Obituary of Leonard Parent

Passed peacefully with his wife beside him at 91 yrs old, to be with his grandson Dane (2016) and his daughter Cheryl (2017). Beloved husband for 72 yrs to Jeannine (Mangin). Cherished father of daughters Wanda (Mike) Brennan, late Cheryl (2017), and Wendy, and sons Doug (Judy), Greg (Joanne), Rick (Sharon), and Bradley. Proud Grandpa to 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Oldest sibling to dear brother the late Earl (Pauline), late sister Shirley (Joe Charette), late sister Bernice (Vince Kogut), sister Doreen (late Fred Wass), brother Gary (Debbie), late sister Sally (Norm Kendell), and late sister Barbara (Brian Grossett). Brother in law to Rita (late Don Vincent), late Leo and Norma Mangin, late Linda and John Manson, and Charles Mangin.

Dad retired from Chryslers after 35 yrs of service. Dad was the ‘jack of all’ in sports. Len was scouted and invited by the Pittsburgh Pirate's baseball club in 1950, and drove down to Forbes Field at 18 yrs old and impressed them playing and sharing his locker with regular players. Dad informed them that he was expecting his 2nd child. After being invited back, Dad chose his family first since playing professional baseball was only a part time paid profession. Lenny was a star infielder, playing locally for Essex in the Essex County Senior Baseball League, and later fastball for many teams locally and stateside, winning an Ontario championship by knocking in both runs in a 2-0 final game. In 1969 (MAA) Windsor Chiefs joined the Essex County Senior Baseball League. Len, a veteran with Essex at age 34, assisted Sunny Regnier as a player/coach into the 70's with his sons as batboys.

Dad was a coach of hockey for his 4 boys and a standout player himself, who donated his time renting ice time for anyone who wanted to play in Essex arena, and later at Assumption High School outdoor rink. Dad played football for Patterson High School and won a Canadian Football Championship with AKO in 1952. Dad was also a member of Kingsville Golf Club for many years, winning the senior Tier 1 low-gross title, and amassing 5 hole-in-ones in his later years. Dad only counted 4, since one was an errant shot off a tree. That was our Dad: loved by family, with many admirers of his accomplishments raising 7 children with his soulmate Jeannine enjoying many years in Sarasota, Florida. Love you Dad, RIP, we will look after Mom.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to WINDSOR CHAPEL (South Chapel) 3048 Dougall Avenue (519-253-7236).