JAMES (JIM) LEROY LEIBFRIED

Condolences & Memories (3 entries)

• Dear Ann, I was very sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing, and for your Mom losing her partner. I never thought of your Mom and Dad separately – to me, they were always “Jim & Mary,” together, as one. They welcomed me in, and I will always treasure the many lovely times we shared. I haven’t seen them much since the lockdown, and with my work moving North, and I’ve missed them both. It’s hard to know how to put all of this into words, especially knowing your Mom is still with us, but to me they were a team, and they gave me wonderful experiences and memories – from coming with Pat to their acreage or to Larter’s for Sunday brunch, to meeting up for the same in the City, and even to you hosting us over at your house. I remember trips to countryside auctions, watching horse races, and especially a great road trip to Parkside, sharing the driving with you Mom (Dale and Carol often talked about your Mom and Dad being out to their farm and how much they enjoyed their time together). Or not traveling but just watching Grey Cup(s) in the downstairs rec-room or just having a dinner and a visit. I’ve been treated to the best ham hocks and sauerkraut I’ve ever had, “extra” tomatoes and cucumbers and more from the garden, and somehow being included on the Christmas candy list (where Jim made sure I knew he was the one doing the wrapping - maybe to give me confidence in the quality of the treats – in my mind, no such assurance was needed). And at Christmas, the unusual treat of being introduced to Heintje (I’m not sure of the spelling). They showed me generosity in so many ways, and those memories will always stay with me. With Jim in particular, I always enjoyed our conversations – whether about the latest events, politics, history, or past U.S. presidents. He talked about seeing Satchel Paige on the way to post-war France, about Fontainebleau, or Rome, The Hassler and The Vatican with Mary, of travels all over the world, the next plans for the garden, making a French drain to dry up a soggy patch in the yard, or how our teams (Bombers, Jets, and sometimes Coyotes and Kings) had fared or might do next. Unbelievably wide-ranging, free and a joy. There was always a new perspective, a new angle, and I never left a conversation without learning something or thinking the same way. You had a great Dad, and I feel lucky to have known him. Please pass on my kindest regards and sympathy to the rest of you family. David - Posted by: David Martin (Friend) on: Aug 14, 2025

• Jim was one of the most loved and respected individuals in my life and I believe with all my colleagues at the CWB as well. In our work life together, he was one of the most respected individuals I’ve ever met. We all missed him when he retired and will miss him even more with his passage. Working with you, Jim, was truly a path with heart. - Posted by: Brian Oleson (Friend and CWB colleague) on: Aug 11, 2025

• To the Leibfried Family. My condolences to the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. We know he is enjoying his time in Heaven rejoicing with all the ones that went before. You are in our prayers during this difficult time. Thank you for all your friendship while my parents were alive. Thank You. Renate (Lohr) Gardy - Posted by: Renate ( Lohr ) ( Schjerning ) Gardy (sister in law to Debbie) on: Aug 09, 2025