It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Fred Leslie on Tuesday, August 6th, in his 91st year.

Fred’s life was a remarkable journey. Born into challenging circumstances, Fred spent his early years as a ward of the Toronto Children's Aid Society being shuffled from foster home to foster home in Toronto. At age 12, his life took a dramatic turn when he was fostered and subsequently adopted by the Leslie family of Parkdale. This act of love and kindness set him on a path that would lead to an extraordinary life.

After attending St. Andrew's College in Aurora, Fred began his professional journey at the family business, Canada Cartage, where he learned the trucking industry from the ground up. In 1973, he acquired the company from his father, Rodger Leslie, and, together with his business partner, transformed it into a leader in the Canadian trucking industry. Fred’s tenure with the company spanned 50 years, during which he played a crucial role in its expansion and success.

When not working, Fred enjoyed sports, including tennis, golf, curling and skiing. He was an active member at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club for over 55 years, where he was the second of four generations of members.

Service and faith were central to Fred’s life. He was a dedicated member of Islington United Church in Etobicoke, where he served faithfully in many capacities including Church Elder, Trustee, and ultimately earned the designation Honourary Trustee. A particular passion of Fred’s was the church’s Mabelle Food Program where he volunteered well into his 80s.

Fred also found joy in serving his broader community. As a Rotarian for 25 years, he was named a Paul Harris Fellow, the organization’s highest honour. He was involved with Goodwill Services for 12 years, and served on many professional and volunteer boards over the years.

But family was everything for Fred and brought him his greatest joy. He was a devoted husband to Donna, the true love of his life. He was a loving and devoted dad to Heather, Rodger, Kimberley, and Susan. His love for Donna and their children was boundless, and together they created a home filled with warmth, love, and laughter. When grandchildren and then great-grandchildren came along, he became their beloved Grumps and loved them boundlessly as well.

Fred Leslie’s life was marked by gratitude, service, and immense love. He lived a remarkable life and was grateful for every moment of it. This legacy will live on in our hearts forever. We will miss his humour, his generosity, his gentle kindness, and his unwavering love.

He is survived by Donna, his loving wife of 65 years; his brother Robert Leslie (Jenny Beeson) of Nelson, NZ; his four children Heather (David Muir), Rodger (Marion Brennan), Kimberley, and Susan (Randall Ugolini); his grandchildren Thomas (Stephanie Gagnon), Lindsay (James Hackey), Brennan, Trevor, Kevin, Erin, Alexandra, Carter; and his great-grandchildren Leo and Isla.

The family extends its gratitude to the staff at Parkland on Eglinton for their kindness over the last two years.

Visitation to be held at Islington United Church in Etobicoke from 5:30 – 9pm on Wednesday, August 14th. A private family service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Fred’s memory either to the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada by visiting cafdn.org/FredLeslie or to his church home, Islington United Church, at Give in Memory or by e-transfer to give@islingtonunited.org ( “In Memory of Fred Leslie”).