With heavy hearts, the family announces the sudden passing of Dr. Donald Leishman on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at the age of 72.
Born on June 26, 1949, Don was raised and educated in Fort Frances, Ontario, and attended the University of Manitoba where he graduated from medical school in 1974. As a student, he worked at Canada Customs, and upon graduation he worked as a family physician in Kirkland Lake, Toronto, and finally in Thunder Bay at the Port Arthur Health Centre, where he practised for 42 years. He loved his work, cared deeply about his patients, and especially enjoyed chatting with them.
Don was loving, selfless, funny, smart, generous, engaging, thoughtful and had an enormous heart. He loved his family and made sure they knew it every day through his words and actions. “Time together” with family was what he cherished most, and he was always quick to remind his children how proud he was of them. He cherished his friendships, loved to laugh with friends and was always genuinely interested in hearing what they had to say.
Diagnosed in 2000 with stage four colon cancer, Don beat the odds and spent the remainder of his life making the most of the time he had earned. He loved to be busy and spent his time golfing, curling, fishing, investing, going for drives in the country, and listening to classical music. Don’s faith was important to him, and he regularly attended Westminster United Church and occasionally sang in the men’s choir. He liked to bake and to cook: his shortbread was a highlight each Christmas, and together with Francie loved to prepare a turkey dinner. He had a passion for mining and geology and an annual trip to the PDAC (Prospectors and Developers Association Convention) was always a highlight of the year. Don travelled extensively; family visits in recent years to Napa Valley and Savannah are now cherished memories. He also visited many countries in Europe, but above all he loved to be at the cabin on Rainy Lake every summer.
He is survived by his wife and best friend Frances; three sons Eric, Paul (Zoe), and Philip (Erica); two granddaughters Caroline and Allison; sisters-in-law Catherine (Pat) Meloche and Pat Leishman; nieces Jennifer Leishman and Elizabeth Leishman-Fortes; and nephew James Meloche. He was predeceased by his brother Dr. John Leishman; his parents Dr. John “Jack” Leishman and Freda Leishman; and nephew Michael Meloche.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held at St. Paul’s United Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, with Reverend Susan Ivany officiating.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in Don’s memory can be made to the charity of your choice.
