Obituary of Frederick Alexander Leitch

LEITCH, Frederick Alexander October 13, 1915 to October 3, 2009 It is with great sadness that the family of Fred Leitch announces his passing, one week before his 94th birthday, in Hamilton after a lengthy period of declining health. He will be dearly missed by June, his beloved wife of over 63 years, and his six children; Jon and Lee-Ann (Edmonton), Sue Cuerrier (Calgary), Bob and Shirley (Ottawa), Kenn and Patti (Toronto), Don (Calgary) and Jim (Calgary); and their thirteen grandchildren. Fred was born in the family farmhouse in Thorndale, Ontario. He and his brother Cecil (deceased 2006) attended the local one room schoolhouse. Fred loved learning and sharing his knowledge and at an early age attended Teachers College (Normal School) in London. He began his teaching career in Thorndale and later moved to Aldershot where he became principal of the Maplehurst Public School while still in his early 20’s. He was introduced to his future wife, June Saville, by her father who was a prominent school board member. In 1942, Fred joined the Canadian Armed Forces and spent three and a half years overseas, at times assigned to British clandestine units. After training in England and Scotland, Fred served in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, narrowly escaping an early demise on more than one occasion. During the war he found time to write daily letters to his sweetheart June, which she still keeps. After hostilities ceased, Fred spent a further six months in Europe managing affairs for the Canadian Legion before returning home. Two weeks after returning to Canada he married June. They settled in Aldershot and Fred taught at the Rehabilitation School for soldiers in Hamilton, while continuing his own studies. He was a brilliant man with broad intellectual interests. He never stopped studying and took courses at several European universities during his tour of service, including Oxford and Leeds. Fred obtained degrees from both the University of Western Ontario and Wayne State University in Michigan, mostly earned while working full time and raising a family. In 1949, Fred, June and baby Jon moved to Essex when Fred took a position as public school inspector for Essex County. Five more children were added to the family. In 1952 and 1953, Fred successfully battled polio but the harm caused affected him his entire life. Later he and June bought property and built a cottage at Invercairn Beach on Lake Huron where the family joyfully spent their summers. After a full and productive career, Fred retired in 1975 to spend winters with June at Maple Leaf Estates in Port Charlotte, Florida. There "Lucky F.A." continued his life-long passion for cards and bowling, and gained new hobbies such as wood carving and ceramics. He was an accomplished gardener and often grew a half-dozen or more varieties of the same plant to study their yields in the soils he carefully tended at their summer home. Recently, Fred and June returned to Hamilton where they re-united with friends and made many new ones. After a long and interesting life filled with challenges, adventure, family, and friends, Fred took his final journey with a special courage and dignity. He will be missed terribly but with great fondness and respect by all he knew. May he rest in peace. A private memorial service will take place at a future date at Invercairn Beach. In lieu of flowers a donation to Plan Canada would be appreciated or to a charity of your choice. His family wishes to express their special thanks to neighbours, friends and colleagues who have surrounded them with their support and love.