Leslie was born October 16, 1947, in Halifax, Nova Scotia to Graham Gordon and Llowyin (Farrelly); the first of three children. With her father working with the RCAF, early life included living in several Canadian provinces followed by four years of high school in Metz, France. On returning from France, Leslie completed Grade 13 and went on to the University of Western Ontario, graduating in 1970 as the first class of physical therapists to graduate from Western. Leslie’s career as a physiotherapist included a year at the Stoke-Mandeville
Hospital in England; eight years at the Workers’ Compensation Board in Edmonton and then many years at the Victoria Arthritis Centre (VAC) from where she retired in 2007. At VAC she had various roles over the years including: physical therapist, manager of staff and day to day operations and overseeing the expansion of the treatment building. As a physiotherapist, Leslie was compassionate and creative in meeting patients on their own terms and as a result able to engage and encourage them.
Leslie was a cherished daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, colleague and friend. Many of us have special stories/memories of being a recipient of Leslie’s kind, thoughtful and caring nature. Leslie was a loyal friend and family member: always ready to help when she saw an opportunity or need. We fondly remember her sense of humour and love of a good story, whether she was doing the listening or telling. Dinners with Leslie, as either the guest or the hostess, were always interesting as she often had a “show and tell” item. She was an adventurer at heart. Her love of the outdoors and keen interest in history made for many interesting trips, like hiking in the Rockies with a long skirt as part of experiencing life as
an early pioneer woman. She was feisty and independent. Other adventures included: backpacking; telemark and cross-country skiing, canoeing, kayaking, bicycling, trekking in Nepal, building a school in Honduras, and completing a log home building course. Research, learning and genealogy were also passions. Later in life, trips to Ireland and Great Britain were opportunities to delve into family genealogy research as well as her father’s immediate history as a pilot of a bomber plane in World War II. Anything Leslie turned her attention to was treated with a thorough approach researching all angles.
She was organized and would do massive research prior to making a decision, – so much so that co- workers would refer to “doing a Leslie” in the event that they went above and beyond. She had a keen eye for detail and was a lover of beauty and fine things in all regards: art, food, clothing. She was also a creator of beautiful sewn and knitted items. We were privileged and fortunate to know Leslie. In remembering her, she continues to be a source of inspiration.
Leslie is survived by her sister, Dale of Oakville, Ontario (Michael deceased 2008) and her children Daniel, Connor and Tarynne Bourret and niece Michelle Fuller, husband Phatixx and daughter Kailea. Predeceased by her mother, Llowyin (2007); father, Graham (2009); brother, Ross (2025). Leslie died March 4, 2026, at Hart House, Victoria BC. We give special thanks to the staff at Hart House for their loving and respectful care for Leslie the last two years of her life. Donations in Leslie’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of BC or to a charity of your choice. A celebration of Leslie’s life will take place at the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, at 2 pm Thursday, September 10, 2026.
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McCall Gardens
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