Bom-Wrapper
July 25, 1933 – December 24, 2000
Memorial Candles Lit for Gerald | SEE ALL
Gerald John Leech
Leech Gerry
Suddenly on December 24, 2000 at 67 years of age. Beloved husband of Norma (nee Rawlings). Cherished father of Garry and wife Jacqueline of New York, Don and wife Michele of California, Karyn and husband Gary of California. Dear son of the late Reginald and Doris Leech. Dearest brother of Doris Dalrymple, also survived by many friends with whom he enjoyed his favorite pastime golf and bowling. Gerry was an Engineer and was retired from Massey Ferguson and MEDA. He was a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #594 and the South Windsor Senior's Club. If you so desire, donations to the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Visiting Thursday December 28, 2000 11am until Funeral Service 1pm at Families First Funeral Home & Chapel (969-5841) 2670 Dougall Ave. Cremation to follow Heavenly Rest Cemetery.
Gerald John Leech was born to Reginald and Doris Leech in Coventry, England on July 25th, 1933. They also had a daughter, Doris. Unfortunately sister Doris cannot be here today.
Gerry grew up in Coventry, which was at times during World War II a heavily bombed area. In fact the family home was bombed. What a start for a boy whose father was away, half way around the world, serving in the Army in Burma. After ‘the war' the teenaged Gerry stayed in Coventry where he became an Apprentice at the Armstrong Sidderly Works setting him on the path to a life long work in engineering.
In 1951 he was drafted into the Army for his period of National Service, as were most young men in Britain. Gerry learned to ride a horse in The Life Guards, but after his training in England was posted to an Amoured Unit in Germany. A great time for a young man to enjoy life, and that was what Gerry did. He and his friends learned to play basketball and took on Americans also stationed in the area. They never found out who won, for basketball was thirsty work and there was beer to be drunk. In 1953 Gerry returned to Coventry, it was not long before fun loving Gerry met Norma.
In 1954, a friend introduced Gerry to Norma at the Rialto Casino Dance Hall it was obviously love for them both, for in 1955 they married. Norma changed some of Gerry, for he had developed a liking for his middle name and had spent two years convincing all who knew him to call him John. Norma preferred Gerald, so once again Gerald and Gerry became the names by which the young Mr. Leech was known. Norma did not want to change more of Gerry, he loved to work hard and he loved family and life, this was the kind of man that Norma wanted. They created a home in Coventry where they had three children, Garry, Don and Karyn a family which would become like no other. To this day Norma, Gerry and their children are close, their memories of a very rich and warm relationship will hold them together.
In 1959 Gerry went to work at Massey Ferguson. He held responsible engineering positions at Massey for 28 years on both sides of the Atlantic. In 1975 the family took the big step, a great adventure, to Detroit. While living there Gerry took flying lessons and realized a long held dream by becoming a pilot. Those of you who know Gerry will know that he had a terrible sense of direction, he could get lost just walking around the block. His family even bought a compass at one time to help him find his way around. But, remarkably, in the air, flying, Gerry found his way to Florida and back. This was not Gerry's only adventure flying. Several years later when visiting Jamaica for Karyn and Gary's wedding, Gerry tried his hand at ‘Parasailing'. Anything was possible for this adventurous fun loving man.
Toronto became the family home from 1983 to 1986 before Gerry and Norma moved to St. Georges, North and West of Toronto for a short time. Gerry suffered a heart attack from which he recovered and with renewed vigour set about living an active life again.
Unfortunately, the Massey Ferguson company did not prosper and Gerry was out of work, but not for long. After moving to Windsor in 1987, Gerry soon was awarded a contract with MEDA Engineering Consultants to conduct a survey of noise conditions at Ford Motor Company. This was in an era when industry was becoming increasingly conscious of the harmful health effects of loud noises on workers. There were not many people who understood this science, but Gerry, a person with an insatiable quest for knowledge not only understood the science, he was an expert. This initial three month contract resulted in Gerry working at Ford for eleven years, until 1998. Without a doubt, they had discovered that Gerry knew something about everything, he had a vast store of knowledge including all the latest technological developments, combine this with Gerry's ‘Do Anything' attitude and innate organizational skills and he was recognized as a very valuable employee. From that nebulous thing called ‘noise' to very tangible things like new industrial buildings and all the infrastructure that is essential to a modern industrial complex, Gerry was willing and able to handle it all.
He left a lasting monument for all to see, on the North side of Wyandotte Street, East of Drouillard Road stands a huge blue water storage tank with the Ford logo proudly emblazoned on it's side, part of an extensive Fire Protection System installed on the Ford manufacturing site under Gerry's supervision. Gerry was justifiably proud of that project and quite recently drove by the tank to make sure that it was still there and in good shape.
