We Remember

LEISHMAN, Gerald Russell

April 29, 1936 — June 8, 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald “Gerry” Leishman on June 8, 2026.

Gerry (AKA “Tex” and “Lightning”) was born at home in Gatchell, Ontario, now part of the Greater Sudbury area. Gerry was the oldest of three boys. Both his Dad, and eventually his youngest brother, worked for Inco, as so many in the area did.

Gerry was a cadet with the Copper Cliff Highlanders. At 16, he was chosen, along with top cadets from across Canada, to attend the Banff National Army Cadet Camp’s Leadership and Training Program. This program ran from 1948 to 1998. It was a formative experience for these cadets, chosen for their leadership, skills and potential to be future military officers. This honour enabled Gerry to travel by train from Sudbury to Banff. He was taken with the beauty of Western Canada, and spending the summer amidst the Rocky Mountains was a profoundly life-changing experience for a young fellow from Sudbury. Dad fondly remembered that summer for the rest of his life, and often regaled us with stories of his experiences. He became good friends with a cadet from a ranch in Alberta, and later visited him several times. No doubt this ranch experience contributed to Dad’s fascination with cowboy life, culture, and music, and helped earn him the nickname “Tex.”

Dad chose not to pursue a military career, and shortly after graduating from high school, he was hired by Bell Canada in Sudbury. He worked first in Installation and Repair, and later as a Cable Splicer, climbing many poles and working in many man holes over the course of his 40 years in telecommunications.

In 1961, Gerry married Patricia “Pat”, a local girl who grew up in Coniston, and they began life as newlyweds in Sudbury. For their honeymoon, they drove out west, experiencing the infamous Big Bend in Gerry’s 1960 Volkswagen Beetle. While in Alberta, they visited Gerry’s cadet friend, Hugh, at his ranch. Tragically, a couple of years later Hugh passed away, leaving a young wife. In the summer of 1962, Gerry and Pat had another epic adventure in the Bug, travelling through the Maritimes, camping and eating their fill of lobster. Three children later followed: Katherine “Kate”, Paul, and Gordon.

Gerry had worked for Bell Canada since he was 18, and he eventually decided he was ready for a change. His deep love for Western Canada had never let go, and in 1974, the family relocated from Sudbury to Kelowna, BC. We were one of 21 Bell Canada families from Northern Ontario that made the move out West. Dad enjoyed the work he did, and was proud to be a Cable Splicer for Okanagan Tel, and later, BC Tel. By nature, he was easy-going, very patient, methodical, and precise. Speedy he was not. This earned him the nickname “Lightning” with his work buddies.

Compared to the lunar landscape of Sudbury, Kelowna was a veritable paradise back in the ‘70s, with an abundance of orchards, market gardens and hayfields. Before long, “Tex” began to dream of some land of his own. In 1980, Pat and Gerry achieved a long-standing dream and moved the family to an acreage in Ellison. Several happy decades of building a rural paradise ensued, replete with beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Dad loved nothing more than puttering around the acreage, wearing his straw hat and denim overalls.

In 2015, the acreage became too much, and Pat and Gerry spent several enjoyable years in their new home in Balmoral in the Mission. In 2021, with a growing need for assistance from family, Pat and Gerry moved out of Kelowna to be nearer to Kate and Bill and their family.

In January, Dad lost Mom, his soul mate, best friend and partner of 65+ years. They both shared a strong Christian faith, and are now together again in heaven. Sharing grief, but also wonderful memories and a legacy of love, are Kate (Bill), Paul (Tracey), and Gord (Birgit), and 5 grandchildren: Allison, Erin, Sophia, Emily, and Jesse.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassion Canada.

A Celebration of Life, with Pastor Al Mertes officiating, will be held on FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2026, at 1:30 PM (PST), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. A reception will be held following the service.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

Service
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2026, at 1:30 PM (PST)

Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

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Compassion Canada Link: www.compassion.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for LEISHMAN, Gerald Russell is scheduled for FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2026, at 1:30 PM (PST). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

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None.

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Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke

I liked the personal treatment given to my mother who is 97 years old. As her representative, I found Springfield employees pleasant and sincere, helpful and knowledgeable. Something I didn’t know, was that the funeral home would help me get through the paperwork need at this time. I am very thankful for that.

Janice Cornell

Genuine concern, excellent service, very professional. Since this was my first experience (with a funeral home), everything was above and beyond what I expected.

Randy Hatanaka

Thank you to your team for your kindness to me at a very challenging time.  You have now taken care of both of my parents with professionalism and care.

Nancy Farran

Springfield Funeral Home is always professional, caring and very knowledgeable.  We appreciate that you have dedicated staff for all needs from planning the service to completing government paperwork.

Timothy Morio Tahara

I am not sure there was anything you could have done to make a very intense emotional time less stressful.  Although we hadn’t expected Ken to want a service, when he said we needed to have one for us not him, it was true.  Your sincerity and compassion meant everything to us.  Thank you.

Gwen Harvie

David Henseleit, your compassion and professionalism is truly amazing!  The entire staff were courteous, super professional and caring as each guest arrived.  Everything was done to perfection!

Myra Neuman

Keep up the good work that you do as it is such an important service you provide.  It is still the most difficult time in a person’s life.  Your kindness is so appreciated.  We appreciated the peace of mind that everything was being looked after.

Gloria Couture

You provide a wonderful service for people going through a traumatic time.  Thank You.  The kindness and professionalism shown by the staff at Springfield Funeral Home was exemplary.

 

Kim McCaveney