Hugh “Sonny” Leslie formerly of Mossleigh passed away August 12, 2002 at Vulcan Extendicare at the age of 86 years.
Sonny was born September 26, 1915 at Mossleigh, Alberta the youngest son of Hugh and Lilias Leslie. He attended Antrim school until quitting and began working on a tractor at Mossleigh, which was his life fulfillment. In the fall of 1941 he met Bernice Bertschy and on October 28, 1942 they were married at the Knox United Church in Calgary. They began their lives together at Mossleigh. The spring of 1943 they purchased land from his father SE1/4 29 20 24 W4, and over the next several years developed their farmstead. In the early years, at threshing time they lived in the old Cook Car and eventually purchased a house from Arrowwood in 1944 moving it to the farm. Together they worked the land and ran a mixed operation for several years. Sonny sold the cattle in the early 80’s and assisted his son Doug with the grain farming until retiring from driving truck six years ago. He moved into Vulcan Extendicare in June of 2002 where he has continued to reside ever since.
Sonny loved his family and enjoy spending time with them. He had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing, camping and trap shooting. He traveled throughout Alberta, and the United States competing in trap shoots, winning numerous trophies for his efforts. For several years he ran a trap line in the Foothills, and even built a couple of cabins there for accommodation. He also enjoyed playing hockey and curling. As a youngster growing up he assisted his siblings in building skating rinks in the winter and tennis and basketball courts in the summer.
Sonny was a member of the Mossleigh, Lyalta and Calgary Gun Clubs.
Beloved husband of Bernice Leslie of Mossleigh, loving father of a daughter Judy Leslie of Ventura, California, a son Doug Leslie of Carseland and his close friend Veronica Petri of Calgary, grandson Chad Leslie of Ventura, California, a sister Muriel “Bunty” Bertschy of Vulcan, sister-in-law Olive Leslie of Rocky Mountain House, numerous nieces and nephews.
Sonny was predeceased by two sisters Mary “Polly” (Fred) McColman, Lillian “Mattie” (Gordon) Huntley, two brothers Roy Leslie, Joseph (Bessie) Leslie, a brother-in-law Bob Bertschy and his parents.
Funeral service at Mountain View Funeral Chapel 17th Avenue at Garden Rd. S.E. Calgary Friday August 16, 2002 at 11:30 A.M. with Rob Moore D.M. officiating.
Honorary bearers Ken Wenham, George Randle, Bob Barr and Pete Groeneveld.
Casket bearers Randy Bertschy, Charles Oberholtzer, Wayne Robinson, Max Huntley, Stan Huntley and Allen Barr.
Interment Mountain View Memorial Gardens, Calgary.
If friends so desire tribute’s in Sonny’s memory could be made to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Director’s. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. e-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.