Leslie Durand Ernest Garrell
May 27, 2014
GARRELL, Leslie Durand Ernest
June 28, 1943 – May 27, 2014
We are heartbroken at the loss of our loving father in his 71st year. As our patriarch, he was the heart and soul of our family. He genuinely cared for others with gentle wise counsel, respect and understanding. Fiercely courageous, he lived by his principles: loyalty being paramount. Leslie Durand was born in Chatham Township and grew up in North Buxton, Ontario before moving to the big city of Toronto. He later moved his young family to London. Mourned by his children Leslie (Diane), Steven, Lorraine (Tony Brown), and Leigh Ann (Jeff Tetreau). Sadly missed by his sister Ronda and his step-mother Ann, siblings Bonita, Keith, Alan, Gary and May Lyn. Predeceased by his parents Jocqueline (Lucas) and Leslie Garrell, his wife Beverly Jean and his daughter Deborah Ann. Deeply cherished by his grandchildren Desire, Adrianne and Isaac Mention, Puppet, Skye and Raine Garrell, Jazmine, Jayde and Joshua Tetreau. Durand is also survived by his beloved 6 great-grandchildren, and his blessed extended family members. Leslie Durand’s good nature, warm heart, and enduring spirit rewarded him with the gift of many family members and friends with whom he shared wonderful and enduring memories and sometimes naughty experiences. He found richness in his life’s simple pleasures: cars, family, fishing, cruise nights with the Southern Ontario Street Rod Association and car shows that spanned the continent with the National Street Rod Association. Visitation will be held at the WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, On., on Friday, May 30, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., as well as one hour prior to the funeral service being conducted in the chapel on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. Private family interment of ashes at a later date in North Buxton. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Leslie are asked to consider YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.
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Dear Lorraine and family we are very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He was always very pleasant and funny when we use to visit at your house on Springbank. I also want to thank you for your condolences regarding our precious mother whose spirit has joined your fathers up above. Christine Stephan (Nerva)
My cousin, My Brother but Most of all, My Friend. Les Garrell, or Durand as we all fondly call you, I want to thank you for making our great family a better crew. A mentor, a teacher and the most unselfish person many of us will ever know. One lasting impression for me will be your contagious laugh and your smile a glow. I will miss your kind heart, your dedication to family. Many times you have step up to help avoid or resolve calamity. Never one to approach life from a facade, you were always true to yourself. I always knew who you were and loved you for being you, and for that it is heartfelt. Some of the greatest times in my life occurred in London, Ontario, the home of My cousin, My Brother, but Most of all, My Friend. You always made me feel that your home was my home. You offered me generosity with sincerity and you always made me grin. Even when you opened your doors for me when I was off the tracks a bit, you never placed judgment on me, even though anyone else would have thrown a fit. You merely said "it is what it is, what can I do to help" You were never one to argue, always one to trust, that's simply how I felt. When times for me were bleak, when I thought I would being doing time off the street. you kept me grounded with your cheerful disposition, You had that way that made everyone around you comfortable, and for me, put my mind in a better position. I remember the good times we shared, Racing through the streets of London, no expense by you was ever spared. For you always had the fastest and prettiest car in town, Yes cuz I was proud to be with you, just to be around. You were the master mechanic when it came to auto speed and beauty. There was no car or truck that could not be given new life by you; it was as if it was your duty. You were an auto god creating fun and excitement in the automobile show world, Your master pieces were a sight to behold for boy or girl. You taught me a knowledge about cars that extended far beyond the average car buff. Many times that knowledge got me out of situations that were dangerous & tough. Thanks to you, my car knowledge also saved a few hot dates, In days where breakdowns were the rule for me, that expertise got me to the cuties' final gates Probably the most prominent memory will be the quiet times you gave me just listening to what I had to say, I was headstrong in those times and you would be patient and withhold judgment, I remember that to this day. My cousin, My Brother, but Most of all, My Friend, For that and all of my memories of you I will cherish until my end. Thank You Durand, for allowing me to relate to you and for relating to me on your part, I will miss you, but keep you forever in my heart. May you enjoy peace, Love David
I was very saddened to hear of Durand's passing. Truly a wonderful, kind, caring and compassionate man that will be missed dearly. Condolences to Leslie, Lorraine, Steven, Leigh-Ann and family. RIP my friend Love, Cheryl, Zachary and Tyra
So long my good friend..I am so sorry I did not have a chance to say so long.. You were a great friend although we had drifted apart over the years for one reason or another..We had some great times with you and BJ and lil'bit..Some great memories of trips to Hershey and some good memories of the old times from Emery street .. So long my good friend Gods speed .. I will miss your loyal friendship and I will think of you often and I will not be far behind you my friend ..I hope to see you in the next chapter..my condolence's to your family .. Thanks for all the good time we shared my friend..RIP Chuck & Diane Armstrong St.Marys Ont
I was sadden to hear the news of the passing of your father. I've known him for 35 years. A sweet loving kind soul who had a heart of gold. As you can see he has left his mark behind, with his children, and every soul he touch. Over the years I have heard story's on all five of you children. When he talk about his children and at times you would butt heads, you still could here the deepest love that he had for all of you. Just know that he was proud of each and every one of you for your own accomplishments in life. Stay strong as a family, which will give your father peace as he will be smiling down upon you. My prayers go out to Les Jr. Lorraine, Stephen and Leanne.
