After a life well lived, we are saddened to share the peaceful passing of our beloved dad Leo, surrounded by his children, at St Joseph’s Hospital on Thursday, September 4th, 2025 in his 103rd year.
Beloved spouse of Betty Shaidle (nee Martin) (deceased). Loving father to Lynn (John Kachuik, Ottawa), Ron (Deb, Formosa), Allan (Sue, Naples Florida).
Caring grandfather of 9: Brad (Christine, Guelph), Jeffrey (deceased), Jackie (Geoff, Ottawa); Kevin (Renee, Ancaster); Chris (Ruth, London), Lindsay Merker (Keith, London); Monique (Phoenix, Arizona); Jereme (Kim, Naples Florida); Ashley (Liz, North Bay).
Caring great grandfather of 19: Eve and Declan Kachuik (Guelph); Jacob and Alex Shaidle (Ancaster); Victoria (Walkerton), Curtis, Teddy, and Halle Shaidle (London); Smith and Poet Merker (London); Olivia and Riley Larkin (Phoenix, Arizona); Jason, Andrew and Megan Shaidle (Naples, Florida); Annie, Ellie and Sophie Shaidle-Bell (North Bay)
Will also be missed by his sweetie Audrey Ferguson(deceased) and the Ferguson family, friends at Branch 36 Legion Dundas, St. James Anglican Church community and his many friends and neighbours in Dundas.
Our dad led a very happy and fulfilling life surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Leo was affectionately known as “the Candy Man of Dundas” giving out either peppermints or most recently Werthers to everyone he met. He attributed his long life to the fact that it was important to “bend your elbow”. in his case it was Rye and ginger. During the pandemic we were able to have his rye delivered directly to his house from Wiser’s. He called the UPS delivery man “the rye fairy”. He always said that he was “truly blessed” and appreciated every small act of kindness he received. Truly everyone he touched was also blessed.
Dad was born in Hamilton, but moved into his new home on Concord Avenue in Dundas in 1950 with our mom Betty where they raised their three children. He was a tool and dye maker with Slater Steel until his retirement at age 55. He was actively involved in Dundas, played for the Collins Hotel Hockey Team (Town League Champions), was involved with Dundas Little League, Dad was an active and beloved member of the Dundas Legion for over 50 years. He sold poppies at Metro, participated in many Legion work parties until the age of 100, put wreaths and crosses on graves at Grove Cemetery, attended and marched in Remembrance Day parades including taking the salute several times. He received a commendation from Veterans Affairs for his support of his community. Dad was also a dedicated long-time member and supporter of St. James Anglican Church in Dundas serving as a sidesman for many years. He was a very humble but giving man to his many friends and neighbours. When our Mom had a stroke, Dad cared for her at home for 6 years until she required so much care she was moved to a Nursing Home. Dad then went every day to feed her breakfast, lunch and supper, including feeding other residents. This was only one indication of the values that Dad espoused. He always put family and others first and passed these values down to his family.
Dad had a cottage at Pike Bay on the Bruce Peninsula, affectionately known as the “Laho Inn” based on the childhood name Laho, given to him by his grandfather, where the sign is still proudly displayed. Dad spent many happy years puttering, fishing and enjoying life. He would tell many interesting stories to his kids and grandkids. He was able to travel somewhat, due to his children, and visited Chilliwack BC, Kingston ON. Ottawa ON, North Bay ON, Colorado Springs CO., Washington DC, and Naples FL.
Dad was a proud WWII veteran, having served in the Royal Canadian Airforce from 1942 to 1946 as part of the 39th Reconnaissance Wing. He first went to England and landed at Juno Beach on day +21. The 39th RECCE Wing moved across Europe through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany just ahead of the German lines so their Spitfires could fly over the enemy lines taking photos which were then sent to headquarters and the forward Allied troops to help identify enemy troop positions. Each time they moved they had to build a temporary airfield to allow the aircraft to fly. Dad helped with maintenance of these airfields and aircraft. He was so proud of his service but only liked to talk about the times, especially when sitting at the ‘bullshit table’ at the Dundas Legion.
Dad loved to read and he read the Hamilton Spectator from cover to cover every day, often discussing the news he read with family members or one of his caregivers (Ayo). He also read books about WWII. His routine also included watching the three episodes of MASH from 7 to 8:30 at night prior to going to bed. He loved his sports teams especially his “Beantowners” Boston Bruins, his Hamilton Ticats and the Real McCoys Dundas Hockey team, often asking on his daily family phone calls what the scores of the games were if the game finished too late for him to watch. His loyalty to the Bruins, dated back to listening to the Leafs/Bruins games on the radio in the 1930s with his Dad and Brother (Leaf Fans).
Dad’s wish was to stay in his own home which we were able to fulfill with the help of many people. We would first of all like to thank his good friends; Charlie Parsons, Steve Holgate and Sandra Ferguson for providing exceptional ongoing support for dad. His homecare support provided by Bayshore Health was superb, especially care provided by Ashley, Ayo, Lillibet, Heidi, Elizabeth, and Renee. Thanks to Veteran’s Affairs and Ontario Health at Home for providing funding for his care. A special thank you to Branch 36 Dundas Legion, especially, President Janice Mancini for all of her support. We cannot begin to list everyone who played a role in allowing dad to live such a high quality of life in his home but hopefully you know who you are. He will be sorely missed by many but he lived a very long, happy and productive life supported by an abundance of love. Rest easy dad. Love you. You will always be in our prayers.
Friends and family are invited to the Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St. Dundas, on Thursday, September 18th, 2025 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. for a visitation. A Funeral Service will be held immediately following in the chapel. To view the livestream: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=e4f8fe90-3d66-4c7c-956c-ab424515221a. Cremation has occurred. A private interment ceremony will follow at Grove Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Branch 36 Dundas Legion on Saturday, September 20th, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Leo to the Salvation Army.