Leona is the eldest of five daughters raised on their family farm in northeastern Alberta near St.Paul. At one point Dargis Seed & Feed Ltd. owned and fed 4,000 head of cattle all while managing over 7,000 acres of land, both in pasture and crop. Together they learned the values of hard work, perseverance and gratitude from their parents Jean & Joanne Dargis.
Tragedy struck in 2007 for Leona and her 4 younger sisters; their parents and grandmother, Anita Dargis, were killed in a plane crash. The 5 girls, with two still in high school during this time, were faced with the challenge of succeeding their parents estate and making decisions of what would happen to the family farm.
Succession can occur in many forms, as reflected in the exciting program that Latornell is putting together for you this year. Sometimes we can predict succession, and sometimes, when it happens, we can only hope we’re prepared. Leona Dargis, our keynote speaker on Day 1, is an international speaker and inspiration when it comes to facing
unimaginable change, adapting to it, and learning to succeed. Through her family’s multi-generational values of hard work, respect and responsibility, Leona has proven that you can not only face change, you can flourish with the right attitude.
