Leslie “Les” Charles Damude

Passed away peacefully at Chelsey Park Long-Term Care Residence in London, Ontario on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at the age of 71. Woven through his life was a passion for nature, for science, and for faith, which led via a circuitous route to a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Western Ontario in 1980. Following this, Les taught Science in French from 1985 – 1988 in Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo), with a Christian mission (WEC International). Ultimately, his love of teaching led to a career at Banting Secondary School in London, Ontario, as a teacher of Chemistry, Biology and Math, in both English and French Immersion. As a committed Christian, Les saw no conflict between faith and science, and was convinced that the remarkable discoveries of science only pointed to the “God of wonders.” His love of nature led him to regular summer trips to scramble in the mountains of Alberta and British Columbia – sometimes with a family member or friend, and at times on his own. Les also enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and extended family. In 2018, Les was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia with secondary Parkinson’s disease, which led to progressive disability. And so, his passing is bittersweet. Finally, Home. Fully healed in the Lord’s presence, where “all tears are wiped away”, and where he is now more fully himself than he ever was here on earth, even in his prime. Left to honour Les’ memory are his wife, Leslie Ruth (née Mogenson) Damude, their children Andrew Damude and Rachel (Dylan) de Coning, grandchildren Alliyah, Kynlee, Leila, Kaida, Jayden, Olivia and Isaac, as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives. Les was preceded in his death by his parents Basil and Bernice Damude, and by his sister, Enid McLachlin. Special thanks to David Card, David Danter and Carl Lee for faithful visits and support, and to many other relatives and friends who supported Les and family over the years. The Dementia Day Program at McCormick Home was much appreciated, as well as care at Chelsey Park in the past few months. A service to celebrate Les’ life will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 6:30 p.m., with visitation from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., and an informal drop-in reception from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in honour of Les may be made to Mission Services of London, the Northwest London Resource Centre, or to Gateway Church, London.