Allan Alexander McLeod

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Al McLeod announces his passing on Friday January 20, 2017 at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital with his family by his side.

Al was born on August 24th, 1930 in Keewatin, Ontario to Mary (Polly) and John (Bud) McLeod. He began his diverse working career by joining the Royal Canadian Navy in 1950, returning 3 years later to care for his mother in Keewatin. Al went on to various jobs until he secured his commercial pilot license in 1956 and started flying with Ontario Central Airlines in Kenora and Red Lake. He especially enjoyed his many hours flying Norseman, until he moved to the Department of Lands & Forests (Provincial Air Service) in both Geraldton and Kenora. He later joined his brother Dan as co-owners of Lake of the Woods Motors (Texaco) in downtown Kenora where many lifelong friendships were established. He spent several more years at Pats Outboard Marine until his retirement in 1995.

In 1958, Al flew in and met the love of his life at Ball Lake Lodge, and was united in marriage to Ruby Ellena Clark on April 4, 1959 in Neepawa, MB. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage and together raised their 4 children.

Al will be fondly remembered and forever missed by his sons Darryl (Josie) of Fort Frances, ON; Barry (Patty) of Kenora, ON; Ron (Tuija) of Newcastle, ON; Terry (Judith) of Kenora, ON; and his grandchildren Derek and Chantel, Brayden, Carling, and Justin, Tara and Hannah; as well as several brother and sister-in-law’s and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Bud and Polly, and brother Dan.

He was well known for his many hours as a bush pilot and the storytelling that followed. With an outgoing nature and warm smile, he shared his passion for flying, sports and the outdoors. He respected his fellow pilots, golfers and curlers, and was a friend to many - even as the golf course marshal at Beauty Bay.

Al enjoyed a long, active life and could often be seen visiting the local floatplane bases, airports or the Weiner Shack. When we think of Al, we remember that he was a bush pilot at heart, not afraid of hard work, and an excellent provider for his family.

He truly loved having his family around him and watching his children, their spouses and grandchildren grow. Dad/Grandpa was an avid Blue Jays, Jets and Blue Bombers fan and he spent many hours with Ruby and family watching curling.

Honourary pallbearers are all of his grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre. Pastor Cathy Giroux will officiate. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow the service at the Royal Canadian Legion, Kenora Branch.

If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital – Palliative Care Unit, 21 Sylvan Street, Kenora, Ontario, P9N 3W7.

Online condolences may be made in care of www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com.

BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.