WESLEY KENNETH MCLEOD

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WESLEY KENNETH MCLEOD March 24, 1960 November 15, 2008 It is with great sadness the family announces the peaceful passing of Wes McLeod on November 15, 2008, at the age of 48 years, after a courageous battle with ALS. Wes leaves to mourn, his high school sweetheart and wife of 25 years Lori and their children Justin and Jenna, his parents Ken and Eileen McLeod, sisters Lorraine (Don) Giesbrecht and Colleen (Ray) Funk and brother and best friend Dale (Donna) McLeod, brother-in-law Darren (Carrie) Vryenhoek, sisters-in-law Sharon (Kevin) McLean, Terri Elgert (Craig Harp) and their families as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many many friends. Born in 1960, Wes grew up and spent most of his life in Dugald. He met his first and only love Lori in junior high. Wes and Lori were married in August 1983 and welcomed Justin in 1989 and Jenna in 1991. Wes's great joys in life were his family and friends. Being cared for in his home by those he loved meant so much to Wes and provided him with such comfort. He cherished Justin and Jenna and was so proud of the fine talented young adults they have grown to be. Since being diagnosed with ALS, Wes's outlook remained positive. He showed extraordinary strength, dignity and maintained his sense of humor. During the past year Wes and his family made the most of their time together, creating lasting memories. Wes was loved and respected by so many friends and co-workers for his loyalty, sense of humor and wisdom. He worked at CN for 17 years, first as a mechanic, then supervisor and lastly as a Fleet Management Officer. As one of his friends said this week, Heaven needed a great mechanic and now they have one . Many of his friends are lifetime friends. He was the kind of person that people just liked to spend time with. At any given time there was usually at least one friend sharing a coffee, a shot or a beer at the kitchen table. As Wes lost his ability to speak he used his laptop computer to communicate with his friends and family, sharing conversations and not to mention his many, sometimes adult only jokes and emails. Wes always looked forward to his annual golf trip to Branson, Missouri with his brother Dale, cousins Keith and Big Mur and the rest of the group. He was still able to join them in the fall of 2007 for one last round. Wes had mentioned how much he was going to miss Branson this year, but he knew that soon he would be on the golf course with Uncle Potsy. Wes especially loved the time he spent at Red Rock Lake. Dennis and Muggs have become dear friends and their generosity and friendship will always mean so much. Thank you to all the special people who loved and supported Wes and their family through this difficult time. Wes had so many wonderful close friends that they should all consider themselves honourary pallbearers. Wes and Lori could not have gotten through this without Dale and Sharon. Justin and Jenna would like to thank their friends for being there for them for their friendship, understanding, compassion and support. A special thank you to the ALS Society of Manitoba and to the staff at Brummitt-Feasby House who took such great care of Wes during his brief stay there, particularly Patrick, Kim, Judy and Trish. The family has requested that should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Society of Manitoba. At Wes's request, cremation has taken place. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at Oakbank Baptist Church, Springfield Road in Oakbank. Interment will follow at Green Acres Memorial Gardens. Family and friends are then invited to join in a celebration of Wes's life at Dugald Community Club.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 18, 2008