Leonard “Rosie” John DeRose
November 20, 1928 to September 14, 2010
With sadness the family of Lenny inform you that he passed away after a valiant fight with complications from hip surgery. He died holding his wife, Cecilia’s hand and looking into her eyes.
Dad was predeceased by his youngest son, Wes. Besides Cecilia he leaves DeDe (Allan Mobbs), Matt (Acacia) and Ty; Sonny (Tracy), Dylan and Riley; David (Debbie), Kirsty (Shawn Bowers), Cody (Kim); Denny (Cam), Kyle, Denver, Ryland, Gavin; Charlene (Rudy Ostrem), Travis and great grandson, Layne.
Dad grew up in Wells, BC racing dog teams. He got his first dog when he was five. Forever after, dad made sure that his family was never without a dog. He decided that he wanted to become a cowboy so rode his horse down to the Cariboo-Chilcotin when he was 14. He worked as a cowboy for the majority of his life. Dad won the saddle bronc riding in the Williams Lake Stampede in 1955 before retiring from rodeo competition to marry Cecilia and dedicate his life to raising his kids, horses and cattle.
Dad is remembered as a hard working, friendly, feisty Italian who always stood up for what he believed. He is fondly remembered by his grandkids as “Pe7e”.
The family invite you to celebrate dad’s life with them on Saturday, September 18 at 11:00am at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A reception will follow.
LaPrairie’s Funeral Service entrusted with arrangements. 250-398-9100
“It’s daylight in the swamp!”