Robert Gordon Leslie

Robert Gordon Leslie was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Robert will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

      Robert was born on March 9, 1949 in London, Ontario. He was the son of Samuel and Jean Leslie. Robert grew up in Sudbury, Ontario.

      Robert was raised with seven siblings. Sandra, Linda, Cheryl, Debbie, Barb, Janice and Bruce. Robert was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

      As a young boy, Robert had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Robert was an active child who took part in football and hockey. However, to Robert, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

      Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Robert enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. Later in life, he became friends with Ken Ball, Jack Morris and Ted Austin.

      On October 6, 1984 Robert exchanged wedding vows with Delma Jacqueline Sarginson at Kedron United Church of Oshawa, Ontario. Empathic and loyal, Robert was committed to making his new family happy.

      Robert worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Robert was blessed with three children, Keith, Cliff and Jennifer. Another blessing for Robert was the gift of four grandchildren, Tristan, Sarah, Dylan and Nathan.

      Fortunately, Robert enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Robert worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was as an electrician. He was a member of IBEW 353 for 40 years. He worked on the CN Tower, Sky Dome and Pearson Airport. Robert always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Robert enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favourite pursuit was Sudoku. He was content to enjoy his favourite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Robert found pleasure in sports. Recreational sports included bowling, hockey and baseball. Robert was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favourite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were the Maple Leafs and the Blue Jays.

      Robert enjoyed travelling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favourite vacations included Haliburton, Cuba and B.C.

      Robert was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favourites was Reba, a Golden Lab. They were best friends for 6 years.

      When Robert’s retirement finally arrived in 2011, he was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in boating and watching his grandkids in sports. Even in retirement, Robert continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Robert was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      Robert passed away on March 5, 2013 at Lakeridge Health in Oshawa, Ontario. Short battle with cancer. He is survived by his mother Jean, his wife Delma, his children Keith (Lori), Cliff (Carole) and Jennifer (Trevor), his grandchildren Tristan, Sarah, Dylan and Nathan, his sisters Sandra, Linda, Cheryl, Debbie, Barb, Janice and his brother Bruce. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home.

      Simply stated, Robert was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Robert leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Robert Gordon Leslie.

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LESLIE, Robert Gordon

(40 year member of IBEW Local 353)

Passed away at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on Tuesday, March 5th, 2013 at the age of 63. Loving husband of Delma. Cherished father of Keith (Lori), Cliff (Carole), and Jennifer (Trevor). Beloved grandfather of Nathan, Tristan, Sarah, Dylan and a baby to be. Son of Jean and the late Samuel. Dear brother of Sandra, Linda, Cheryl, Debbie, Barb, Janice and Bruce. Will be missed by extended family and friends. Visitation will be held at the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Thursday, March 7th from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Friday, March 8th at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations to the Durham Regional Cancer Centre would be appreciated by the family.