GORDON LEAVER

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GORDON (ROSS) LEAVER It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon "Ross" Leaver on Saturday, July 11, 2015, two years to the day after he lost his beloved wife Joan. Dad passed away at his favourite place, his cottage on beautiful Leaoka Island on Cassels Lake in Temagami, ON. Ross was predeceased by his wife Joan, his daughter Marcia and his parents, Gordon and Mary Leaver. Ross leaves behind his two daughters, Breta (Greg) Birnie and Barbara (Ralph) Cochrane; his son-in-law Al Schellenberg. His six grandchildren, Jana (Alan), Trevor, Dirk (Cherice), Julia, Justin and Kelsey; his great-grandchildren Tessa, Avery and Liam, his step grandchildren, Kyle, Nick (Kelsey) and Liz. Ross also leaves behind his only brother Brock (Maggie) Leaver of Oakville, ON; his sister-in-law Dawn Thornton of Ajax, ON and sister-in-law Pat Leaver of Missisauga, ON. Also, he leaves behind his close family friends, Dr. Eric and Dr. Jane Bow. Eric was like a son to Ross. Although Ross had several nieces, he was particularly fond of his niece Deborah Leaver. Deb was like another daughter in our family, she made regular trips to Winnipeg over the years and spent time with her Uncle Ross in Temagami. Ross was born in Oakville, ON on November 22, 1927. His early childhood was spent living on the family farm on the Morrison Road in Oakville. Dad attended Linbrook public school in his younger years and Oakville Trafalgar High School as a teenager. Ross met the love of his life, Joan, while working together as teenagers at the local post office. Their first date was to a formal dance, which came about because both their prior dates were forced to cancel. Since Dad already had tickets and Mom had already bought a new dress, they decided to go together as friends and that was the beginning of their life together. During their courtship, Ross attended the University of Toronto and graduated as a professional engineer with honours in 1950. Ross and Joan were married on September 5, 1952. They built a house on Sprucelea Drive in Oakville, where he and Joan made many of their lifelong friends that they remained very close with. Ross worked for several different companies over the years until he joined E.H. Price Ltd. in 1972. Shortly after, Dad started at E.H. Price, the family moved to Winnipeg. Ross, Joan and family lived at two different houses on Yale Avenue in Crescentwood. They kept the cottage property in Temagami and travelled back there every year, where they would spend from early June to mid September. Many friends were made over the years in Temagami, where Dad was well known by everyone. He enjoyed "Happy Hour" with his lake friends and was really looking forward to the annual CALA pig roast held on the August long weekend. Dad loved watching his baseball games on TV. He also enjoyed watching football and hockey games. He enjoyed fishing for lake trout and pickerel while at the cottage. His great sense of humour won him many friends. Ross was a wonderful grandfather to all of his grandchildren. They all have special memories of the time they spent with their Grampa Leaver. Jana said he always gave the best hugs. Since September 2012, Ross lived at The Parkway assisted living. He regularly played bridge, usually on three different days each week. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at The Parkway. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ross's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 or The Lung Association, 629 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1P6. A private family interment will be taking place. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2015