Leslie Gartshore

We lost our loving Dad, Leslie (Les) David Gartshore on Wednesday, June 17 2026 (children Neil, David, Brian, Lorraine and Laura). He passed quietly at the Montreal Ste. Anne’s Veterans Hospital where he resided for the last 2 years. Dad made it to 98 years old, a true Ironman in all ways.

Dad was one of nine children, now with only older sister Flora Labelle remaining. He grew up in Montreal’s West End, home to a hard working, Blue Collar, tough Neighborhood; reflective of the Generation which grew up in Montreal through the 1920’s and 30’s. Dad’s parents made the move from Scotland (Grandma Mary ex Edinburgh and Grandpa Neil ex Glasgow) in the early 1900’s. Dad’s Scottish heritage certainly was evident in many of his traits, notably when it involved lending money to his children (not). Yet, he was so very generous in other ways, especially when it came to donating his time to coaching his children’s teams in various sports; Hockey, Football and his created League of Flag Football for Girls (a man way ahead of the times).

Like many of his friends in that era of War, Dad signed up to join World War II at the young age of 16. He then served on The Tenora as a Merchant Marine from April 12, 1945 until August 30, 1945. Dad was awarded various Medals for his dedicated Service.

Dad met the love of his life, Maureen Claire Kelly, at a wedding in 1963. As if it was meant to be, Mom’s mother Alice Kelly, who was good friends with Auntie Anne Gartshore, asked Mom to accompany Granny Kelly to our cousin Shirley’s wedding. They immediately fell in love and married later that same year. The newly wed Mom immediately took on Leslie’s four children without blinking an eye and the family grew to 7, as Laura came into the world in 1964. Maureen and Leslie were the perfect couple, each with their own unique strengths. “Dad was the engine and Mom the heart.”

Life was not easy for the young, growing family, and literally lived check to check. The family on both our Mom and Dad’s side, helped in many ways - from dropping by at Christmas with gifts (including used Hockey Gear) to offering up my Uncle Neil Gartshore’s Country Home on Lake Hughes for a most welcomed few weeks of Summer / Lake activities. “Family first, always” was certainly the motto of the entire Gartshore Clan.

Dad began his 37 year career at Armstrong Cork in 1956, and with the help of Mom’s part time work and the Boy’s newspaper routes, they made ends meet. None of us can ever recall doing without. Beginning in 1976, life became much easier for the family as Maureen began her 20-year career at Rol Manufacturing. Then, with two secure salaries and the children finding their own respective ways in the work world, Mom and Dad could finally afford to buy a place of their own.

In 1982, Mom and Dad’s dream of owning a summer home became true - buying property just off Lake Champlain, near the Town of Willsboro, NY. Whether it be at 631 Henri Bourassa in Chomedey, or in Willsboro, NY, Mom and Dad’s was the Party House. All were invited and there always seemed to be plenty for all. Hockey Games, Grey Cups, Olympics, Christmas, come one, come all. The Grandchildren still cherish their time spent at the Willsboro Cottage.

Besides being a super Dad and Husband, Dad’s legacy includes many major accomplishments, including establishing the CNTU’s Union at Armstrong Cork and serving as their Vice President through the Union’s early formative years, and, being one of the original Founders of the Chomedey Blues Football Organization. In 1967, Dad’s efforts culminated in great joy with the Chomedey Blues winning The Provincial Pee Wee Championship.

In terms of other activities, Dad quit smoking at 45 years old and became an avid runner, logging 20-25 miles a week. Mom and Dad loved bowling at the Recreatheque on Wednesday evenings, where they hosted the Church League (Mom practiced her Faith at Holy Name of Jesus in Chomedey). The scores were secondary to the laughs and good times had by all. And lastly, despite Dad growing up in Montreal and living in and around the City his entire life, he absolutely loved the Boston Bruins. We always held the Annual Family Hockey Wager; Dad pulling for the Bruins, Neil for the Leafs, Mom for the Senators and Dave for the Habs. Ribbing each other was the ultimate payoff.

We will miss our Dad tremendously - he gave us everything we needed growing up and always emphasized the need to stand up for ourselves, do one’s best, no excuses and make a difference. If successful vs these attributes, all in life will fall into place. Dad mentioned to us a number of times, “if your Children love you as much as my Children love me, consider yourself a very lucky Parent.”

Les Gartshore is survived by his sister Flora (Labelle) and 5 children Neil (Dorothy), David (Anne-Marie), Brian (Nicole), Lorraine (Brian) and Laura (Lonnie). His 10 grandchildren - Kimberley (Adam), Caroline (Kaige), Marie-Josee, Kyle (Michiko), Matthew, Amanda (Jordan), Korbin, Trevor, Catherine and Jennifer. His 8 great grandchildren - Eve, Gabriel, Rose, Oona, Sage, Autumn, Loxley and Azalea.

Dad’s and Mom’s Celebration of Life is being planned to take place around Canadian Thanksgiving (Oct 12th), in the Montreal area. More details will follow once all is finalized.

All donations can be made in Dad’s Name to the Veteran’s Hospital in Ste. Anne’s.