Wilson LEACH Obituary
LEACH, Wilson George
MGen (Retd), CMM, CStJ, CD, QHP, BA, MD
At home with family on Thursday, February 12, 2015 in his 92nd year. Beloved husband of the late Mabel Kathleen Pudney (2007). Loving father of Alan (Cynthia) Ottawa; Susan, London; Sharon (Lloyd Symington) Brantford; Adrienne, Kingston; Shelley (John Turner) Ottawa; Laurie Moore (Julie Wright) Ottawa. Cherished grandfather of Stephanie Leach (Matt Joab), James Symington (Emily), Rebecca (Vince Partap); Erin (Jamie Armstrong); Heather (Darryl Sararas), Ashley (Javier Marcos), Adam Turner, Mark Symington (Joy), Lindsay Turner. Proud great-grandfather of Alexandra and Wilson Joab, Yasmine and George Symington, Ethan, Abigail and Harrison Partap, Jacob Symington, Simon and Ellis Armstrong, Hayden and Reid Sararas, Clara Marcos, Owen and Gavin Symington. Dearly loved brother of Clayton and Betty Leach, Bill (1984) and Doreen Leach, Dalton and Betty Leach, Darwyn 'Spike' Leach, Donna and Ron Milks, Lorna and Daryl Blimke. Predeceased by sister Beryl (1927). Brother-in-law of Sydney and Shirley Pudney. He leaves many loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Wilson was born in Chalk River, Ontario. Following Second World War service as a Pilot Instructor, he entered the University of Western Ontario, graduating in Medicine in 1952. Wilson rejoined the RCAF and completed post-graduate training in biophysics in London before joining the Institute of Aviation Medicine in Toronto. As a result of his research in high altitude physiology, he was awarded the McKee Trans-Canada Trophy in 1960 and subsequently, in 1974, was inducted into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame. After his years of work in research he was employed at National Defence Headquarters, Ottawa as Director of Medical Personnel, Deputy Surgeon General, and Surgeon General of the Canadian Forces. Upon retiring from his military career, Wilson became Associate Registrar of the Medical Council of Canada and then Registrar until retirement in 1987. Faith, Family, Friends – these were most important to Wilson. In recent years he enjoyed his adventures to Bissett Creek, family reunions, annual Aviation Hall of Fame induction dinners, travels south and to Europe. Wilson's sense of humour, positive attitude, love of life and learning, and his genuine interest in other people hugely impacted those around him. The family would like to express thanks to the teams at The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Program and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Friends are invited to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street, (at O'Connor) Ottawa on Thursday, February 19, 2015 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service to be held on Friday, February 20, 2015, 1 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Anglican Church, 2345 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa. A reception celebrating Wilson's life will be held at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club following the service. Those wishing may make memorial donations to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Canadian Blood Services, or the charity of their choice.
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16 Entries
Debbie and Bruce Cunningham
April 8, 2015
To the Leach Family: We just wanted to say how much we admired and loved your dad. He was one of the warmest, kindest people we knew and always made us feel welcome at Leach gatherings. He was so thoughtful to call from time to time to see how we were. After I retired, he mused about how great it was and told me "Every day is a Saturday". And he was right....that's how it feels. I will miss his hugs.
February 25, 2015
To the Family of Major General (Ret'd) Wilson Leach
I recently learned of the passing of my former colleague and wish to extend my sincere condolences to the family. I had the privilege of being his Deputy for the last four years of the 1970's and knew him well. He is sadly missed by all his associates.
Major General (Ret'd) Victor McPherson
Surgeon General, Canadian Armed Forces, 1980-82.
pierre Morisset
February 19, 2015
Had it not been for your dad's support and wise counsel, I and many others,would not have become military physicians.
That the more junior officers felt comfortable referring to him as 'Bill' says an awful lot about the man.
General Bill's career was nothing short of illustrious. He was an exceptional physician, scientist,leader, administrator, and as I learned later, a great lover of country music.
The Royal Canadian Medical Service offers the family its sincere condolences.
Maj Gen (ret'd) Pierre Morisset
Colonel Commandant
Royal Canadian Medical Service
February 19, 2015
Dear Shelley and Family,
Please know that our thoughts and love are with you at this time. Your Dad was a wonderful person who was much loved. His legacy is lasting and meaningful.
Deepest sympathies,
Pat and Daryl Dods
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Carol Lawless
February 19, 2015
Laurie, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. What a lovely obituary and clearly an amazing man.
Kevin Wright
February 18, 2015
Dear Dr. Leach's Family,
My sincere condolences to all of your family on your great loss.
It was through his visits with my father that I came to know Dr. Leach and subsequently through our many telephone conversations where he shared his wise and kind counsel. These chats were always filled with many laughs.
Dr. Leach was a great and steadfast friend to my father. For many years Dr. Leach visited him every Sunday after church. These visits were the highlight of my father's week and were a huge comfort to him. My favourite stories about Dr. Leach were of the two of them heading out of town with Dr. Leach at the wheel as they drove in pursuit of their favourite ice cream treats.
His wonderful way of putting others first showed what a remarkable person and true gentleman he was.
Kevin Wright
Son of Lt. Col. Harold Wright
Gloria Borts
February 18, 2015
Laurie
I was saddened hear of the loss of your Father. Please accept my deepest sympathy. You are in my thoughts.
Ken Ferguson
February 16, 2015
I would like to add my condolences to the family along with the many others. Chuck Spurgeon, Meds '52 president phoned me today with this information, but no details. I Googled Wilson's name and Ottawa and this came up, somewhat to my surprise! Maybe no wonder when you know how much he contributed to life and friends--a great loss. Ken Ferguson, Meds '52 class secretary. I will phone Chuck tomorrow with this information.
Hans Jung
February 16, 2015
My condolences as a member of the Royal Canadian Medical Services.
Cmdre(Ret'd) HW Jung MD
Surgeon General (2009-2012)
Victor J. Lanctis
February 16, 2015
A great loss indeed...
Sincerest condolences to all of the family.
Brigadier-General (ret) V.J. Lanctis
Colonel Commandant
Royal Canadian Dental Corps
Myrna & Steve Bookman
February 16, 2015
Dear Laurie & family: The world has lost a true gentleman, who was always full of life, love & laughter. Your Dad was a true inspiration to everyone he met. Our deepest condolences & prayers are with all of you. Love Myrna, Steve, Betty & Jack xo
February 16, 2015
To the Leach Family::
My condolences on the passing of a great friend for the past 6 years. I am proud to have the privilege of associating with him.
Dave Sear
Kathy Schultz Boettger
February 16, 2015
It was with sadness that I read of your father's passing. During the last year of my father's life (Rayne "Joe" Schultz) I came to know him when he visited. He offered great comfort and support to me. I Identified with his sense of family and can imagine how central his spirit and love of life must have been to all of you.
L GH
February 16, 2015
Please accept my apologies. My entry should read 1978 not 1998.
L GH
February 16, 2015
My general is gone.
My first real job was working in the executive office of the Surgeon General in 1998. We both liked Social Tea cookies and he kept some in his desk. He said to help myself any time but even as a 19 year-old kid, I knew that was crossing a line even though he was always approachable, always respectful and generous, even with a summer student; never aloof. I learned a lot about leadership from him and he remains one of my favourite people. My condolences. You must have wonderful memories.
Christine Demers
February 16, 2015
Dearest Laurie and the entire family, my deepest condolences for the loss of your father. He was such a great man who I will always remember as my "Ottawa Dad".
Christine, Steve and Matthew x
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