Leslie, Joseph Norman

It is with great sadness that we announce that Joe passed away peacefully at his home, Kinsmen Manor - Elmwood Residence, in Saskatoon on March 6, 2013 at the age of 93.

Born on July 25, 1919 to Norman and Anastasia Leslie in Cupar, Saskatchewan, Joe grew up on the family farm near Grenfell. A difficult birth, which he barely survived, impaired Joe's mental faculties somewhat, but did not diminish at all his tremendous love and enjoyment of life. Joe was always an enthusiastic and valued worker throughout his life, initially on the farms of his parents and his brothers in Saskatchewan and British Columbia, and in later years at Cosmopolitan Industries' workshop in Saskatoon.

Thanks to the enlightened and progressive mental health policies of the T. C. Douglas and succeeding Saskatchewan Governments, as well as to the marvelous resources, programs and staff of the Kinsmen residences in Saskatoon, Joe enjoyed a particularly rich and happy life. And with his twinkling eyes, mischievous smile, and irrepressible wit and conversation, Joe always brightened and enriched the lives of his family, his many co-workers and friends, and his caregivers. Blessed with a remarkable tenor voice and an amazing memory of lyrics, Joe was a gifted, joyful and popular singer, both solo and in choirs. He was much in demand and loved to perform for everyone. A good and cheerful companion, he will be much missed by all who knew and loved him.

Joe is survived by his nephews, Barry McCashin (Laura) in Edmonton, and Doug McCashin in Ottawa, numerous other relatives, young and old, as well as by his large, adopted family at Cosmo Industries and Kinsmen Manor in Saskatoon. Joe was pre-deceased by his sisters, Anne ("Mickey") McCashin, Reverend Sister Catherine Leslie and Lou Aitkin, and by his brothers Phillip, Allan and Josh.

A memorial service for Joe will be held in Saskatoon at Kinsmen Manor - Elmwood Residence. Joe will be buried next to his mother in Regina's Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery.