Leslie Ernest Gee

GEE, Leslie - At Parkwood Hospital, London on Sunday, January 10, 2010, Leslie Ernest Gee, in his 88th year. Beloved husband for 65 years of Edna (Wettlaufer) Gee. Dear father of Sheila Lui and her husband Radon of London and Linda Pace and her husband Phil of Strathroy. Loved grandfather of Kevin and fiancee Erika, Christina, Joanna and Tamara. Predeceased by his parents Lewis George and Ellen Daisy (Dyer). Predeceased by grandson Jason and brothers Albert, Ronald and Norman, also half-brothers and sisters George, Walter, Bernard, Amy, Alice and Daisy. Survived by sisters-in-law Ruby Gee (England), Joyce Gee (Australia), Betty Gee (England). Remembered by nieces and nephews in Canada, England and Australia. Les was born in Beckenham, England and served in the Royal Air Force during WWII. During his assignment in Canada with the Commonwealth Air Training Plan, he met and married Edna. After the war he immigrated to Canada, trained as a teacher and taught for 30 years with the London Board of Education in elementary and high schools. While teaching, he continued his own education, earning BA and Master's degrees, specializing in Guidance. Les taught at Mandeville Teacher's College in Jamaica for two years under the auspices of CIDA. After retirement, Les and Edna served for seven years as missionaries of the United Church of Canada, working in Lesotho, Africa, at Masitise High School where his official duties were teaching and administration and his unofficial work involved repair, maintenance and general handyman duties at this residential school. Les enjoyed working with his hands, built furniture, cottages, and boats and cheerfully renovated and fixed things for family and friends. As a member of Colborne St. United Church for over fifty years, Les served in many capacities in the Sunday School and on church boards. Les and Edna loved traveling, welcomed folks from around the world into their home, and had a network of friends worldwide. Les will be deeply missed by family and friends. Friends will be received at the NEEDHAM FUNERAL HOME on Wednesday from 2 - 4 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 2 p.m. in Colborne Street United Church (711 Colborne St.). Cremation to follow. In memory of Leslie, donations to Mission and Services of the United Church of Canada or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.