Obituary of Leon James
James (Malinowski), Leon Bordeaux (August 19, 1934 – September 15, 2018), died peacefully at home from bladder cancer. Beloved husband of Shirley for more than 58 years, proud and generous father and father-in-law to Debbie and Craig Gilbert of Caledon, Ontario and predeceased by son Spencer in 2012. Proud Opa of Taylor, Rachel and Cayleigh, survived by his sister Lydia and many nieces and nephews. Leon was a man of purpose, passion, integrity and humour. Born in a German area of Poland, Leon spent his early years in Iserlohn, Germany, losing his father in the war. He immigrated to Canada in 1948 with his mother Elsa and three younger siblings Heinz, Lydia and Vi. Landing in Montreal on his 14th birthday, they boarded a train, met an uncle in Winnipeg and then drove to Banff, Alberta. Leon was very eager to be a true Canadian, mastering English by reading, going to the movies and landing his first job at the Banff Springs Hotel carrying golf clubs. The family relocated to Calgary where Leon worked hard at many jobs while attending school. In jr. high school he met his future wife, Shirley, and for Leon, it was love at first sight. After high school, Leon’s passion for geology and the English language led him to a job with Oilweek Magazine, starting a lifelong career with Maclean-Hunter (now Rogers) that spanned more than 47 years in sales and as publisher of many magazines including Canadian Electronics Engineering. Leon and Shirley were married in 1960 and relocated to Toronto with Leon’s career in 1966, settling in nearby Mississauga. Leon fulfilled another Canadian dream when he bought his beloved cottage on Cameron Lake near Fenelon Falls, enjoying weekends of fishing and boating, and puttering in his workshop, usually with classical music playing. He was a member for many years of the Woodbridge Board of Trade Golf and Country Club and a longstanding member of the Church of the Nazarene, where he was active as a board member and volunteer. After retirement in his 60s, and an accident that restricted his mobility, Leon was content to relocate with Shirley to their lovely home in Georgian Bluffs, Ontario where he could see the water each day, read and do crossword puzzles. He had a thirst for learning, an inquiring mind, enjoyed lively conversation and mostly, a love and commitment to His Lord Jesus Christ and his beloved family. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caring team from Care Partners Owen Sound especially his devoted caregiver Teresa, for their excellent support which enabled Leon to remain in his home throughout his illness. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Teen Challenge (teenchallenge.ca) or Grey Bruce Health Services.
A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, September 20 at 2:00 p.m. at Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, 250 14th St.W., Owen Sound. Visitation from 1-2 p.m. prior to service.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Leon
James 1934 2018.
Décès pour la Ville: Owen Sound, Province: Ontario
