Leo Mann was born on Dec. 30, 1941, the 10th of 15 children, to Anton and Mary Mann at Gravelbourg. Leo took Grades 1 through 4 at Hodgeville, Grades 5 through 9 at Unity and Grades 10, 11 and 12 at St. Thomas College in North Battleford. He then enrolled in the Novitiate of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate at St. Norbert, Man. Leo professed his first vows on Sept. 8, 1961. His scholastic years were spent at St. Charles Scholastic, the site of the first government in the North West Territories, in Battleford. Leo was ordained into the priesthood at St. Thomas College on Oct. 8, 1967.
Leo began his religious life as a high school teacher at St. Thomas College. He was subsequently appointed as principal, and superior to the Oblate community from 1967 to 1984. During this time, Leo gained a reputation as a much-loved teacher and fair-minded disciplinarian.
Leo was then assigned to Potters House in Saskatoon from 1984 to 1987 where he mentored young men who were interested in the priesthood. In late 1987, Leo moved back to the Battlefords as director of Oblate communications. In 1991, he was recognized by Buy Saskatchewan (sponsored by SaskPower) for implementing SaskPower rates at Marian Press. With the resultant savings, Marian Press was able to buy new computer equipment and hire professionals for training purposes.
As director, Leo oversaw that the business's products were sold in both national and international markets. Despite his heavy work schedule, Leo also found time to act as parish priest for the Delmas, Maidstone and Lashburn churches. Leo's outgoing concern and attitude of servant leadership for others was reflected in the love and respect by all who knew him.
In 1997, Leo was appointed as provincial superior of St. Mary's Province for two terms. During this time, he was responsible for restructuring six provinces in the Canadian region. Leo's organizational skills were critical to the administrative success and financial health of the region. Leo also played a major role in establishing the Oblate Mission in Kenya.
Colette Forrister, Leo's sister, related that he was a special and important person in her life. He was the older brother who taught her how to ride a bike, how to skate and how to play ball, football and hockey. Leo also taught Collette how to identify the different constellations in the night sky, and how to identify good and bad plants in the garden.
Christmas was a special time for the Mann family. As a newspaper boy, Leo would visit his customers. Later, as a student at St. Thomas College, he would visit the senior members of St. Peter's Parish in Unity.
When Leo became part of the Oblate family, he still found time to be with his sister, sharing thoughts and memories. The most important thing that Collette learned from her brother at this time was that each individual is accepted not for his or her religion, but for his or her faith.
For health reasons, Leo moved back to St. Mary's residence in Battleford in 2003. His last years were dedicated to providing relief parish ministry, counselling and officiating at weddings and funerals. He also spent many peaceful hours working in the gardens, especially attending to his lily garden. Sadly, Leo passed away on Feb. 7, 2011 at Battlefords Union Hospital.
On the occasion of the City of North Battleford's centennial, we give a heartfelt thank you to Father Leo Mann, OMI. We are humbled by the dedication and service of an extraordinary citizen.
(Source: Colette Forrister, Leo's sister)
