Richard Ross Leslie, our Dad passed peacefully in Burnaby, B.C. on Monday, August 2nd, 2021, 87 years young, signing off on a life, in his words “…with many happy memories and with few regrets.”
Dad was brought into this world in Dundee, Scotland on February 7th, 1934, the only little one to parents William and Helen. Dad’s childhood was a happy time for a wee boy. He grew up in Dundee and enjoyed many summers exploring the Scottish Highlands from ‘Ardmilne’, his parents cottage in Archiestown. As Dad grew into a dapper young man, he developed an interest in art and design. In the mid-1950’s, Dad was lucky to receive a scholarship in architecture from the University of Dundee which allowed him to travel the byways of Europe. Travelling the South of France and Italy was a defining time for our Dad. For a time, Dad had contemplated naval architecture but decided against it. Something to do with the sinking of the Titanic, as he once joked. Instead, he settled on the land based version and learned the skills of an architect.
Along the way, Dad met our Mum, who unwittingly fell for his charms. They were wed in Balloch, Scotland in June 1960. Thereafter, Mum gave birth to the three of us, Stephen, Mark and Paul. We don’t think our Dad ever recovered from the shock of having three pranksters interrupt his architectural career.
During the 1960’s, Dad held various exciting jobs throughout Scotland, but after much contemplation, and Mum’s strong encouragement the family emigrated to Canada in December 1969. The family settled in Ottawa where Dad landed a great job teaching architecture at Algonquin College. Throughout the 1970’s and 80’s, Dad dabbled in many projects including the Nepean Sportsplex, the Pope John Paul 2nd Elementary School and St. Patrick’s Basilica and many other ventures. In the latter part of his career, Dad worked with the Department of National Defence as a senior project manager. This was probably the most rewarding part of Dad’s career, as it allowed him to visit many places throughout Canada. Most notably he was involved with, the North Warning System bases in Canada’s north, and the RCAF Fighter Command HQ in Winnipeg. His professionalism and attention to details served him well throughout his career.
After Dad retired, he and Mum enjoyed holidays around the globe, golfing some of the world’s best golf courses. Back home in Ottawa, they enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren, Claire, Gareth and Alasdair. In retirement, Dad also found time to volunteer for many worthwhile causes with the Knights of Columbus.
In 2010, two years after our Mum passed away, Dad ventured out to Vancouver and was welcomed by our brother Paul, his wife Trish and his grandsons, Remy and Liam. Dad quickly developed a new friendship with Jim, Lois and the ‘coffee gang.’ The gang met every week to trade stories and solve the world’s problems. Most importantly, Dad was loved by his extended family Joanne, Trish, Dave (Misae), Teresa (Dave), Remy, Jonathon, Eric, Jada, Jaxon, Lily and Caolan, Ted, and Duke. Dad was fondly known as Grandad. Over the next decade, Dad enjoyed many holidays with his adopted ‘clan.’ Trips to Osoyoos and Sproat Lake on Vancouver Island were among his favourites. Dad’s last years were a fun time. Many evenings with Charlie, Lynn and Paul, started with a family barbecue and ended telling stories and toasting life with a wee dram of scotch. One of Dad’s last “secrets” was the discovery (by his grandkids) of wee cookies and sweets that he had hidden in the most inconspicuous places. To the three of us, it’s not a secret. We’ve been finding wrappers and crumbs for many years.
Our Dad, known fondly to his family and friends as ‘Dick’, loved life. He will be remembered for his sense of humour, storytelling and the immense pride he held for his family. There are so many more stories to tell, but we know his memory will live on within the three of us, our families and everyone’s life he touched. He was a loving husband to Monica (née Cannon), our Mum, who passed on March 16th, 2008. He was a generous, loving father to us, Stephen (Debby), Mark, and Paul (Trish). Dad was also a devoted grandfather to five grand-children; Claire, Gareth, Alasdair, Liam and Remy. Our Auntie Margaret (Mum’s sister), our Uncle Andy, and our two cousins Patricia and Caroline were a huge part of our lives when we were growing up and of course his extended family around the world. As we say goodnight to Dad, we believe he will be reunited with our Mum. May he rest in peace.
The family will hold a simple private cremation in Vancouver in the next couple of weeks. Thereafter, our brother Paul plans to hold a garden celebration in Kitsilano to commemorate our Dad. For those in the vicinity, the celebration will tentatively be held on September 10th. Please contact Paul for further details.
At a future time when restrictions are eased and family members can reunite, Dad’s remains will be buried at Hope cemetery in Ottawa with our dear Mum later this year. An announcement will be made at a later date. A condolences web page will be arranged soon. In lieu of charitable donations and flowers, please plant a tree or volunteer for your favourite charity.