Obituary of Leicester Timms

It is with great sadness that the family of Les Timms announces his passing, at home in Calgary, on May 18, 2006 at the age of 90 years. Les was born October 7, 1915 in Vanguard, Saskatchewan to John R. Timms and Jean Dunn. He was an infant when the family moved to Innisfail, Alberta and only two years old when his mother died in the 1918 influenza pandemic. Les and his siblings Vera, Lawrence, Helen and Cecil were raised by various relatives around Canada and the United States, until Vera, the eldest child, became established as a teacher here in Calgary. Even after that, Les lived with a family near Olds, before again returning to Calgary to attend high school at Crescent Heights and then Central. It was at Central that he excelled at football. The entry under his name in the 1934/35 yearbook for Central, “The Analecta” says “Only comes part time but when he’s here everyone knows it – and likes it. He’s a little feller but did fine work on the Senior Rugby Squad. Sorry girls, but he’s spoken for”. After graduating from Central High School, Les went to the University of Alberta in Edmonton but was forced to drop out for financial reasons. He returned to Calgary in 1936, taking jobs as a clerk in different hardware stores and then at the Hudson’s Bay Company. It was at the Hudson’s Bay Company that Les first met Dorothy Kennedy, even though they had attended the same high school. Les and Dorothy were married July 14, 1940 and have spent the last sixty-five plus years at each other’s side. Les started working in the oil sector in 1940 with Royalite Oil. From there he went to McColl-Frontenac Oil, with a hiatus of two years in the Burrard Ship Yards for part of World War II. After McColl-Frontenac was taken over by Texaco Canada, Les spent over thirty years working there. He was known as a good worker, a good boss and a good friend too many. Les was a natural athlete. Most of all he loved to golf and won many tournaments and trophies over the years. Les and Dorothy had an active social life with their many friends from work and elsewhere. Above all, he was a dedicated family man. Les will be sorely missed by all. Les is survived by his wife Dorothy and their four children who were proudly and securely raised by them, Barbara (Jim McDonogh) of Calgary, Roger (Kathleen Flanagan) of Port Perry, Ontario, Sharie Layton and Allan both of Calgary; seven grandchildren, Danny McDonogh of Auckland New Zealand, Arran Kennedy Timms of Dublin, Ireland, Stefan Skjei Timms (Kate O’Connor) of Toronto, Michael McDonogh, Troy Layton, Heather Lynn McDonogh all of Calgary, and Laura Timms of Toronto; a sister Helen Bierwagon of Naniamo. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Les Timms a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.