Obituary of Leslie H. R. Waller

It is with great sadness that the family of Leslie Hector Rivière Waller announces his passing on Friday, February 19, 2016 at the age of 100. Leslie will be sadly missed and forever remembered by his three daughters Pamela Wister (Bill), Lethbridge, AB, Holly Froese (Ken) Toronto, ON, and Dr. Carolyn Beesley (Paul), Halifax, NS. He is also survived by seven grandchildren who loved and cherished him: Meredith Wister (Kyle Ronan) and Alyson (Wister) Rozier (Raoul), Calgary, AB, Matthew Froese, Moose Jaw, SK, Ainslie (Froese) MacLean (Reg), Toronto, ON, Naomi Froese, Halifax, NS, Paul Beesley, Wolfville, NS, Clare Beesley, Halifax, NS, and two great grandchildren Maya and Theo Rozier, as well as his sister Josephine Pyzak (Ed) of California and nieces, nephews and friends. Leslie was predeceased by his wife Ruth Irene (Vaughan) of 66 years (d. March 27, 2015), and brothers Lewis (d. 2006) and Gilbert (d. 2001). Leslie was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on April 17th, 1915, to Frederick Riviere Waller and Annie Kathleen (Neate) Waller, both of whom emigrated from England to Saskatchewan, Canada where they met and married. Leslie was the second oldest in a family of four, having one older brother, Lewis, a younger brother, Gilbert, and a younger sister, Josephine. While growing up in Regina, Leslie attended the Balfour Technical School as well as the Moler Barber School studying academics, machine shop, motor mechanics and business courses in shorthand and typing. He began taking piano lessons at the age of seventeen. He also learned Tap Dancing and Comedy Dancing at the Jean Gauld Studio of Dance. He toured with his brother Lewis doing road shows that included comedy dancing and acrobatics for a couple of summers. Leslie was a member of the Regina YMCA and became a senior leader there. He played piano for the YMCA calisthenics classes. He was also a qualified lifeguard at the YMCA. Before the war, he was employed as a life guard at the Regina Park Beach. Later on he became a barber at the Dauphin Air Force Base in Manitoba. In 1939, Les joined the Regina Rifles Reserve Army. During this time his reserve had the privilege of forming an honour guard for King George V and Queen Elizabeth at the Regina Legislative Building. Les served his country in WW2 with the Winnipeg Rifles as a clerk at #9 Canadian Repatriation Depot, Petworth Park, England. After the war, Les returned to Canada, taking up residence in Saint John, NB There he met Ruth Irene Vaughan, marrying her on May 28th, 1949. They had three daughters. He worked as a Remedial Occupational Therapist Assistant at Ridgewood Veterans Hospital in South Bay, which later become Workers Compensation at Grand Bay. He retired from Workers Compensation in 1980 after 35 years of employment. During Leslie’s life in Saint John, he was involved in many things. He was a devoted member of Germain Street Baptist Church and on the Board of Deacons for several years. He was a qualified scout leader for many years which enabled him to use his interests in fishing, wood working, hiking, and other hobbies. He was an avid piano player, and played piano with Leo Garey’s Orchestra, then with John McNulty’s Troubadours and also with George Hopper’s Dance Band. He was also a member of the Saint John Musicians Association. In retirement Leslie was able to focus on his hobbies and interests. He became a member of the Lancaster Golden Service Club happily being their pianist for 28 years. He was also a member of Bob Moore’s Friend-n-Friend Bowling Fellowship for many years, something he looked forward to each week. He enjoyed playing his piano daily, and getting out in his garden where he grew beautiful flowers and vegetables. His favorite hobby was woodworking. His love of woodwork lives on in the cherished bowls, lamps, furniture and doll houses that his family members are now enjoying. His gentle, kind and soft spoken ways will always be remembered. Funeral Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424), where the funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 2 pm. At the request of the family there will be no visitation. Remembrances may be made to the Vaughan Medical Endowment c/o SJRH Foundation, Vaughan Mindcare Endowment c/o SJRH Foundation or Heart and Stroke Foundation or the charity of choice. There will be a reception following at Brenan’s Reception Centre. www.BrenansFH.com