DONALD WILLIAM THOMAS LESLIE

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DONALD WILLIAM THOMAS LESLIE

It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of their father, Donald William Thomas Leslie, on Monday, August 28, 2023, at the age of 88 years.



Don was born on February 15, 1935, in Winnipeg, Manitoba to parents William Stout Leslie and Doris Ida (Moore) Leslie who predeceased him along with his infant brother Billy Leslie.



Don is survived by his first wife Winnifred (Dodd) and their children William (Liz), Diane, Susan, Karen (Joey) and children Robert (Dawna), John David, Heather (Paul) whom he shared with his second wife Nicole (Moreau) who passed in 2021. He will also be remembered by Nicole’s children Stephane and Jasmine, as well as grandchildren: Nigel (Jackie), Jesse, Lucas, Billie Jean (Matt), Chloe, Samuel (Jamie), Bennett, Felix and great‐grandchildren: Mason, Jacob, Wyatt, Monroe, Scottie.



Don attended Daniel McIntyre Collegiate and upon graduation in 1953 moved to Vancouver and then Los Angeles where he continued his studies, graduating with a Master’s in Economics from Cal State at LA.



Don and his family returned to Winnipeg in 1969, continuing his career as an Economic Consultant while also pursuing many entrepreneurial ventures including the family operated Snow Valley Ski Resort (1972‐1977). The annual spring ski trips to Banff and Grand Targhee were a highlight as the family was joined by many of the resort staff and family friends.

In addition to skiing, Don enjoyed many sports including baseball, tennis, badminton, and golf - proudly displaying his “Hole in One” at Torrey Pines (San Diego). Don loved road trips and made many treks from Winnipeg to Los Angeles to Montreal to Victoria. One particularly memorable trip was the Disneyland/Las Vegas vacation that ended with the family being trapped in their car in the infamous blizzard of 1997.



Don had many trusted and cherished friends in his lifetime including Don Patterson, Ron Aird, Ian Irving, Hamish Gavin, and Ron Smith although, sadly, many had predeceased him.



Don was a voracious reader, enjoyed classical music, and had a soft spot for every dog he met. In his later years, he reignited his passion for writing poetry. His bookshelves were stocked with books representing his varied interests and music could always be heard playing in his home or car radio during his postretirement years with the Commissionaires. But dogs were Don’s greatest love, and he had many faithful companions and running partners over his lifetime (notably Buster, Butchy, Caesar and Sheba). We like to think that he is reunited with them now.



The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Lions Manor in particular Victoria and Elma who provided Don with great care and compassion over these last few years.

Enjoy the race;

Sprint, or keep a steady pace.

It matters not how quick the step.

This race is measured not by time,

But by how far a soul can climb.

Written by: DWT Leslie

As per his wishes cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday October 3, 2023, at Brookside Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his beloved mother and father.



The family requests that friends visit Donald Leslie's tribute wall at www.bardal.ca where condolences, photos and stories may be placed for all to see.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 23, 2023