LEIGH, David

December 28, 1929 - November 1, 2022

David Leigh was born in Windsor, Ontario in 1929 to Lorne and Doris Leigh. He was pre-deceased by his younger and older sisters, Frances Leigh and Marion Nageleisen. After nearly 49 years of married life, he lost his first wife, Joan Gill of Grand Bend to cancer. They had three children—Melissa Halcrow (Gary Halcrow) of Kitchener, Susan Leigh (Ken Shearer) of Geneva, IL and David Leigh Jr., (Sylvia Haywood) of Kincardine. David and Joan had 5 grandchildren—Jennifer (Ed) and James Halcrow, and Amanda (Chris), Angus and Steven (Alex) Leigh, and one great grandchild, Robynn (Amanda and Chris). David and Joan enjoyed many years of family activities, including skiing, sailing, biking and hiking. They honed a wonderful skill of sailing and enjoyed 40 years together sailing and racing on the Great Lakes. David was a lifelong member of the Anglican Church and began a 50+ year membership in the Masonic Lodges that brought him great pleasure.

After Joan's death in 2001, and his relocation to the Village by the Arboretum in Guelph, David met Elaine Tucker, a resident of the same community. They were married in 2004. This union doubled the size of the greater family, adding three more children—Scott Tucker(Sonia), Jennifer Mezenberg (John) and Kyle Tucker (Stephanie), along with their 7 children—Michael (Mackenzie) and Mathew (Scott and Sonia Tucker), Jessica (Tyler) and Julia (Jennifer and John Mezenberg) and Emily, Sarah and James (Kyle and Stephanie Tucker). David and Elaine spent 18 and a half wonderful years together, biking, vacations in Florida, golf and some of the most wonderful cruises to exotic places like India, Singapore, Russia, England and the Nordic countries. Their thirst for knowledge and new cultures created wonderful trips and fond memories. They also enjoyed many trips to the Elora Festival, Stratford and Niagara on the Lake.

David's business career took him on a journey to various Canadian towns, including London, Waterloo, Oakville, Hudson and Montreal in Quebec, and finally Ashburn, before his retirement to Guelph. His 45 + year career was highlighted by two stints at the executive level with Lawson & Jones Ltd. and Domtar Inc. with over 40 years in the paper and packaging industry, David was also a leader in two major industry associations, eventually serving as President of the Canadian Paper Box Association and the Canadian Paper Trade Association.

Once established in Guelph, David immediately continued his commitment to give back to his community, and energetically got involved in the Probus Club of Guelph, Guelph Wellington Men's Club, 100 Men Who Care Guelph and was a Director of Third Age Learning in Guelph. Over the years, David and his family have enjoyed many meals and lovely discussions around the dining room table. David will be missed dearly by his family and circle of friends.

The family is grateful for the compassionate care of Doctor Will Ruddock and his response to David's wish to be at home. By initiating the invaluable support of homecare and the respectful help of PSW's and nurses from Care Partners, Bayshore Home Care and Closing the Gap.

Resting at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St. Guelph, where a Funeral Service will take place on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 11:00am. For those unable to join us in person, please join the live stream, link below his obituary at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com. A reception is to follow in the Hart Fellowship Lounge. Private burial to take place.

In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations can be made to Guelph General Hospital Foundation (gghfoundation.ca), Grand River Conservation Authority (grandriver.ca), Elora Cataract Trailway (trailway.org) and Bruce Trail Conservancy (brucetrail.org)