Obituary of Leonard "Pappy" Rasch

It is with heavy hearts and gratitude for a lifetime of memories that the family of Leonard Rasch, beloved husband to Mabel (Henrie) Rasch, announces his passing, which occurred on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in South Nelson, NB on July 14, 1935, he was a son of the late Francis and Mary (Allen) Rasche.

Leonard was a hard-working family man with a great sense of humour. Everyone has a story about a joke he told, or a prank he played on them. His children and grandchildren were his world, and he adored spending time with them. Leonard loved playing horseshoes, and was proud to have won the gold medal in Horseshoe Canada’s Canadian Championships in 2015. He enjoyed watching all sports, especially the New York Rangers. He was such a big fan that he had most of his family members cheering for them as well. Even if his team didn’t win, he still liked watching them play. Over the years, he worked for the Port, the City of Saint John, and then for HW McLean & Sons Paving from where he retired at the age of 71.

In addition to his wife Mabel of 62 years, Leonard will be missed by his children, Linda McDonald (Jay Buchanan), Danny (Barb), Bruce (Rose) and Stephen (Patty); his grandchildren, Keith, Craig (Brittany), Jonathan, Matthew (Gina), Travis (Sarah), Melodie (Kevin), Richelle (Nathan), Kevin (Pheonix), Jeremy (Jill), Rebecca (Batman), Kailey (Colin), Kaitlin (Ryan) and Scott (Danica); several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and his cat Felix.

Leonard was predeceased by his parents, as well as an infant son, Richard; and his siblings Evelyn LeBlanc, Gerald Rasche and Mary Rasche.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude for the excellent care that Leonard received from the Doctors and Nurses of the SICU at the Saint John Regional Hospital; also a special thank you to his family physician, Dr. William O’Brien.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424) with visitation on Friday, July 26, 2019 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated from Brenan’s Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place at Ocean View Memorial Gardens. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com