We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Leopold "Leo" Kihn (Ret’d) on 20 April 2013 at the Pembina Manitou Health Centre in Manitou MB at age 90 years. Leo was a Royal Canadian Air Force veteran of the Second World War and served as a firefighter.
Leo was born in Manitou MB and was working on the farm with his dad when the Second World War was declared. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941 and received his basic training as a firefighter in Brandon MB before being sent to Trenton and later to Hagersville ON for specialized training as a firefighter. Leo was sent overseas in the fall of 1942 and joined No. 6 Group, RCAF Bomber Command. No.6 Group was created in October of 1942 to be completely manned by Canadian officers and men. By the end of the war, it had grown to fourteen squadrons. Leo's first posting was in Yorkshire as part of the Crash & Rescue Squad where he initially underwent further training in firefighting and fire prevention. Leo witnessed many plane crashes, extricated crews of smashed trainer planes and kept constant vigil for those in trouble returning from reconnaissance or bombing missions in enemy territory.
After the war, Leo worked at numerous jobs. He ended up in construction, building elevators for Ogilvie, Federal Grain and United Grain Growers and became a construction foreman. Leo was a member of the Manitou Legion Branch 21 for 55 years.
In accordance with Leo's wishes cremation has taken place and a public graveside will be held at 11:00 AM on 19 June 2013 at the Manitou Cemetery. Interment for Leo and his daughter Pat will take place on 19 June 2013 at the Manitou Cemetery. The graveside service will be at 11:00 AM and is open to the public. Lunch will be served at the Legion Hall after the service. Donations can be made to the Pembina Manitou Health Centre Foundation (Box 129 Manitou, MB R0G 1G0). Condolences can be sent online to the funeral home.{khMar2020}
