Obituary of Walter Herbert Leslie

LESLIE, Walter ‘Wally’ Durham Walter ‘Wally’ Herbert Leslie of Durham, passed away peacefully at home on September 21, 2022. Born in 1947 in Halifax to the late Dr. Walter and Katharine Leslie, Wally moved to “The River” in the mid-60s. He there met and married his wife of 54 years, Cheryl (Wilson) Leslie and helped her raise three children. Wally was an entrepreneur at heart whether farming, operating a pulp-wood operation, or running his own trucking company he preferred to work for himself. He did work for the Department of Highways as a snowplow operator for several years. He spent 10 years in Western Canada working in various resource industries. He was a frequent contributor to “the Letter of the Editor” columns in both the provincial and weekly papers, providing commentary on everything from politics to the environment. An avid fisherman, he preferred the challenge of the fall salmon run, and during his later years he spoke frequently of his experience with the quality fishery of the Yukon and northern Alberta. He spent a decade working out west where he fell in love with the mountains and landscape of the Yukon, his camera was full of images of moose, bear, muskox and other sights he captured from the cab of the large trucks he operated. He enjoyed robust discussions on politics, was free to share advice and was well respected for his ability to fix all things mechanical. He also had a wicked sense of humor, enjoyed the odd practical joke, and he occasionally cheated at cards. He also was an avid reader enjoying everything from Western to action-adventure novels. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl; his son, Wally (Ellen); daughter, Susanne; son-in-law, Rob Wagner; his grandchildren, Jessica (Chad), Ryan, Austin, Adam; sisters, Joyce (Robert) Coffin, Trudy Leslie; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by both his parents and his youngest son, James. And he will be sorely missed by his canine companion, Boscoe. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to McLaren’s Funeral Home of Pictou. Visitation will take place at the Funeral Home on Friday, October 14 from 2-4 PM and 6:30-8:30 PM. A celebration of his life will occur at the Durham Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 15 at 2 PM, followed by internment of his ashes at the Durham Cemetery. The Rev. Barb Fotheringham will officiate the service. Family flowers only. Donations may be made in his name to the Free Spirit Therapeutic Riding program in Aylesford, or to the general fund of the Durham Church.