It is with profound sadness to share Leslie Lynne McLennan passed away Sept. 20, 2022, at 41 years old. Leslie was born into the arms of her parents Archie (Millie) McLennan and Cherry McLennan in Medicine Hat, August 14, 1981. Leslie was watched over by her older sister, Kelly McLennan, her entire life. Three years after her birth, she was blessed to have her brother, Ian McLennan, to share her life with. Her cat Snowball joined the family to provide endless cuddles. In high school, she gained a Finnish exchange-student sister, Vilma Karkkainen. Leslie was also known as Les, Lettuce, Lechuga, Banner, Lester, and it goes on (to disclose more would make her apoplectic!).
Leslie was loved by her extended family including stepbrothers, Jason (Maya) Becker and Dwayne (Jessica) Becker, Grandfather Tom Spence, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as family members who have predeceased her.
Throughout her life she was known to befriend her friend’s children, and they became a part of her family. She had a special connection with Erin Vossler and her three beautiful girls Tala, Elei, and Sina who brought absolute joy and love into Leslie’s life. Together they played, danced, and had sleepovers letting the cares of the outer world fade away.
No words can express the loss and heartache her passing has caused. Leslie was a smiley, kind-hearted, vibrant, friendly, hard-working, smart, strong, hilarious (and don’t tell her otherwise, as she’ll again become apoplectic ), passionate, and caring person. She had a gift of quickly making connections with people, which is why she made friends wherever her life took her. When Leslie walked into a room, she had smiles and hugs for everyone!
Leslie was a McCoy Highschool ’99 Grad, and later completed her degree in Kinesiology at the U of R. Following her schooling, she worked extensively in the service industry – Medicine Hat, Calgary, and the Shuswap, sprinkled with bouts of travelling overseas. She taught English in Progreso, Mexico and Masan, Korea. She backpacked Fiji, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Panama. ☀️ She looked back on these times as some of her most precious years. Changing gears in 2012, she moved back to Medicine Hat, obtained her Class 1, and began working in the male dominated, oil and gas and seasonal construction industries. ♀️Leslie paved the way for other female workers because on more than one occasion she joined teams who had never had a female work with them.
Throughout her life, Leslie excelled in sports. As a child, she was a competitive Salta gymnast. In her early adult years, she captained the MHC Rattler Women’s Soccer team and was offered a scholarship to play and captain the University of Regina Cougars. Her strength in soccer inspired the men’s team, which is how she deservedly earned the name Banner.
Leslie, albeit strong, was also gentle and ever so thoughtful. She wanted to make a difference in our world. Through the many, many incredible people she touched in her short life with her passion, smiles, laughs, quick wit, and twinkling eyes her memory, spirit, and influence will live on. Leslie you are loved forever and always. ✨
The Memorial Service will be held at the Carriage House, Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Grounds 2055 – 21 Avenue SE Medicine Hat, Alberta, on Friday, September 30th, 2022 at 2:00 pm with Reverend Dr. Shane Andrus officiating. If unable to attend, family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Leslie’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 204 – 1865 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 1Z8 or to the Medicine Hat Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, 104, 430 – 6th Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 2S8.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Leslie Lynne McLennan September 20th 2022..
Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Medicine-Hat, Province: Alberta