Tribute

Matthew Rowen Leeming,(Matt) born January 3, 1935, in Burnley, Lancashire, England, the only son of Hilda and Matthew Leeming.

Surrounded by his family, Matt ”passed the bar” quietly in his sleep on November 16, 2019.

Matt survived the Blitz with his parents in Kingston-on-Thames. He wanted to see the world and immigrated to Canada at the age of 21.He worked in a uranium mine in Elliot Lake Ontario and then moved to Vancouver. He enlisted in the navy at HMCS Discovery. After training in Cornwallis he was posted to HMS Skeena in Esquimalt. He met Edie in 1958 and they married May 2, 1959 and they had four lovely children who he cherished with all his heart and soul.

He subsequently was drafted to Submarines and was attached to the British Navy and did his training in Gosport, England.  He was on the commissioning crew of the H.M.C.S. Ojibwa.  He loved his years in submarines. He was a true submariner.  He returned to General Service and advanced to Chief Petty Officer, First Class.

One of his accomplishments that he was most proud of was his long distance running taking part in the first ever Victoria Marathon with his buddy Dwight Grieve.  In 1985, Matt, in commemoration of the 75^th anniversary year of the Canadian Navy,  participated and completed the “Sea to Sea Run” from Halifax to Esquimalt. His fellow Chiefs in this epic run were:  Late Gordie Ball, Bill Mackie, Dwight Grieve and Dave Coughlin and Late Lieutenant Commander Gordie Jones. They completed this relay in 45 days. He also ran several marathons in Victoria, Seattle and Vancouver.

One of his last postings was as coxswain of the HMCS Ship Restigouche. He often said he loved every minute of his career in the navy. He served over 34 years in the Navy.

On retirement he and Edie moved to Duncan and used their home as a base while he continued jogging, travelling and showing Edie the world. He also loved boating, golfing, hunting with his sons and fishing. He looked forward to his annual moose hunting trips with Richard and David.

He was predeceased by both his parents, a stepfather and half-brother, as well as his treasured aunts and uncles, especially his uncle, Jim Birney.

He leaves to mourn his wife Edie, sons Richard and David, daughters Sandra (Stephen) and Jacqueline (Dave). Also his treasured grandchildren, Melissa (Phil), Paul, Keri, Jack, Derek and Rachel. Also, his little great grandchildren, Mackenzie, Khloe, Kaylee and Odin.

A huge thank you to Dr. Fitzgerald, Dr. McGee, Dr. Masuda, Dr. Rossouw, Homecare Community Nursing, Homecare Support and all other involved VIHA staff. We are grateful as a family for all the professional and caring medical assistance you provided for Matt.

He asked that his ashes be spread in the Straits of Juan de Fuca off Race Rocks. A private service will be held at a later date to honour his request.

No flowers by request. If you feel inclined, please make a donation to the Cowichan District Hospital or the Cancer Society, or charity of your choice.

What a life! What a man! A true gentleman!

Fair winds and following seas.