Leon Bear was born in Sandy Bay, SK on September 2, 1962, to William Bear and Emily Sinclair.

Leon passed away peacefully with his children Koda, Tesa & Tonia at his side on September 7, 2026, at 2:18 am at St. Anthony's General Hospital in The Pas, MB at the age of 64 years old.

Leon lived a life full of adventures.  He loved spending his time making sure his wife, children and grandchildren were well taken care of.  If he was not at home making breakfast and coffee, playing dress up and listening to "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", he was travelling the Churchill River visiting family & friends in Sandy Bay, SK.

Throughout his journey in life, Leon touched countless people with his kindness, wisdom, gentle soul and jokes.  He loved to dance and spent time checking in on people that were important to him.  He always showed love and kindness wherever he visited.

As a young man, Leon worked at the Key Lake Mine, Sask Power and with Three-Way Builders.  Leon was a master carpenter, whose hands shaped wood into works of art.  Leon's craftsmanship could be found in many homes throughout Sandy Bay and Pukatawagan.  Known for his quiet wisdom, humility, gentle humor and unwavering dedication to his craft, he built more than structures – he built trust, friendship and community.

From the moment Leon met Joyce, he knew his heart had found its home.  Their love was not a fleeting spark but a steady flame that warmed every season of their life together.  Through the decades of sharing the love, laughter, and the trials of life, Leon cherished Joyce as his partner…His greatest "Joy".  Together, they raised their children, then later, helped raise their grandchildren.

Leon was a devoted father and grandfather.  He treasured the quiet moments, the laughter and the many days and nights that were spent with them.  Whether it was teaching them something new or just watching a movie with them, he was always there for them.  His presence brought comfort and his soft voice and warm smile always made his children and grandchildren feel loved, safe and secure.  Leon was a storyteller, a teacher, a friend and a protector for his family, but he always believed that his greatest role and title in life was "Poppa", to his grandchildren.

Although he was sick, Leon tried to keep his spirits high while he was in the hospital.  During his stay in the hospital, he also expressed his deep love for Joyce, his feelings of sorrow for her absence and his deep loneliness for her.  In his final moments Leon whispered to Koda, "Mom is here for me now, it's time to go home with her. Be there for the girls and my babies."  It was in that moment, Leon took his last breath and was reunited in the spirit world with his best friend, his true love, his Joy.

Leon leaves to mourn: children Tesa & family, Tonia & family, the late Lanny's children (Colita, Drelyn, Darius), Koda & family, Jocelyn & family, Leona & family; sisters Marie Rose & family, Clara & family, Rosie & family, Josephine & family, Ruth & family, Erna & family; brothers Lorne & family, Tom & family, Joe & family, Edward & family, Bill & family; brother-in-law Glenn & family; sisters-in-law Victoria & family, Anna & family, Marie & family, Julianne & family, Yvonne & family, Diana & family, Flora & family, Elly & family, Gloria & family; special bro's Big Pete Boys, Jonah Hex, Fred Bear, Bob-O, Corney, Mike Bear, Leroy Bear, Lee Lam, Mongo, Snapper, Terry Bear; special grandsons Smorey, Travis; special nephews Dustin, Tim, Ethan, Alec, Robert, Glen Jr., Emette, Nolan, Joey, Rollie, Dodge, Vaughn; Other family & friends too numerous to mention.

Leon is predeceased by wife Joy; son Lanny; grandparents Alec & Marie; parents Emily & William; brothers Grant & John; best friend Kevin Cree; grandchildren Dre, Heavenly, Keyon, Talon Ovalee, Baby Bear; father-in-law Luke; mother-in-law Caroline; brothers-in-law Luke, Wayne & Ralph; sisters-in-law Marie Rose & Sandi. If we forgot anyone, it was not intentional.

VISITATION and VIEWING

Sunday, September 13, 2026   1:00—3:00 pm

Chapel of Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas, MB

WAKE SERVICE

Monday, September 14, 2026

At the residence of Leon Bear, Pukatawagan, MB

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Gary Morin Memorial Hall, Sandy Bay, SK

FUNERAL SERVICE

Wednesday, September 16, 2026    11:00 am

Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Church, Sandy Bay, SK

PUKATAWAGAN PALLBEARERS

Travis Hart, Dakota Nault, Tim Jorgensen, Robert Dumas,

Lee Lamirande, Lorne Bear, Edward Bear, William Bear Jr.,

Tom Bear, Joe Bear, Joe Dumas.

SANDY BAY PALLBEARERS

Dakota Nault, Dustin Ray, Ethan Bear, Alec Bear,

Glen Bear Jr., Joey Bear, Jonah Hex, Gerald "Chapoo" Morin,

Leroy Bear, Johnny Bear, Bob-O.

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