Obituary of John "Jack" McLEOD

McLEOD, John "Jack" On Wednesday, November 21 2012 at Maple Park Lodge in Fort Erie, Jack passed away with his family by his side after a long, courageous struggle. He was born at home in Ridgeway, Ontario son of Charles and Orma (Teal) McLeod. Jack lived in the Ridgeway-Crystal Beach area his entire life. He enjoyed his 38 years as a meter reader for The Canadian Niagara Power Co., where he also met his loving wife, Ann Forrester. A kind and gentle man, he enjoyed the simple things in life: a good biography to read, a nice long walk, woodcarving, keeping up on world events and his family. He fondly recalled many camping trips with the house trailer, where he also made many lifelong friendships. He was passionate about anything aeronautical, joining the air cadets at 14 years of age, sometimes walking to the meetings in Fort Erie from Ridgeway. He obtained his recreational pilots license at age 16 and spent many an hour flying around the region and beyond. Jack continued this hobby for many years and later was proud to be one of the volunteers who restored the Fleet Fort. He was past steward of Memorial United Church in Ridgeway and a member of Crystal Beach Public School Board. A loyal and devoted husband, Jack and Ann recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. He was predeceased by his parents and his sisters Marjorie (Sid) Morris, Marion (Lee) Sherk, Jean (Carlton) Jansen and his good friend and neighbor Jack Walton. He is survived by his brother-in-law Sid Morris. He will be greatly missed by his children Carol (Gary) Farnan, Karen (Pat) Huffman and Stuart (Dee) McLeod. Loving grandfather of Kristen (Bryan) Leveille, Amy (Matthew) Higgins, Michael (Shanyn) Everett, Kevin (Corey) Hall, Justin (Shauna) Hall, Sarah (Shane) McLeod and Andrew McLeod. Always loved and remembered as Papa Jack by his 9 great-grandchildren. Visitation for Jack will be held at The Williams Funeral Home, 722 Ridge Road N, Ridgeway on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A celebration of his life will be held in the chapel on Saturday morning at 11 o'clock. Interment to follow at Ridgeway Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fort Erie Air Cadets, a cause near and dear to Jack's heart or The People's Memorial United Church in Ridgeway. The following is a passage from the poem "Return" by Patrick J. Phillips Up at last, its been so long, Back to blue where I belong, Whistling wind through cockpit seams, Clears my mind for unborn dreams. I thought my wings would let me fly, A pilot soaring through the sky. But so much more they gave to me, A chance to live, a chance to be. Goodbye Jack (Dad) we love you and will miss you dearly.