William "LeRoy" LeRoy Avramenko

William LeRoy Avramenko

September 8, 1942 – April 19, 2026

It is with deep sadness that the family of LeRoy Avramenko announce his passing on April 19, 2026, at the age of 83. 

LeRoy was born in Drumheller and grew up on the family farm east of Rowley.  He was the third child and eldest son of six children born to Willie and Frances Avramenko.  He attended school in Rowley and as a young man worked as a farm hand and lease rider.  He and ex-wife, Mary, were married in 1965 and farmed near Rowley before moving to the farm at Rumsey in 1969. Later in life, he returned to the original Rowley family farm, where he lived until his passing.

LeRoy was active in the Rumsey community serving many years as a volunteer fireman and chief.  He played baseball and was a catcher with the All Sorts and Royals and played hockey with the Rumsey Raiders and Morrin Marauders.  He proudly displayed the 1984 MVP trophy from a tournament in Trochu in his living room.  He also enjoyed watching hockey, whether it was his grandchildren’s games or the NHL.  Even from his hospice bed, he cheered for the Edmonton Oilers and was happy that they made the playoffs - and was even happier that the Calgary Flames did not! LeRoy enjoyed Rowley Pizza Nights and tending bar at Sam’s Saloon where he got to meet many people.

LeRoy was a true animal lover and enjoyed horses and cattle and was rarely seen without a dog by his side.  He doted on the many cats at the farm who treated his deck as their personal diner, and he always made sure to have plenty of food on hand. He didn’t even seem to mind when the occasional skunk would join the cats for dinner.  

LeRoy had a special bond with his friends from the Starland and East River Colonies and greatly appreciated their kindness and support.

LeRoy is survived by his children, Bill (B.J.) Avramenko and Peep (Ken) Bengert, his grandchildren, Cade (Alyssa) Bengert, Harlee Avramenko, Mark Bengert, Tataina (Aaron) Avramenko, Whylie Avramenko, Piper Avramenko, Morgan Bengert and Joey Avramenko and great-granddaughter, Wren Bengert-Coughlan.  He is also survived by brothers Allen (Fe-Fe) Avramenko and Norley Avramenko, and sister, Carol (Nelson) Houghton as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Willie and Frances Avramenko, sisters, Marie Jensen and Darlene Sinclair, niece, Anita Sinclair and nephew, Howard Jensen.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Drumheller and Red Deer Hospitals for the care they showed Dad.  We would also like to express our gratitude to the amazing staff at the Red Deer Hospice for the kindness, compassion and dignity shown to Dad in his final days.

Memorial donations can be made to the Red Deer Hospice Society, 99 Arnot Avenue, Red Deer, AB T4R 3S6 or www.reddeerhospice.com