LEISHMAN, Gerald Russell April 29, 1936 – June 8, 2026 We are heartbroken to share that Gerald “Gerry” Leishman passed away on June 8, 2026. Gerry, also known as “Tex” and “Lightning,” was born at home in Gatchell, Ontario, which is now part of the Greater Sudbury area. He was the eldest of three boys. His father and eventually his youngest brother both worked for Inco, a common job for many in that region. As a cadet with the Copper Cliff Highlanders, Gerry stood out. At just 16 years old, he was selected along with other top cadets from across Canada to participate in the Banff National Army Cadet Camp’s Leadership and Training Program. Running from 1948 to 1998, this program recognized young leaders with exceptional skills who were likely to become military officers. This opportunity allowed Gerry to travel by train from Sudbury to Banff. He was captivated by the stunning landscapes of Western Canada; spending summer among the Rocky Mountains was truly life-changing for a young man from Sudbury. He cherished that summer throughout his life and often entertained us with stories about it. During this time, he formed a close friendship with another cadet from an Alberta ranch and visited him several times afterward. This experience surely fueled Gerry’s love for cowboy culture and music, earning him the nickname “Tex.” Although he had military aspirations initially, Gerry opted not to pursue that path after high school graduation and took a job at Bell Canada in Sudbury instead. He started in Installation and Repair before moving on to work as a Cable Splicer-a role that had him climbing poles and working in various manholes over four decades in telecommunications. In 1961, Gerry married Patricia “Pat,” a local girl from Coniston, marking the beginning of their life together as newlyweds in Sudbury. For their honeymoon adventure, they drove out west in Gerry’s beloved 1960 Volkswagen Beetle and experienced the infamous Big Bend. While visiting Alberta during their trip, they stopped at Hugh’s ranch-Hugh being one of Gerry’s friends from cadet camp. Sadly, Hugh passed away a couple of years later leaving behind a young wife. The following summer in 1962 saw another incredible journey for Gerry and Pat as they traveled through the Maritimes in their Bug while enjoying plenty of lobster along the way. Eventually, they welcomed three children: Katherine “Kate,” Paul, and Gordon. After working at Bell Canada since he turned eighteen years old, Gerry felt it was time for something new. His affection for Western Canada never faded; therefore in 1974 he moved his family from Sudbury to Kelowna BC alongside twenty other families from Northern Ontario affiliated with Bell Canada at that time. He took pride in his work as a Cable Splicer first with Okanagan Tel then BC Tel-his calm demeanor made him patient yet precise though not particularly fast; hence his nickname “Lightning” among coworkers. Kelowna was like paradise compared to Sudbury’s lunar landscape back then-it boasted orchards aplenty alongside market gardens and hayfields galore! Soon enough “Tex” dreamed about having land of his own too! In1980 Pat & Gerry finally achieved their dream by moving onto an acreage located within Ellison where they spent joyful decades creating their rural paradise filled with beautiful flower beds plus vegetable gardens galore! Dad loved nothing better than tending lovingly around this acreage while wearing straw hats along denim overalls! By2015 though maintaining such property became overwhelming so Pat & Gerry relocated into Balmoral situated within Mission where those next few years proved enjoyable! However due increasing assistance needs prompted another move outside Kelowna closer towards Kate & Bill’s family come2021! This past January brought great sorrow when Mom-his soulmate & best friend sharing65+years together-passed away leaving heartache behind but also wonderful memories shaped through shared Christian faith uniting them now once more within heaven above! Their loving legacy lives on via Kate (Bill), Paul (Tracey), Gord (Birgit) plus five grandchildren: Allison, Eryn, Sophia , Emily& Jesse! If you wish instead of flowers consider donating towards Compassion Canada instead please. A Celebration Of Life will take place officiated by Pastor Al Mertes occurring FRIDAY JUNE19TH AT1:30PM(PST) INSIDE SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME LOCATED AT2020SPRINGFIELDROAD IN KELOWNA BC RECEPTION FOLLOWS SERVICE TOO! If you’d like send condolences or post photos/memories feel free scrolling down below until reaching section called “Condolences”.
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