Leslie David Thompson Sr.

On Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. the love of his life came to take our dad to their heavenly home. Dad strived to live righteously, treating others with kindness and love, he prepared himself for the day he would walk through those pearly gates. This is a wonderful reminder of his journey as a Child of God whose faith and hope were anchored in his love for the Lord.

Dad is survived by his children; Gloria, Lana (Darren), Leslie Jr., Rhea (Keith) and baby boy Ryan Lee Thomas. His grandchildren: Shanda, Keele (Brad), Madison (Kristian), Helena, Kree, Ryanna, Ryan Jr, Zennan, Gavin, Xander, Keisen, Emily, Lilly and foster grandchildren; Neyo Mousseau and the boys; Alexander, Oaklyn and Logan. Dad was also a loving great grandpa to Kristian Jr and Sahannah Thaddeus and Greyson Sanderson – these babies were the light of his life. Special mention to Kaydence Cromarty, Sandra Spence, Erica Moar, Brena Thompson, Murray (Muzz) Anderson and his puppy Peppy Thompson.

He also leaves to mourn his siblings; Edward (Doreen), Stella (Walter), Rita (Alan), Jeff (Eliza), Shirley, Karen (Wayne) and special cousin whom he loved like a big brother Alex Letandre. Step siblings; Myles, Doris, Evie. Elsie and special cousin in law Voila Sumner. Mother-In-Law Mrs. Helen Sumner, in laws; Kathleen, Verna, Julia (Fred), Wayne, Evelyn, Lisa, Cyril (Lisa).

He was predeceased by the love of his life Caroline Irma on May 30th , 2021, his father Louis Thompson (1963), Mother Christina (2004), stepfather Robert J. Anderson (1997), brothers; Stewart, Eric (1980), Felix (Mike - 1999). Step siblings; Louis, Sarah, Mary-Ann (Sheseeb), Alice (Brandon), Leonard and Isabel. Father-In-law Isaac Sumner (1981), sister in laws; Josephine (1957), Christine (2002), Rhonda Sumner (nee Bird – 2005), Norma Thompson (2022), Florence Woodhouse (2023). Brothers-in-law; George Traverse (1997), Chester James Sumner (2001), John Sanderson (2018), Tommy Woodhouse (2021), Joshua Traverse (2021), Brian Sumner (2023). Nieces and nephews; Cora Lee (1989), Kim Anderson, Farine Sumner (2006), Dana Letandre (2020), Tyson Woodhouse (1993), Simon Anderson, William Traverse (1997), Louis Thompson, Felix Jr. Thompson, Kevin Leslie Traverse, Valerie Thompson (nee Traverse), Terry Woodhouse and Stephen Sumner. Grand Daughter Nonny (Iona) Thompson and special cousin-in-law Rosaleen Sanderson (May 30, 2021) and many more family too numerous to mention.

Dad grew up in Pinaymootang First Nation as one of ten siblings. He was a survivor of day school, where he endured significant abuse from both teachers and fellow students. The challenges he faced during this time led to the development of a speech impediment that caused him to stutter—a trait he carried throughout his life, which he learned to manage as he grew older but would still pop up from time to time when nervousness would get the best of him. Losing his father at the age of fourteen forced Dad to mature quickly. Dad went on to leave home at an early age, and he often recounted stories of his “couch surfing” days with his Letandre cousins, Alex and Roy, whom he affectionately referred to as his big brothers. Dad credited them with helping shape him into the man he became. Over the years, he travelled to Dauphin River to maintain his close connection with Alex. Even in recent years, their bond remained strong; Uncle Alex personally visited Dad at the Southeast Personal Care Home to invite him to his ninety-fifth birthday celebration, which Dad gladly attended with his daughter Gloria. Dad consistently spoke highly of Alex, expressing deep respect and admiration to him.

Dad met Mom in 1970, and they were married on June 5, 1971, at the Fairford Anglican Church. The day of their wedding was marked by rain, which an Elder described as “showers of blessings” as they exited the church. Had Mom lived, they would have celebrated fifty years of marriage on June 5, 2021; sadly, she passed away unexpectedly just one week before their anniversary. Nevertheless, Dad was a loving and dutiful husband who cared deeply for Mom and their children. He was actively involved in household chores—cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and tending to whatever needed to be done around the house – mom never had to lift a finger as she was his queen. Mom’s passing left him lonely, but Dad remained steadfast in his promise to care for their five children, grandchildren, and later, his great-grandchildren.

