Leo James Lamphier
February 7, 2011
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss
LAMPHIER, Leo James – Left this world peacefully on February 7, 2011, at age 96, at Parkwood Hospital in London, with loving family members at his side. Devoted husband of 65 years to Thelma Doris (Mulholland), predeceased. Proud and loving son to Bridgette (Toohey) and Anthony Lamphier of Lucan. Loving dad to Stephen, Brian (predeceased), Brenda, Gary, Wayne and Anne. Loving father-in-law to Deborah, Reid, Antoinette, Diana, and Spencer. Adored grandfather of Trevor, Madeleine, Devon, Connor, Kate and Leigh and great-grandfather of Anneli, Lucy and Gavin. Loving brother to Corinne, Cyril, Mary and Bill (all predeceased) and brother-in-law of Glady and Howard Merrow and Ken Mulholland. Devoted uncle to the Lamphier, Salayka, Mulholland and Bondy clans, and faithful cousin to the Trudelle and Toohey clans. Loyal friend to Phyllis Motherwell (predeceased), and so many others who shared his love and companionship over many decades. Born into a Lucan farming family, attended school on the Roman Line, served in WWII, and operated the Master Feeds outlet in Comber, Ont. from 1949 to 1961. Worked at Inter-City Truck Lines in Detroit until his retirement in 1980. Leo’s love for his precious wife Thelma and their family was fierce, and his strength, courage, integrity and faith were indestructible. He loved a stiff drink, a great joke, and never missed a 5 a.m. hockey practice. Alas, Leo had a lifelong feud with hammers and tools. Chairs learned to fear him. Cars got bent out of shape. He was a true original, one of a kind, and the world will never see his like again. Huge thanks to the devoted staff at Parkwood Hospital and to Todd for their professionalism and constant care. Visitation will be held at the WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Friday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. with prayers at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 777 Valetta Street, London, on Saturday, February 12th, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to the St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation – Parkwood 2 Perth. Online condolences available at >www.westviewfuneralchapel.com
“God invented whiskey so the Irish wouldn’t rule the world.” – Old Irish toast
Leave a tribute for Leo James Lamphier
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(Donated to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation â€" Parkwood 2 Perth)
(Donated to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation â€" Parkwood 2 Perth)
(Donated to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation â€" Parkwood 2 Perth)
(Donated to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation â€" Parkwood 2 Perth)
(Donated to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation â€" Parkwood 2 Perth)
Hello families, Bernard and I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the family members and with great joy. It has been a celebration for us when we shared a beautiful dinner and wines with you and great family stories. You have shared some of your fond memories, family album's and stories about your loving father. We remember how his eyes would light up when anyone spoke of his children and the good old days. Most importantly, Time means Love and that is what you gave him, your time. That is the greatest gift of life. All that is worth cherishing begins in the heart. You all have big hearts. Your father's spirit is so strong that it will keep filling you up and in many ways you will take comfort in this and his spirit will stay in your hearts forever. Lovingly. Ann and Bernard Marsden
To my beloved Grandad, To this day, drinking from a cold can of Coca-Cola brings me back to my childhood, and visits with you. You would always give my brother and I film canisters filled with M&Ms and sometimes, loose change like loonies. Those were always a special treat. My brother, Connor and I, always had a lot of fun visiting with you and Nana as children; I can remember visits to the park, the swimming pool, and playing catch. I also remember playing checkers with you, and at the time, I couldn't believe how good I was at the game, I always beat you; now I know that you let me win. There is NO WAY someone is that bad at checkers! You would tell us jokes, and continually delight us with your "magic" trick of taking out your teeth. You always smelled like Old Spice. I remember staying at your apartment and waking up to the sounds of the ships in the harbor. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. We love you.
