DESMOND LEITCH

Condolences & Memories (8 entries)

• I was shocked to learn of Desmond's passing. We had not heard from him for quite some time and started searching for him. My wife and I met Desmond many years ago while working in York Landing. Desmond was an eclectic fellow: historian, stamp collector and loved heavy metal bands (marching). How could one forget the many fanfares blasting out of Desmond's stereo on a Saturday morning. A Scotsman, a gentleman and a friend. Our condolences to his family. Tom and Jennifer - Posted by: Tom Flight (friend) on: Feb 19, 2017

• I am des's nephew and after my father Graham Leitch passed away I always knew I'd have my dads brothers around (uncles) but I guess the people upstairs needed my family. I'm pretty heart broken that all my grandparents, father and all uncle's have all passed away. I use to remember my uncle Des telling me stories about what real music was. When I asked him what real music was he played this crazy marching type of music. He was always the uncle that would come to Ottawa with all these amazing native items for his mom. I always found it funny hearing tons of stories from all my family members (Leitch's) but now I'm starting to realize how short life really is and as I look back and think about all the family get togethers in Ottawa. My uncle Des got me hooked on a movie called Zulu when I was younger. I'm still devastated to hear about this so late if it wasn't for my younger brother James Desmond Leitch I would have never known that the Leitch Family has pretty much passed on. Des was the uncle who I will always remember as the one who had to order and fly pizzas in cause he worked in a very rural area up north. When I say north I mean far northern areas. I wish I knew about him being in north bay cause I only remembered him being in northern Manitoba past a place called the pas. I always wondered where he was and how he was doing since I last saw him in Ottawa after my other uncle and Des's younger brother Michael past away. Now I know my uncle Des will be missed dearly but he's with the rest of my family and reunited with his parents and his brothers and I hope they are all looking down on us with smiles proud of what the remaining Leitch's are doing. Still in shock that the last uncle I had is now gone and no one informed any other Leitch members about this and we all had to find out now years later. Rest in peace uncle Des and when my time comes and I pass you owe me a game of chess Love your nephew Cory Leitch - Posted by: Cory Leitch (Nephew ) on: Mar 02, 2016

• I knew Desi back in the 60's when he lived in Newfoundland with his family. often I stayed at their home when his dad travelled. His mom and I worked together and Graham was my boyfriend. We had great times together then. So sorry to just learn of his passing. He was such a sweet and lovable boy. How many times did I wonder what had happened to him and Michael. - Posted by: Judy P. (long ago friend) on: Mar 01, 2015

• Thank you for all of your kind sentiments. Des was my soul-mate. I miss him every day. I have never known, nor will I suspect, know a more decent, kind, and intelligent man. Des made my life better just by being in it. He made me a better person simply by loving me just as I am. He is my hero. He struggled a lot his whole life with physical and medical disabilities, and in the last years of his life he suffered a lot more than most of us are ever asked to yet he soldiered on, my brave champion. Thank you for sharing your thoughts they mean so much to me. - Posted by: Rose-Anne Lambert (partner) on: Dec 10, 2014

• I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Desmond. He worked tirelessly against incredible odds for the students in the most isolated and difficult conditions. Condolences to Rose-Anne. - Posted by: Lorna Redwood (Friend and colleague) on: Oct 09, 2014

• I had the pleasure of being friends and neighbours with Desmond and Rose-Anne from 2011-2012. He and Rose-Anne were always kind and welcomeing. You, and all of our departed friends, are missed. RIP Desmond. - Posted by: Mike Leone (Friend) on: Sep 08, 2014

• Our sincere condolences to Rose-Anne and family. We met Desmond at Bloodvein First Nations and on the Edgar Wood Ferry. - Posted by: David & Rita Stephanson & family (acquaintence) on: Aug 01, 2014

• We first met Desmond when he took over as principal of Rod Martin School (now Frontier Mosakahiken School) in 2006. He served as principal from September 2006 to June 2010. Due to his integrity Desmond earned the respect of community members, students, and staff. Desmond was known to suffer from multiple health problems: from a leg that was slightly longer than the other to a serious heart condition. We won't forget that under these stressful conditions he never complained about the cruel fate he was dealt. Goodbye to the proud Scotsman. The heart of gold has stopped beating but will not be forgotten. - Posted by: Marlene Buck & Steve Sag (Friends) on: Jul 31, 2014