Lorraine, Tony and families, We were so saddened to learn that your beloved father had died. He was a remarkable man that was loved by family and friends. May all the wonderful and cherished memories be of comfort during this difficult time.
It is saddening to hear of the passing of such a kind, caring gentleman. Les was such a nice, decent and respected person who was a positive influence on many people. We worked together at General Motors Diesel for a few years, and also shared interest in the old car hobby, mostly Oldsmobiles. I will miss his smile and laugh. My deepest condolences to his entire extended family.
Lorraine , Antonio, Les, Steven, and Family: Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Love to you always Penny and Robert Rixon
So sorry to hear has Les passed away. I knew him for many years and he always greeted me with a smile. I will miss seeing his car touring down Springbank Drive this summer. I was happy to have known him. God Bless.
I only met Mr. Garrell once but, I have to say he definitely left an impression. I am the Saturday supervisor at Animal Aide of St. Thomas-Elgin. A few years ago, Mr. Garrell came to our shelter looking for a very specific type of kitten. It had to be a long-haired, brown tabby. That day, we only had one, a kitten named Wilma. It was a pretty quick decision, on his part, that he was going to adopt Wilma, until.........he met Jarvis. Jarvis was as far from being a long haired, brown, tabby kitten as you could get. Jarvis was black. Mr. Garrell spent quite a long time, that Saturday, sitting with Jarvis on his lap, visibly struggling over what to do. He came in for a long haired, brown tabby, kitten and left with a long haired, brown, tabby kitten but, also with a little black kitten, named Jarvis. Yes, he made an impression, I guess he was just that type of man who made an impression wherever he went. Some people are just unforgettable, in a good way. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Mr. Garrell's family. I know he will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family members and close friends of Les. Many good memories. He was a great person and will always be remembered.
Lorraine, I want to offer my deepest condolences for the loss of your father. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the memories you hold dear of your dad help give you strength and peace.
Leigh Ann and family Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Anne and Harold Harvey and family
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family members and close friends of Les. Many good memories. He was a great person and will always be remembered.
To Les junior and your family: We were saddened to hear of Big Les's passing.We will miss all the good times we had together and miss Les very much. No matter where we met, at the speed shops or at Groovey VanGeuningen's he always greeted me with laughter and warm feelings of friendship. We are sure that you will all miss him dearly. Dennis & Karin DuCharme.
My deepest sympathy to Leslie's family ...The world has lost a great man. And heaven has gained a wonderful spirit..He will be greatly missed by all.
Our deepest sympathies to Leslie's family, may God comfort all of you during this difficult time.
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I went to visit Les and our friend Vicky Jackson from Detroit 2 weeks ago. We all go back about 35 years. I arrived on a Monday and left on Tuesday. We sat around as old folk do and talked about the past. We had a lot of laughs and exchanged pictures. Les spoke about his children and was especially proud of Lorraine. Les Jr and my son Paul grew up together and remained friends throughout all those years. I am so glad I made that visit. My heart goes out to Les Jr., Lorraine, Stephen and Leanne. Your dad had a good heart and was a kind person.
~ Anne Bednarz