Lenney Brissette

Lenney was born and raised in Kimberley, the eldest of 7 siblings. He married Norma Ennis in 1979 and they had two wonderful children: Kara and Shayla. Norma was an amazing Mom who was taken far too soon.

Lenney led an incredible full life putting in 35 years with Cominco as a miner. Many special friends were made during his time underground.

In 1987 Lenney bought a trappers cabin up the St. Mary’s with his brother Collin. They trapped for many years together and had a lot of fun in the process. Countless good times were had up at the cabin with many friends and family – it was one of Lenney’s greatest pleasures. The cabin was also a place where Lenney would spend quality time with Kara and Shayla picking huckleberries, shooting BB guns, fishing and quadding.

In 1994 Lenney met me on Halloween night in the old Kimberley Hotel. I was dressed as a witch so I guess that’s a good reason for Kara to call me “Wicked” (in fun). And so began the blending of our families over the course of 32 years. For 15 of those years, Lenney helped me raise my girls: Danielle, Boujie, and Crystal. He was a great father figure to them. With all 5 girls in tow (phew!), we created a lot of great memories up at the cabin together.

As a couple, we loved travelling to archery shoots far and wide. Lenney was quite the accomplished archer and his Century 21 bow won him many first place finishes. He was a natural at everything he did and we had so much fun together.

As a true “local boy” Lenney loved the outdoors and hunting. Together we climbed many mountains in pursuit of elk. I learned very quickly that not only did Lenney refuse to carry water on these hikes, he also rarely carried protection to save me from bears and cougars. His motto was, “Every man for themselves!”. Needless to say I started packing my own knife, bear spray and water after that!

In 1997 at the age of 50, Lenney had kidney failure and went on dialysis for 8 months. He required a transplant and his sister Ardine stepped up and donated her kidney to him. Words could never thank Ardine enough as we could once again enjoy life! After this initial transplant, Lenney managed a full life for the next 14 years until the donor organ began to fail. So, after 2 more years on dialysis, my sister Anne became a second kidney donor for Lenney in 2015. Both Ardine and Anne were two very special people in Lenney’s life. Thank you for what you did!

Lenney was one tough guy and despite his health struggles, never missed a hunting season. A big thank-you to Hogie who made it possible for Lenney to continue to hunt until the very end. Lenney will be remembered by so many of his hunting buddies.

“Lenney 2K” will also be fondly remembered by the poker guys. A big thank-you to Roy, Al and Art who picked him up to bring him to the weekly games. I am ever so grateful for that. The Tuesday night poker games, and all the guys in the poker crew, greatly enhanced Lenney’s quality of life in his later years.

Lenney leaves to mourn his wife Mifi; his daughters Kara (Brent) and Shayla (Jeff); his step-daughters Danielle (Wade), Boujie (Mat) and Crystal; his six grandchildren Aden, Haylee, Paige, Logan, Sophie and Clara; his 5 siblings Ardine, Collin (Donna), Lynda, Randy and Elouise (Gary). Lenney was predeceased by his parents, Aloysius and Velli, his brother Darcy and brother-in-law Dieter.

A gathering of family and close friends will be held at our Meadowbrook home on June 14, 2025 between 1pm and 4pm. Bring your camping chairs and your best stories of Lenney.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lenney’s name can be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

mcphersonfh.com

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