James David Leppky

James (Jim) David Leppky, 72 years of age, died accidentally on July 7th, 2020. He was born in Steinbach MB on August 22nd, 1947, the son of Peter and Susana Leppky. At the age of 16 he joined the workforce as a heavy equipment operator. One of his first jobs was doing the finishing touches to  the world famous Red River Floodway. When he was about 14 years old, he saw a young girl hoeing sugar beets on a field not far from his home. He told himself, “one day I will marry that girl,” and so he did. On November 8, 1968, he married his sweetheart, Barbara Braun. They made their home on the Leppky homestead in Tourond Manitoba. Together, they had 3 beautiful children, Patricia (Ron Wiebe), Trevor (Annalie) and Jeffrey (Laurie).

In 1989 Jim decided to purchase his first few head of buffalo. It didn’t take long before he realized buffalo ranching was his passion. In 1996 Jim and Barb sold the farm in Tourond and moved to a farm not far from Togo, Saskatchewan and followed their dream of raising buffalo. In addition to running his own farm he began working for the neighbors, George and his son, Loren Haleriwich. They developed quite a strong bond. He was helping George repair machinery for his upcoming auction when tragedy struck. 

Surviving, in addition to his wife and children, are 8 grandchildren, Ryan, Justin, Cole, Anna, William, Genessa (Andy), Chandra (Ryan) and Nick; 3 great grandchildren, Jack, Hudson and Ellie; one sister, Debra (Clay Pearson); and one brother, Murray (Grace) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by both his parents and one brother, Kenneth (Roberta Wiebe). The family would like to thank the staff at Sneath Strilchuk Funeral Services in Roblin MB, for their compassion and kindness during our difficult time.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Jim’s residence on Sunday, July 26, 2020 between 1:00 – 4:00 pm, 2 miles North on road #173W off of Hwy 363. Anyone coming from the east along Hwy 363, please slow down at the Big Boggy Creek Bridge, because if you don't, you will be airborne. A 2nd Celebration of Life will be at the residence of Ron and Pat Wiebe's in the Grunthal area on Saturday, August 22, 2020, beginning at 1:00 pm, 2 miles east of Grunthal on Hwy #205. Driveway #29028. Please bring a lawn chair and your memories of Jim