November 26, 1936 - September 28, 2022
In loving memory ~
On September 28th, 2022 Ervins Janis LIEPINS (Lou Liepins) passed away age 85.
Born November 26, 1936 in Latvia. His family fled the war-torn country in 1944 and made their way to Canada.
Lou is survived by his wife of 59 years, his daughters Leeta and Tara (Rick), grandson Alex (Rebecca), his great grand daughter Emily and sister-in-law Myrna.
Lou loved sports. He won a full athletic scholarship to study engineering at Louis-ana State University. He hold the Canada javelin record for several years. Won the Southern United States singles and doubles Championships in badminton.
Truly a man's man. Lou was fiercely competitive and skillful at many sports.
Lou loved animals and the family had lots of cats, dogs and chickens.
Among his favorite things were smoked eel, rum and coke, golfing, Curling, opera, building rock structures and making crepe pancakes for the family. He loved to dance, sing opera and play practical jokes on people.
Lou came to Port Hardy with his family in 1973. At first it was only another short stop and then move on. It didn't take him very long to realize this was the place he wanted to stay to work and raise his two daughters.
After moving a lot in his life he realized he liked the people, his job and the wilderness of the surroundings. He built his house in Port Hardy from raw wood and raw strength. He was known to many os "Leapin Lou". He had many jobs in his life time: stock broker, construction worker, miner, logger, mechanic, driller, so many different ones. He was multi-talented.
Many thanks to Dr. Howard Lee and the caring paramedics and staff at the Port Hardy hospital.
Thank you also to the many people who took the time to offer kind words, food and help if needed to our grieving family. Much appreciated.