Frank Charles Leadlay

September 11, 2016

LEADLAY, Frank Charles

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Frank Charles Leadlay. Surrounded by his family, Frank passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 11, 2016 at the Red Deer Hospital at the age of 91 years. Born in Hughenden, AB, Frank was the youngest of five children born to parents, Robert and Mabel Leadlay. He attended school in Hardisty and received his Bachelor of Education at U of A in Edmonton. Frank was the Lightweight Boxing Champ at U of A in 1948 and later was a member of the Elks club, where he once was the Grand Exalted Ruler, The Legion, Alberta Teachers Association and the Seniors Downtown House. Frank enjoyed traveling the world, golfing, reciting poetry, playing cards, dancing, coin collecting and many other interests. Frank had several occupations but his main passion was teaching. He taught math and science at Eastview Jr. High School in Red Deer and spent his early years as the proprietor of Fiz’s Store in Lodgepole, AB, where he raised his young family for 11 years with his first wife, Joyce.

Frank is lovingly remembered his wife and partner of 32 years, Susan Thiessen Leadlay. You would often hear him say that he married the prettiest girl in town. Theirs was a true love story. Frank is also remembered by his children, Audrey Klassen (Ted), Brenda Leadlay (Saify), Dianne Vassos (Marcus), Edith Thiessen, Larry Thiessen (Cheryl), Bruce Thiessen (Cindy), Leonard Thiessen (Heather); grandchildren, Ira & Vania Winrob, Brett Gavan, Hannah Leadlay, Lindsay Stewart, Kendall, Tyler, Melanie, Kimberly, Alyssa & Sydney Thiessen and Carlie Vassos; great grandchildren, Dallas, Scarlett & Axel Gavan; and many nieces and nephews. Frank was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Mabel; brothers, Bob and Ken; sisters, Jean Martin and Blanche Gilbertson; his son, Kevin and Ken Thiessen and his first wife, Joyce. Frank had a great sense of humor and was a gentle, caring man who always rooted for the underdog. He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Frank’s Life will be held in Red Deer in the late spring of 2017.

Messages of Condolence

Dear Susan and families We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Please accept our most sincere condolences. Frank was a very special man and we will always remember the fun times we all had together. He lived a long active life and his devotion to you Susan was so obvious and wonderful to see. Frank will be truly missed by all of us who knew him. Hugs from Doris and George

- Doris Stollings

Susan, Thinking of you with Deepest Sympathy and all the good memories we have.

- Lila merchant

Rest well, Mr. Leadlay - thank you for being my teacher.

- Ray

Deepest sympathies going out to all of you and families, Mr. Leadlay was one of my teachers way back in the early 1980's at Eastview Junior High School., he was a fantastic teacher and mentor-that's a fact. I am sorry about this and saddened, these times keeps reminding me and I am sure others regarding our own mortalities, the things we want to leave behind, complete and how we want to be remembered. Sending positive thoughts and prayers for all in your journey to heal.

- Ivan Rozic

Audrey and Brenda - our deepest sympathy to you and yours on the passing of your dad. The memories that you have of a loved one keeps them close forever. Take care. With love.

- Uncle Stan and Dorothy

To Audrey and Family--my sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. I would appreciate a phone call sometime in the near future if possible. I hope to see and know of the Celebration in the late Spring of 2017 so that I can meet again--some of the Family. I was in attendance of Frank's 90th at the lovely get together; so enjoyed meeting all of you that were there! Sincerely, Sara My contact phone # is 403 314 0571..

- Sara Rattray

Frank was my teacher in early 1970's and a teaching colleague in the early 1980's at Eastview. In particular, I remember his analogy used while teaching how to divide fractions. ie 3/4 divided by 1/2 =? 3/4 x 2/1=6/4=1 2/4= 1 1/2 Frank would say "take the second fraction.... ROLL 'her' over in the clover… Then MULTIPLY 'her'!!!!… And the product as a result of the roll in the clover is…" Never forgot how to do that!! RIP Frank Condolences

- Rob Porkka

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