Leslie George Petcoff

Passed away on January 10, 2022 in Ottawa, ON at the age of 86. Leslie (Les) was born in Hearst, ON where his love of steam engines and trains began.

Les was predeceased by his parents, George and Irene (nee Wintonyk) Petcoff. He will be greatly missed by his partner Margrit Carr, his family, and his diverse circle of friends. Les was very proud of his children, Micheal (Jacqueline) of Ottawa, Martin (Kelly) of Ottawa, Marc (Jennifer) of Burlington and Lesley-Anne (Ken) of Airdrie, AB. He loved being “Grandpa Les” to Alexandre (Sarah), Noah, Annie, Greta, Paige, Kaitlyn, Kayla, Hunter and Colby. He will be missed for his kindness, generosity, love of family, long white ponytail, road-tripping in his convertible, his curmudgeonly ways and good humour.

Raised in Mattice, ON, Les grew up on the train where his father was a section foreman. He later went on to boarding school at Ridley College in St. Catherine’s, ON. Les worked well into his 70s as a First Class Power Engineer, a professional designation he earned entirely on his own.

Les was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous, with over 44 years of sobriety. He made life-long friends through this organization in both Guelph and Ottawa. He was always generous with his time and supported many in their own journeys.  He was also honoured to be a veteran of the Canadian Air Force. A special thank you to Shannon Tempeny for the friendship and care she showed to Les and Margrit over the last few years.

A celebration of Les’s life will be held in Ottawa in the spring when loved ones and friends can gather more freely. A donation in memory of Les can be made to a local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous or the Royal Canadian Legion.