In Memory: Leslie McGillivray

This past week, after a long battle with cancer, our brother, Leslie McGillivray, passed away just shy of his 60th birthday. Les always went above and beyond in everything he did and this last season was no exception as he met every new health challenge with patience and participated in favorite activities as long as he possibly could.

Special Olympics bowling was Leslie’s passion, and he was a beloved team member. He diligently strived to do his very best, rarely missed a week and was generous in his encouragement of other athletes. As Les’ illness progressed, he was the embodiment of the Special Olympics Pledge, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt”.

Leslie was a diehard Calgary Flames, Stampeders and Toronto Blue Jays fan, easily spotted in a crowd wearing his favourite team T-shirt and ball cap and always ready to share the latest sports scores and upcoming schedule.

Despite being deaf, Leslie was also an ardent music lover and quite possibly Elvis Presley’s number one fan. “Leslie Presley” was known in his earlier years to attend Karaoke nights in a full costume and serenade the crowd with a decent cover of the King of Rock and Roll.

Leslie McGillivray was predeceased by his mom, Bev McGillivray; and lovingly remembered by his dad, Ken (Judy) Lesarge (Chilliwack, BC); his sisters, Karen Geary (Vancouver, BC) and Michelle (Phil) Wiebe (Cochrane, AB). He also leaves behind 4 nieces, Melissa, Stella, Emilie and Hazel.

We will not be having a memorial service, instead having a small family gathering to celebrate his life. Those who wish to make a donation in Leslie’s honour can do so in support of Bow Valley Special Olympics via this link: https://soa.crowdchange.ca/2179/donate (Please select BOW VALLEY in the drop down menu on the donation page)

Many people will remember Les as a deeply caring person who would send enormous amounts of Christmas and Birthday cards to loved ones. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a loved one in your life a Holiday card this year in his honour.

Bailey Bourget

18 hours ago

I remember bowling with him in so many tournaments and loved seeing him every time we bowled together. He always had a great big smile on his face when ever you saw him somewhere. I remember when he used to be on the baseball team as well he was such a great teammate to everyone who played and always had a compliment or a good try you will get it next time. I remember that the one tournament of bowling I won an award for bowling and he was more proud of me that he basically helped spread the news for everyone else to hear back home lol it was so funny to see it but I'm glad he was the one to let people know that I won something for bowling.

In Memory

Leslie McGillivray

Share a message or memory

Cameron and Mary Ann

Bailey Bourget

Justin & Gail Nott Airdrie

Bob & Jayena