Leslie Russell Weir

We are sad to inform you that Les passed peacefully at the Perley and Rideau Health Centre on January 24 shortly after his 90th birthday. He was the second son of Helen and John Kary but raised by his grandmother Weir. He is predeceased by his parents and siblings Stan Kary, Clarence (Kelly) Kary, sister Louise Bell and cousin Rodney Weir. Born in Parkland, he grew up in Nanton enjoying baseball, skating, playing trumpet in the local band and developing his love of books and graduating as an accelerated student.

He began his railway career with the C.P.R. transferring to the C.N.R. as a telegrapher, retiring 39 years later as Assistant General Superintendent of Transportation, Prairie Region. Following retirement from C.N., he joined Transport Canada in Winnipeg later transferring to Ottawa as Chief Railway Accident Investigations with the T.S.B. He retired again in 1993 but continued his railway connection as contract editor of the T.S.B. magazine “Rail Reflexions”.

In 1974 he met and married Peggy Stenberg who came as a “package” with five young daughters and a dog. This change came with challenges and many of his most cherished moments were those spent with the children, eventually grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved them all, and they loved him. Computers, letters, phone calls and visits kept us all close and they shared their love of birds and feeding squirrels by hand, walking, hockey and daily news. They know grandpa loves cars, traveling, Christmas, Spanish coffee, gardening, woodworking, curling, reading, good conversation with family and bridge. He has golfed with Chris and Matt, wakened the neighbours teaching Sarah to play the conch, cheered Laura ( his favorite doctor) as she competed in public speaking, cycling with Megan and playing in the park with Thomas and Lisa's girls.

He was thrilled for the kids as they graduated from school or university, acquired other skills or achieved some of their dreams. He was proud to walk some of the girls “down the aisle”.

His woodworking skills have included a rocking horse for Haley, “Haley's Comet” which now rocks Haley's children. Wooden trains, trucks and tractors can still be found in family toy boxes and wooden angels decorate many homes at Christmas time.

There are now 23 great grandchildren who will hear stories about him. He had several long-lasting friends who were special to him.

He is survived and will be remembered by all of us; his wife Peggy, son Blaine, daughter Renae (Michael Tims), stepdaughters: Jennifer Stenberg (Holger Majorahn), Cindy (Tom Wyndels), Caron (Ross Penhall) Susan Stenberg, Lisa Stenberg (Pat Stenberg), his grandchildren Chris, Megan, Alex, Lesley, Harry, Katy, Laura, Sarah, Matt, Sam, Sophie, Sky, Molly, Haley Madison, and Tatym and their spouses and children

Husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great grandfather and friends — a full life — lots of memories, lots of love.

Our thanks to all the special caregivers during his journey at the Civic, General, Bruyere, Bearbrook Retirement Residence and the Perley who were so kind to us both. Thanks to all our wonderful friends and neighbours who have been so supportive and thoughtful. We appreciate the gifts of flowers, food, transportation, chores, errands, cards and hugs. Our gratitude to Basic Funerals for their advice and help.

Cremation has taken place.