Gavin McKirdy Leishman

Survivor of the Almonte train wreck in 1942, Gavin passed peacefully in his 85th year on Wednesday January 8, 2025. Predeceased by his wife Donna(Stacey) and sister Patricia.  Gavin is survived by his children “The Girl” Stephanie(Andrew Smith), Brett (Stephanie), and Darren (Kelly) “Dook” was very proud of his grandchildren Kaylen(Bryan Boroff), Evan, Meredith, Ryan, and Adam(Tera), and of his great grandchildren, Casey James, Hope, Xavier, Wyatt and Lena.

Gavin loved the Habs, and he loved selling cars, but only GM. He sold many cars over the years for Jack May and then Surgenor Pontiac Buick. Even today, when his family see a Buick, they wonder if Gavin sold it to them.  He loved hockey and supported many hockey endeavors over the years, including the ownership of both the Nepean Raiders and Pembroke Lumber King Junior A teams. He became a Player/Agent in his later years.

Gavin tirelessly supported and fundraised for many charities over the years, but in the past few years had focused his fundraising efforts towards the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation and The Nepean Sports Wall of Fame.

Gavin was recognized as Ottawa Senior Citizen of the year in 2013 and in 2014 became a Chevalier with the Order Of St. George. 

In 2023, he himself was voted onto the Nepean Sports Wall of Fame in the Builder category.

 A very special thank you to Dr. Huq and Joyce Hamelin on A4 at the QCH for everything that they did for Gavin. And to the nurses and staff at Park Place for their wonderful care.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation or to the CHEO foundation.

The family will share memories of Gavin on Monday January 13 at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Road, Nepean (between Bayshore and Baseline Road) from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.  A private family service will be held at a later date.