A well-known Winkler businessman passed away on the weekend. Greg Ens lost a hard-fought battle with cancer on Saturday.

The 48-year-old was former owner and general manager of Southland Honda. Staff took to social media to remember Ens noting he was "more than a businessman, he was a role model within our company and a leader in the community," adding "Cancer did not define him."

Hockey also figured large in Ens's life as past president of the Winkler Flyers ardent supporter and billet. Ens was also a director with the Pembina Valley Minor Hockey Association

Long-time friend Merlin Heppner says Ens had an "air about him, a confidence."

"This weekend, as I’ve reflected on Greg, looking at our relationship, which really developed over past few years... In my view, this was Greg... supporting/coaching his kids, right up to the end," Heppner says.

"...he was razor-sharp smart, he knew hockey as well as anyone I’ve ever met, and he loved teaching the game," long-time friend Merlin Heppner said of Ens

He notes Ens was an effective community builder, "he loved people and that will be his legacy."

Fellow business owner Kurtis Fox says Ens was a mentor and friend, "He’d listen like I’ve never seen someone listen, and then he’d offer something for me to think about that would ultimately change the trajectory of where I was headed."

"Greg would often tell me, "there’s no better feeling than being able to help someone" and that’s exactly what he told me again just a couple weeks ago while chatting over americanos one last time. And Greg did just that for me in more ways then I probably even realize."

A funeral service will be held on Thursday at the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church.