He was equally proud of his computer skills and with his ever cheerful personality always willing to help others learn to use and master this part of our changing lives. Each of you should have received a puzzle. Several years ago Gerry created this puzzle to be given to visitors to Environmental Exhibitions which Ford Motor Company sponsored both in Windsor and Detroit. If you look at it properly, you will be able to see the Ford logo. Take it as a reminder of Gerry and as his son Garry said, as a reminder that fun loving Gerry is playing one last trick on you all. He'll probably be laughing as you struggle to see not only what he could see but what he was able to create.
Gerry and Norma were close and enjoyed so much of life together. Bleak winters were not their most favourite time, so why not find the sun and warmth, Vegas for Christmas, Mexico and other sunny spots for vacations. Gerry searched the computer and found the best vacation bargains, then off they would go. Their children also were adventurers and out to see the world in their own way. The jungles of South America were one of the attractions and Gerry laughed about the time that he sent money to his son who had run out of money, in the Amazon region for gosh sakes. Who ever thought that money was needed in the Amazon? From the jungles of South America to New York, a Leech family member at one time drove a tour bus in New York City. I first learned about what it was to be a ‘Vegan' from Gerry, he wasn't one, Norma and Gerry have a daughter who is. Gerry's ‘do anything' attitude and love of life has been inherited by his children, their earlier experiences have rewarded them with the same kind of rich life which Gerry has enjoyed.
A few years ago St. Peter paid a visit to Windsor and checked on Gerry. Norma had rushed Gerry to hospital for major emergency surgery. I went to visit immediately after the operation, Gerry was hooked to every form of life support in the Intensive Care Recovery area, Norma was standing watching as Gerry kibitzed with the nurses. Both Norma and St. Peter knew that Gerry still had lots of laughter, fun and living to do.
Gerry recovered to enjoy many more plates of chili fries, Boddington's Beer and lots of golfing, bowling, woodworking and all those things which made his life so rich. He was enjoying an active retirement with Norma and his far flung family. He will be missed.
You will each have your own memories of the man whose life we are celebrating today. You are invited to share your memories with Norma and the family at the Roseland Golf Club on Kennedy Drive following the interment at the Heavenly Rest Cemetery.
Dave Rattray
December 28, 2000
Suddenly on December 24, 2000 at 67 years of age. Beloved husband of Norma (nee Rawlings). Cherished father of Garry and wife Jacqueline of New York, Don and wife Michele of California, Karyn and husband Gary of California. Dear son of the late Reginald and Doris Leech. Dearest brother of Doris Dalrymple, also survived by many friends with whom he enjoyed his favorite pastime golf and bowling. Gerry was an Engineer and was retired from Massey Ferguson and MEDA. He was a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #594 and the South Windsor Senior's Club. If you so desire, donations to the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Visiting Thursday December 28, 2000 11am until Funeral Service 1pm at Families First Funeral Home & Chapel (969-5841) 2670 Dougall Ave. Cremation to follow Heavenly Rest Cemetery.
Gerald John Leech was born to Reginald and Doris Leech in Coventry, England on July 25th, 1933. They also had a daughter, Doris. Unfortunately sister Doris cannot be here today.
Gerry grew up in Coventry, which was at times during World War II a heavily bombed area. In fact the family home was bombed. What a start for a boy whose father was away, half way around the world, serving in the Army in Burma. After ‘the war' the teenaged Gerry stayed in Coventry where he became an Apprentice at the Armstrong Sidderly Works setting him on the path to a life long work in engineering.
In 1951 he was drafted into the Army for his period of National Service, as were most young men in Britain. Gerry learned to ride a horse in The Life Guards, but after his training in England was posted to an Amoured Unit in Germany. A great time for a young man to enjoy life, and that was what Gerry did. He and his friends learned to play basketball and took on Americans also stationed in the area. They never found out who won, for basketball was thirsty work and there was beer to be drunk. In 1953 Gerry returned to Coventry, it was not long before fun loving Gerry met Norma.
In 1954, a friend introduced Gerry to Norma at the Rialto Casino Dance Hall it was obviously love for them both, for in 1955 they married. Norma changed some of Gerry, for he had developed a liking for his middle name and had spent two years convincing all who knew him to call him John. Norma preferred Gerald, so once again Gerald and Gerry became the names by which the young Mr. Leech was known. Norma did not want to change more of Gerry, he loved to work hard and he loved family and life, this was the kind of man that Norma wanted. They created a home in Coventry where they had three children, Garry, Don and Karyn a family which would become like no other. To this day Norma, Gerry and their children are close, their memories of a very rich and warm relationship will hold them together.
