We Remember

TOWER, Leila (née Montgomery)

November 10, 1924 — June 9, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Leila Tower, at the age of 101 on June 9, 2026.

Leila was predeceased by her husband, Stan Tower; parents William and Hazel; and brothers Donald and Willie. She is survived by her sister Mary Smillie; her two children, Mark (Anne) and Lisa Marak (Rob); and grandchildren Jessica and Matthew Marak.

Leila was born in Vancouver and raised on a farm in Ladner, which went on to become part of the Boundary Bay Airport. Occasionally, an airman learning to fly would overrun the runway, and the plane ended up on their farm with the cows curiously looking on. Being a teenager at the time, she found living next to an Air Force base quite exciting, with weekend dances at the East Delta Hall and airmen invited over for Sunday dinner.

On graduating from high school, she went on to Vancouver Art School just as WW2 started and then took a job as “Rosie the Riveter” working in the drafting department of Boeing Aircraft at Vancouver Airport to support the war effort.

When the war ended, she got a job with Spencer Stores in Vancouver and then worked as a model for The Bay and Rosemary Reid Swimwear, becoming Rosemary Reid’s fashion coordinator and travelled across Canada back when aircraft weren’t pressurized, and you had to wear an oxygen mask going over the Rockies.

She met her husband, Stan, a WW2 pilot, while he was going to university (UBC Vancouver). He needed a date for a formal dance, so he asked Mary, Leila’s sister, who was attending UBC with Stan, if she knew of anyone who was available and had a long dress. Mary suggested her sister Leila, as she had a long dress, and the blind date was set.

Leila and Stan were married in the spring of 1949, and so their adventures began. Shortly after, they set off as pioneers to mile 52 just outside Manning Park, along with the rest of the Tower clan, to build a resort with café, cabins, gas station and airport with the opening of the Hope Princeton Highway. Leila was renowned for her pie-making skills and would make over 100 pies every long weekend.

In 1956, Stan and his brothers sold the resort and moved back to Ladner and started a construction company, which built and paved roads and airports around BC and Alberta. Leila joined the Tower clan for their next adventure.

In 1967, they sold the construction company and moved to Kelowna to take up cattle ranching and raise their family. Through these years, Leila kept busy ranching and put her pie-making skills back into action, baking pies for the branding parties held every May long weekend. It wasn’t all work at the ranch. She enjoyed the Okanagan lifestyle – boating, swimming, waterskiing and snow skiing with her family.

Travel was a big part of Leila’s life. Leila and Stan explored Central America, Mexico, and the US with their private plane, as well as travelled worldwide. Leila accompanied Stan on his around-the-world sailing adventure covering the Suez Canal through the Mediterranean to Porto Banus, Spain.

Leila enjoyed a good debate and was active politically during the Social Credit and early BC Liberal days. An avid sewer, quilting became her passion in her 80s, and she made beautiful quilts for family and friends that will be cherished for generations. She loved gathering with her “pizza night” friends and joining them on their many happenings and excursions.

After Stan’s passing in 2000, she remained active on the ranch, continuing Stan’s legacy to see the development of the Tower Ranch Golf course in partnership with Intrawest.

The ranch was her favourite place as she enjoyed walks with her dog Colin, seeing the cows and baby calves on the range into her final days and being close to her daughter and grand kids.

Leila lived a full, adventurous life surrounded by many friends and family members.

A Family Memorial service to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the KGH Foundation.

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KGH Foundation Link: www.kghfoundation.com

 


 


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