Hi everyone, Thanks so much for posting such touching comments about our dad on this site. You have made us smile, and laugh. On behalf of Leo's kids - Steve, Brenda, Wayne, Anne and Gary - let me express our gratitude for the love and affection you have expressed here. You have made this painful week easier to bear. Dad was indeed a special guy, who loved his family more than life itself, and always saw the humour in a world that can often be cruel and unfair. He was a strong, wise, headstrong Irishman whose love for family and friends knew no bounds. God bless you all. Gary
Wayne and Diana, Condolences to you and the family. Your father seemed to be a a very special man with sense of humor and love of life. He lived a full life and left behind a legacy, a huge family! With much love The Dingleys
No more hammers Leo. Build that new dog house with a cordless drill and electric saw, have a drink, put your feet up and watch HNIC! Delphine and Peter
We were sorry to hear of Leo's passing. Our deepest sympathy to the family. May your memories be your comfort. Lorne & Sherri Michaelis Les & Sandy Michaelis
HI wayne and Diana I am sorry to hear that Leo passed away at the very good age of 96 and I would appriciate if you would pass my condolance on to all of the family. WE met Leo and Thelma for the first time coming back from a tour of east Canada we stayed with them for four days and after I learned not to talk about the good old U S A we both had a great time and they showed uss a lot of the area and we visited some legions and had dinner at one of them After I lost my wife I had a invitatin and stayed another week as a guest with Leo and Thelma and I had a very good time and many a time Leo and I went by ouselves and I got to know Leo very wel because I was just as strong wiiled as he was I have met all of the the family and very glad that I did I gained some very good friends I will always remember Leo and Thelma and it all came trough Wayne Thanks Wayne Again my condolens to all John
I met Uncle Leo several times, but I'll always remember our family reunion a few years back. Everyone sat in a circle and leaned in as Uncle Leo told us the story of how he managed to secure the public pavilion that very morning. How much of this is memory, and how much my mind exaggerated I'll never know, but this is how I prefer to remember his story. He called a the city week ahead to reserve the pavilion, and the nice young lady on the other end told him the space was first come first serve. Uncle Leo would have nothing but the best for his family. He was determined to claim our place on a busy summer Saturday! He drove to the park at the crack of dawn. Already, there was a minivan that had just arrived, its hatch wide open. An old nun was rustling through the back of the van, pulling out blankets and coolers. He instantly surmised her dastardly intent. He grabbed his cooler (doubtless, full of his favorite whiskey) and began to walk towards the distant pavilion. The nun glanced up from her trunk and saw his direction. The old nun grabbed a blanket, left the hatch open and set out after him. He increased his pace. She increased hers. Soon enough, the two were neck in neck in a race to the ultimate prize. The pavilion came ever closer, and a ninety year old great Uncle Leo broke into a run for the final yards. He skidded into the pavilion first and slammed his cooler down on the nearest picnic table in victory. The family began to arrive a couple hours later from their homes across the country. The day went great. We met, mingled and played volleyball with family. Best of all, we reveled in the cool shade of the pavilion, whilst being serenaded by the local church's youth group singing with their acoustic guitars, settled under nearby trees. Rest well Uncle Leo
Dear Lamphier Family Stephen, we know best as around our ages , how wonderful your father lived to a great age of 96, sorry to hear about your loss, and hope you family will be comforted at this time . Now united with your mom and brother and their parents. Thinking of You's . Comber
Brenda, Wayne, Gary, Anne, and Steve. On behalf of my brother Robert andmyself we pass along our sincere condolences. Your father sure will be missed by all. George Grant.
Our sincere condolences to Uncle Leo's family and friends from his relatives down under. My fond and distant memories of Uncle Leo will always relate to his superb wit and sense of humour, his elegant charm and his zest for life and I know he will be missed dearly by all. Paul, Pat, Lee and Ash
sorry for you loss and offer our deepest sypathies
Wayne and the rest of the Lamphier families. Your father was a remarkable person and definitely one of the funniest persons that I have had the good fortune to meet. He had a come-back for every line thrown his way... and usally one for those that were not thrown his way. Hope you are all doing well. Cheers!!! Kevin Marshall
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We never met Leo, but we heard many wonderful stories about him from his daughter, Brenda. If Brenda is any indication - smart, funny, generous and a loyal friend - then Leo must have been an amazing guy. Our condolences to all the family, and may you always cherish your memories and the love you shared.
~ Jane and Vic Gillman