In 1959 Gerry went to work at Massey Ferguson. He held responsible engineering positions at Massey for 28 years on both sides of the Atlantic. In 1975 the family took the big step, a great adventure, to Detroit. While living there Gerry took flying lessons and realized a long held dream by becoming a pilot. Those of you who know Gerry will know that he had a terrible sense of direction, he could get lost just walking around the block. His family even bought a compass at one time to help him find his way around. But, remarkably, in the air, flying, Gerry found his way to Florida and back. This was not Gerry's only adventure flying. Several years later when visiting Jamaica for Karyn and Gary's wedding, Gerry tried his hand at ‘Parasailing'. Anything was possible for this adventurous fun loving man.
Toronto became the family home from 1983 to 1986 before Gerry and Norma moved to St. Georges, North and West of Toronto for a short time. Gerry suffered a heart attack from which he recovered and with renewed vigour set about living an active life again.
Unfortunately, the Massey Ferguson company did not prosper and Gerry was out of work, but not for long. After moving to Windsor in 1987, Gerry soon was awarded a contract with MEDA Engineering Consultants to conduct a survey of noise conditions at Ford Motor Company. This was in an era when industry was becoming increasingly conscious of the harmful health effects of loud noises on workers. There were not many people who understood this science, but Gerry, a person with an insatiable quest for knowledge not only understood the science, he was an expert. This initial three month contract resulted in Gerry working at Ford for eleven years, until 1998. Without a doubt, they had discovered that Gerry knew something about everything, he had a vast store of knowledge including all the latest technological developments, combine this with Gerry's ‘Do Anything' attitude and innate organizational skills and he was recognized as a very valuable employee. From that nebulous thing called ‘noise' to very tangible things like new industrial buildings and all the infrastructure that is essential to a modern industrial complex, Gerry was willing and able to handle it all.
He left a lasting monument for all to see, on the North side of Wyandotte Street, East of Drouillard Road stands a huge blue water storage tank with the Ford logo proudly emblazoned on it's side, part of an extensive Fire Protection System installed on the Ford manufacturing site under Gerry's supervision. Gerry was justifiably proud of that project and quite recently drove by the tank to make sure that it was still there and in good shape.
He was equally proud of his computer skills and with his ever cheerful personality always willing to help others learn to use and master this part of our changing lives. Each of you should have received a puzzle. Several years ago Gerry created this puzzle to be given to visitors to Environmental Exhibitions which Ford Motor Company sponsored both in Windsor and Detroit. If you look at it properly, you will be able to see the Ford logo. Take it as a reminder of Gerry and as his son Garry said, as a reminder that fun loving Gerry is playing one last trick on you all. He'll probably be laughing as you struggle to see not only what he could see but what he was able to create.
Gerry and Norma were close and enjoyed so much of life together. Bleak winters were not their most favourite time, so why not find the sun and warmth, Vegas for Christmas, Mexico and other sunny spots for vacations. Gerry searched the computer and found the best vacation bargains, then off they would go. Their children also were adventurers and out to see the world in their own way. The jungles of South America were one of the attractions and Gerry laughed about the time that he sent money to his son who had run out of money, in the Amazon region for gosh sakes. Who ever thought that money was needed in the Amazon? From the jungles of South America to New York, a Leech family member at one time drove a tour bus in New York City. I first learned about what it was to be a ‘Vegan' from Gerry, he wasn't one, Norma and Gerry have a daughter who is. Gerry's ‘do anything' attitude and love of life has been inherited by his children, their earlier experiences have rewarded them with the same kind of rich life which Gerry has enjoyed.
A few years ago St. Peter paid a visit to Windsor and checked on Gerry. Norma had rushed Gerry to hospital for major emergency surgery. I went to visit immediately after the operation, Gerry was hooked to every form of life support in the Intensive Care Recovery area, Norma was standing watching as Gerry kibitzed with the nurses. Both Norma and St. Peter knew that Gerry still had lots of laughter, fun and living to do.
Gerry recovered to enjoy many more plates of chili fries, Boddington's Beer and lots of golfing, bowling, woodworking and all those things which made his life so rich. He was enjoying an active retirement with Norma and his far flung family. He will be missed.
You will each have your own memories of the man whose life we are celebrating today. You are invited to share your memories with Norma and the family at the Roseland Golf Club on Kennedy Drive following the interment at the Heavenly Rest Cemetery.
Dave Rattray
December 28, 2000
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