Throughout their lives together, Dad and Mom moved first to Selkirk and then to Winnipeg, raising three of their five children in the city. During this period, Dad stayed home to care for the children while Mom worked. In 1976, they returned to their home community, welcoming their last baby girl in 1977. Later, in 1981, Dad and Mom adopted a little boy, Ryan Lee Thomas, whom they loved unconditionally. Dad was a firm but loving father, ensuring his children learned responsibility through assigned chores around the house and yard—though he made exceptions for his youngest daughter, Rhea because she was his baby girl. He taught his older daughters how to clean, do laundry, cook, and especially how to make Bannock where he would bake with them and share laughter in the kitchen. His sons learned the value of hard work by helping with yard duties and tending the garden. Dad also supported his children in practical matters, such as applying for identification, obtaining driver’s licences, and providing rides to and from work regardless of the weather. His unwavering support and encouragement inspired his children and grandchildren to pursue their goals, reflecting his hope that they would achieve more than he had.

Dad had a profound love for the outdoors, which was reflected in his meticulous care of his yard and annual gardening. He often enlisted his sons to help with his garden and teaching them the patience and satisfaction that came with nurturing a garden. He also enjoyed heading into the bush to dig Seneca root. After relocating back to Pinaymootang, Dad worked for many years as a fisherman’s helper, joining crews on early mornings and bonding over stories. Later, he became a custodian at Fairford Stedman School, where he was known for his attention to detail and friendly demeanour. In his later years, Dad worked as a cashier and shift manager at the Pinaymootang Gas Bar. He took great pleasure in meeting people from all walks of life and was renowned for his remarkable memory—often recalling customers’ treaty numbers on sight, much to their amusement and amazement. His warmth and sense of belonging shaped many friendships and happy memories within the community, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Dad was the joker of the family, and his sense of humour was legendary. One memorable story involved his attempt to program the radio in Mom’s new van. Despite hours of effort, the radio never worked again after his “repairs” and for the next five years, the family joked about Dad’s mechanical abilities a comment that always brought laughter. Another favourite family tale recounted the day Dad bought a used riding lawn mower that wouldn’t start. After his repairs, several bolts fell out as he stood up, but lo’ and behold the mower started and ran for years, further fueling the family’s good-natured teasing. Dad loved to joke with his children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, spreading joy and laughter wherever he went. He also had a deep appreciation for classic country music, often cruising around the reserve with Johnny Cash or Johnny Horton playing for all to hear.

After Mom’s passing, Dad lived independently for three years. Recognizing when the time came for more support, he asked his children to help him find a care home. Together, they chose the Southeast Personal Care Home, where Dad spent his final three and a half months surrounded by family and love. The support and comfort provided by his children and grandchildren during this time were a source of great solace to him.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to all the relatives and friends who visited and supported them at the care home following Dad’s passing. They would also like to thank the Southeast Personal Care Home staff for providing the exceptional care that he required. Lana, Leslie Jr and Rhea would like to express deep appreciation to our sister Gloria for everything she had done for Dad. The time, energy, and love you’ve poured into his care means more than words can express. You had given him comfort and dignity, and we’ll always be grateful to you for that.

God saw you getting tired,
And a cure was not to be;
So he put his arms around you,
And whispered, “Come to me”.
With tearful eyes we watched you,
And saw you pass away;
Although we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best.

Pallbearers: Bradley Nickel, Joshua Hudson, Keith Beardy, Kevin Sanderson, Kree Thompson, Kristian Thaddeus, Preston Thompson and Therron Sumner

Cross Bearers: His Grandsons; Keisen Hart, Zennan Thompson and Xander Klyne

Pastor Wilfred Bruce will be officiating the services

Wake Service: Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. 

Funeral Service: Monday, November 24, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. Both services will be held at the Fairford House of Prayer.

Interment: St. Helen’s Anglican Cemetery.

The family would also like to thank the Anderson Family Funeral Home for the utmost care they have provided to dad and our family. Gichi-Miigwich

“Our Dad gave each of us the greatest gift anyone could give another person – he believed in each of us”
Kisawenamin Nipapa