GILBERT JAMES LESLIE

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GILBERT (GIL) JAMES LESLIE July 8, 1934 - March 18, 2016 After a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease, Dad passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, March 18, 2016. Dad was predeceased by his wife Doreen, who left us in October 2015. He is survived by his children, Gale (Bert), Lori (Mike) David (Angie) and Scott (Debbie). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Colin, Ian (Kyla), Sarah (Allan), Amy (Mark), Aaron (Ashley), Cory, Cherie, Ryan and Christine. Dad immigrated to Canada in 1957 from Edinburgh, Scotland and began work with TransCanada Pipelines. In 1958, mom joined dad after a long distance romance and they were married in Toronto May 3, 1958. Dad's job took the family to many places. They started their lives in Toronto then moved to Thunder Bay where the girls were born. Next, transfers to North Bay and Mattice. When their family moved to Smooth Rock Falls, mom and dad changed the lives of two brothers by adopting them together and the family grew. A quick stop in Geraldton and finally to Winnipeg where dad and mom put down lasting roots. Dad retired from TransCanada after 37 years of service in 1994. Dad was very active in the communities he lived in. Whether it was being a member of the local Lions club, coaching soccer or hockey, canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Foundation or delivering Christmas Cheer Board hampers, dad immensely enjoyed helping others. Dad was an athlete all of his life. Growing up just across from Soughton Park he played soccer for years and was talented enough to play semi-professionally in Scotland. He started golfing as a teenager and it was a life-long passion that he studied and worked at to make himself a single digit handicap golfer. When dad came to Canada, he really got into curling. He curled in every town he lived in and in Mattice was instrumental in building the curling rink and showing the community how to play. After Dad retired, he began biking and it wasn't unusual for him to go for a two hour ride after a game of golf in the morning. He was passionate about sports and loved cheering for his Leafs, Bombers, and Jets and any sport the kids or grandkids played. Dad had always shown great pride in his Scottish heritage. Dad was a very intelligent man with a great skill set and this was shown through his talented craft work with stain glass. Dad had a huge influence with his children's career paths and always was there for them to show his support and love. We are all very saddened with Dad's passing but take solace that dad and mom are united again. Dad/Granda we love you and will miss you so very much. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 8, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. A heartfelt thanks to all of the staff of 4 North at the Victoria General Hospital for their care and compassion these last five months. In lieu of flowers we would ask that a donation be made to The Alzheimer's Society or a charity of your choice. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2016