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Winston LECKIE
July 30, 1946 - September 30, 2025
BORN
July 30, 1946
DIED
September 30, 2025
Winston LECKIE Obituary
LECKIE - Winston Stewart Leckie, born in Victoria, BC on July 30th, 1946, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in Surrey BC, at the age of 79, on September 30th, 2025.
Winston had an idyllic upbringing, spending most of his years on Elk Lake in Victoria, BC. He loved sports and physical activity, teaching swimming on the lake and was a charter member of the University of Victoria rowing team.
With a keen interest in education for persons with a disability, he obtained a Bachelor of Science from the University of Victoria in 1970 and a Diploma in Education from the University of British Columbia in 1971. Early in his career Winston brokered a deal with the American thrift store chain Value Village that brought the first Canadian retail outlet to Vancouver. A shrewd move on his part, the deal required Value Village to disperse some of its revenue to a select group of not for profits. Winston flourished as Executive Director of ORW Opportunities through Rehabilitation and Work which became a very unique not for profit, who were independent of government funding and could advocate public policy for persons with disabilities. Sitting on the board of many organizations, he was known for encouraging cooperation, often with people that couldn't or wouldn't work together because of their conflicting opinions on how to reach a resolution.
Winston received many commendations and awards, including Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee Medal. A deeply private and modest person, he was most proud of the achievements of others around him and was grateful to be a part of the seismic changes that occurred in the quality of life for persons with disabilities from when he started his career to when he retired.
Upon retirement, Winston focused on his hobbies and interests, many of which were cultivated in his youth. An excellent craftsman, gardener and cook, there wasn't any sort of "Dad" question he couldn't help with. In fact, helping was what he did best and he would go to the ends of the earth to assist family, friends and neighbours.
Along with his wife Corinne and their grandchildren, Winston built countless projects. He loved their vast back yard, helping to clear the land when their home was built, growing fruits and vegetables, flowers, and cutting the large lawn. Later in life, he developed a love for elaborate well thought out menus, including his most recent 79th birthday Summer supper. Cookbooks and the internet were his guide, but inspiration often came from his wife - running up to the grocery store for that special ingredient. As a married couple, Winston and Corinne were never bored with each other's company, whether on their many travels or simply being at home together.
He is predeceased by his parents Alexandrina née Gall Leckie and Ernest Leckie. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Corinne, his son Byron (Emily), and his daughter Margeaux (John). He will be lovingly remembered by his three grandchildren Bowie, Joan and Billy, who meant the world to him. Life always included a canine companion; his best girl Charlie is missing him now.
A service will be planned in the future, please contact [email protected] for those arrangements.
Winston had an idyllic upbringing, spending most of his years on Elk Lake in Victoria, BC. He loved sports and physical activity, teaching swimming on the lake and was a charter member of the University of Victoria rowing team.
With a keen interest in education for persons with a disability, he obtained a Bachelor of Science from the University of Victoria in 1970 and a Diploma in Education from the University of British Columbia in 1971. Early in his career Winston brokered a deal with the American thrift store chain Value Village that brought the first Canadian retail outlet to Vancouver. A shrewd move on his part, the deal required Value Village to disperse some of its revenue to a select group of not for profits. Winston flourished as Executive Director of ORW Opportunities through Rehabilitation and Work which became a very unique not for profit, who were independent of government funding and could advocate public policy for persons with disabilities. Sitting on the board of many organizations, he was known for encouraging cooperation, often with people that couldn't or wouldn't work together because of their conflicting opinions on how to reach a resolution.
Winston received many commendations and awards, including Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee Medal. A deeply private and modest person, he was most proud of the achievements of others around him and was grateful to be a part of the seismic changes that occurred in the quality of life for persons with disabilities from when he started his career to when he retired.
Upon retirement, Winston focused on his hobbies and interests, many of which were cultivated in his youth. An excellent craftsman, gardener and cook, there wasn't any sort of "Dad" question he couldn't help with. In fact, helping was what he did best and he would go to the ends of the earth to assist family, friends and neighbours.
Along with his wife Corinne and their grandchildren, Winston built countless projects. He loved their vast back yard, helping to clear the land when their home was built, growing fruits and vegetables, flowers, and cutting the large lawn. Later in life, he developed a love for elaborate well thought out menus, including his most recent 79th birthday Summer supper. Cookbooks and the internet were his guide, but inspiration often came from his wife - running up to the grocery store for that special ingredient. As a married couple, Winston and Corinne were never bored with each other's company, whether on their many travels or simply being at home together.
He is predeceased by his parents Alexandrina née Gall Leckie and Ernest Leckie. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Corinne, his son Byron (Emily), and his daughter Margeaux (John). He will be lovingly remembered by his three grandchildren Bowie, Joan and Billy, who meant the world to him. Life always included a canine companion; his best girl Charlie is missing him now.
A service will be planned in the future, please contact [email protected] for those arrangements.
Published by The Times Colonist from Oct. 11 to Oct. 13, 2025.
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