Leon Trainor

TRAINOR, Leon Charles
Dad passed way after a brief respiratory illness while in Royal University Hospital on September 28, 2012 at the age of 77 years. Born at St. Gregor, SK, the third youngest of seven children, Leon received his schooling from his father at South St. Gregor School. He attended St. Peter's College in Muenster for high school prior to moving to Saskatoon in 1952. Dad worked for the Dominion Fruit Company and a short time later as a ticket agent at the bus depot where he made many lasting friendships. Dad and a few friends from STC noticed TCA (fore runner of Air Canada) was hiring and decided to apply. It was there that Dad fully blossomed. He aced his training returning to the city as a "ticket agent" for the airline in the mid 1960's. Always a strong union man, Dad took on the position of national vice-president tor the union, CALEA. Because of his ability to remain calm during heated discussions, and his strong communication skills, Dad acted as the union's troubleshooter when issues with management arose across the country. Seeing his potential, and in my opinion, possibly getting tired of facing such a formidable foe across the table, Air Canada promoted him to management. Dad rose to the position of Customer Service Manager at the Saskatoon Airport. He loved working at the 'port, and spoke of meeting many a celebrity who passed through the turnstiles of YXE including Tommy Hunter, and this "quiet little grandpa of a man" named Don Cherry…yes THAT Don Cherry. After 26 years with Air Canada, Dad retired. He was a fun loving, caring man with a terrific smile, and sense of humour to match. He went out of his way to make everyone feel welcome whether in his home or at work. Blessed with an incredible ear for music, Dad could play many musical instruments, his favorite being his trusty 1956 Gibson guitar. The Trainor home resonated with the sounds of Dad on his guitar calling out the chord changes, and Sylvia making magic on the accordion while they "made music" until all hours of the night. Family, friends, and music were some of his many passions in life. Dad had four boys from a previous marriage, Brian, Kelly, Tim, and Pat. With his marriage to Sylvia Bell in 1989, he acquired three more wonderful stepsons, Dean, Bryan, and Bruce. Left to share many great memories are his loving wife Sylvia; son Brian (Joanne), and their children Rob, Erin (Colton), great grandson Carter; grandson Scott (Stacey); Kelly (Colleen), grandsons Carson, and Connor; Tim and his children Brieanna, Madeline, and Benjamin; Pat (Holly), and their son Max; stepsons Dean (Sylvia) and their sons Clint and Bryce; Bryan and his son Ryan; Bruce (Shawn) and their puppies. Leon leaves behind his brothers Ken (Linda), and Lloyd (Dorothy) and their families of Kamloops, BC; and sister Sheila (Walter) of Saskatoon; numerous nieces and nephews; and an entire cast of relatives in PEI and points in between. Leon was predeceased by his parents Charles and Yvonne Trainor; grandson Callum; brother Kieran and sisters Bernice and Sr. Pat. A Celebration of Leon's Life will take place on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anne's Catholic Church (217 Lenore Dr.). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be sent from www.hillcrestmemorial.ca. Arrangements are entrusted to Charmaine Legrand.