Leonard Reeves

Obituary of Leonard Ivan Reeves

December 2, 1924 – Chatham, Ontario

September 2, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

 

Leonard Ivan Reeves beloved husband of   the late Mary Norma Reeves of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at the age of 96 years.

 

Leonard was born in Chatham, Ontario on December 2, 1924, to Elmer and Fanny Reeves. His early years took place in Kent County, enjoying all that Southern Ontario had to offer. 

 

He joined the Royal Canadian Navy in June 1942 and spent the next 4 and a half years completing many crossings of the Atlantic on a Corvette warship and participated in the D-Day invasion.  In 2016 he was awarded the French National Order of the Legion of Honour, the highest French order of merit, both military and civil.

 

Leonard married Mary Norma Hetherington in 1952 and they spent the next 64 years together, raising their children and grandchildren. 

 

Len was employed by Imperial Oil for 37 years until his retirement in 1982. He began his career working in Petrolia Ontario and was transferred west in 1967. Much of his career was spent working in the Northwest Territories, where he formed many deep friendships, and created lifetime memories that were shared through his photography and incredible stories about his experiences.  

 

Throughout his whole life Leonard found times and places to give to others through volunteering. He started volunteering at the age of 17 and this would be a pattern for the next seven decades. He volunteered in a variety of areas, including involvement in his church, his community, and throughout the city. He received the 2005 Centennial Medal for his work with seniors.  Leonard was known for his compassion, his kindness, and his willingness to serve and help anyone he could. 

 

Leonard is survived by his three children Brent (Lynn), Lori (Greg McRitchie), Jon (Angela).  Leonard is lovingly remembered by his nine grandchildren: Jeff (Tara), Erik (Jessica), and Leah (Jeff), Matthew (Julianna), James, Kathleen, Cheryl, Richard, and Davin. He also leaves behind twelve great-grandchildren: Faith, Elise, Everett, Oliver, Abigail, Sawyer, Sophia, Rose, Lucy, Cecelia, Sloan and Cassidy. He was a large part of all of their lives and played a significant role in who all of them grew up to be. 

 

Leonard was predeceased by his parents and his brother Lloyd. He is survived by two sisters Louise Pinsonneault and Jane Cudmore who loved him as a very special big brother. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, extended family members and special friends who all loved him dearly. 

 

A Funeral Service will be held on, Friday September 10, 2021 at Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church (4612 Varsity Drive N.W., Calgary, AB) at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Leonard’s service streamed live https://youtu.be/i0zfh9H-dUU on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire memorial tributes can be made in Leonard’s memory to the Airdrie Food Bank or Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church.

 

In living memory of Leonard, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

Leonard's memorial card can be viewed using this link



Friday
10
September

Funeral Service

2:00 pm
Friday, September 10, 2021
Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church
4612 Varsity Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
403-288-0544
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Leonard