CECIL LEIF

Cecil Leif, 84, passed away Friday, Nov. 22, 2013 at the Atikokan General Hospital in Atikokan, Ont.
He was born Sept. 19, 1929 to Carl and Esther in Bergland, Ont., where he was raised.
His first job was as a mechanic at a Ford garage in Fort Frances, then he transferred to Atikokan in the late 1940s to work at Mel Newman Ltd.’s Ford dealership. It was there he met co-worker Ginny Gorrill, whom he married in 1951, and they raised daughter, Krystal, there.
Cecil worked at the garage for many years before he was hired by the Steep Rock air division, where, as both a pilot and mechanic, he travelled to mines throughout Canada and the U.S. doing aircraft mechanical work.
Later on, he worked at Steep Rock’s main warehouse until the mine closed.
From there, Cecil worked with Calmang Steel until his retirement, although he spent some time every day there, working in the steel fabrication shop as needed, until the business closed.
Throughout his years of working, Cecil also was active in the community as a volunteer. He joined the Kiwanis Club in 1957 and was a member until his passing, serving almost continually on the executive and as an active volunteer at the club’s many events, whether it was “apple days” or the fall fair.
In the mid-1970s, Cecil, along with fellow Kiwanians Bob Mathison and Adolf Werner, started the first Atikokan Snowarama in support of Easter Seals kids.
He also volunteered with the Boys Scouts, served as a town councillor, and was a faithful member and volunteer of the Faith Lutheran Church.
For the past 24 years, he was a member of the Atikokan Economic Development Corp.
However, there were two passions near and dear to Cecil’s heart, possibly for what he was most well-known: he was a “Ford man” through and through, and a dedicated member of the Liberal Party.
In addition to volunteering, Cecil and Ginny enjoyed their retirement by spending time at their camp on Eva Lake and exploring virtually every bush road in Northwestern Ontario.
Cecil is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ginny; daughter, Krystal of Thunder Bay, Ont.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
As per Cecil’s wishes, no service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate in memoriam donations to the Faith Lutheran Church or to the Exceptional Cancer Care Campaign.