyard. The "Malinowski " wing at the new Yorkton Sunrise Health Region facility recognizes his support to the local community. The various awards and plaques in the Company facilities recognize monetary and service contributions to the local and national causes, which Leon was part of. Leon believed in assisting others to help and improve themselves and led this effort with personal assistance of every kind. Many former employees received their skills training from the "Leon Training School " Leon initiated and led, and went on to become successful in other careers and ventures. Leon had a great zest for life. His good sense of humor, enjoyment of other people's company, his hospitality supported by Pauline's great hostess skills, and his love of music are well known. Pauline and Leon traveled extensively for business and pleasure to over 50 countries in the world. Additionally, he found time to record his violin music on cassettes and CD's and shared these musical talents at weddings, nursing and senior homes, and community events throughout the province. He was always grateful for the blessing God gave him and was comfortable with his role and status in his surroundings. Leon's wish was always to help and assist others and to achieve his life's vocation in accordance with God's teachings and blessings. After Glow I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one. I'd like to leave an after glow of smiles when life is done. I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun, of happy memories that I leave when life is done. CAROL MIRKEL The greatest gift we have on this earth is life. Please SIGN YOUR DONOR CARD to pass on your gift to someone in need. Prayers and Funeral mass will be held at St. Gerard Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton, Saskatchewan with burial to follow in the Yorkton Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are pending. Arrangements have been entrusted to Gloria Malinoski of MALINOSKI & DANYLUIK FUNERAL HOME Humboldt, SK (306) 682-1622