Dennis Earl Leach

Son of Earl and Verna Leach, older brother to Rick (Pat), loving husband to Julia (née Thompson), devoted father to Jamie (Carlos), Ian (Lisa), joyful grandfather to Thompson (Stefanie), Chloe, Spencer, Alison, and Evan (Lynn), happy great-grandfather to Marshall and Colson, cherished brother-in-law to three Thompson sibs, beloved uncle, host extraordinaire, golf champion, pilot, joker, and very good friend to many.

Growing up in Streetsville, Denn learned to fly while working as a teacher and newly married dad. He loved flying. Denn joined Air Canada in 1966 and spent his whole career there. His abilities as a teacher came in handy again after retirement when he spent about a decade as a flight instructor with Air Canada.

Determinedly positive and optimistic, Denn always had a joke to share. He made his home an oasis where any visitor was made to feel as welcome as family. And it was always full of family! Jul and Denn provided the setting and love for virtually all extended family occasions. Many fun and wonderful memories were made at their table/in their pool/home.

His spirit of love and support extended beyond his family into the community, where he participated in and provided leadership to service organizations (Rotary, Optimists) and amateur hockey.

Sports were always part of Denn’s life. He was a gymnast, footballer and track and field participant in high school, where he earned an athletic letter. He played squash, ping pong, played and coached hockey—and then, of course, there was golf.

Denny’s positive outlook was a major contributor to his success in golf. He held the record low score (61) at Erin Heights golf course for a number of years and came first or second more than a couple of times in the Air Canada golf tournament.

Having vanquished bowel cancer in his fifties, Denn made sure he enjoyed his health and life to the fullest. When hearing loss and Alzheimers came his way, he gave them quite a run for their money, making every effort—and succeeding—to have a positive influence on his days and the days of everyone around him.

There will be a celebration of life Sunday, March 23 at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son funeral home, 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph, where the chapel will open at 1:00, service to start at 1:30 followed by a reception on site. If desired, donations in Dennis’ memory can be made to Guelph General Hospital or to the Alzheimer’s Day Program of St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Guelph.