Cecil Leif
Cecil Leif, 84, passed away November 22, 2013 at the Atikokan General Hospital. He was born September 19, 1929 to Carl and Esther in Bergland, Ontario, where he was raised. His first job was as a mechanic at a Ford garage in Fort Frances, and he transferred to Atikokan in the late 1940s to work at Mel Newman Ltd.’s Ford dealership. It was there he met co-worker Ginny Gorrill, whom he married in 1951, and they raised daughter Krystal here.
Cecil worked at the garage for many years before he was hired by the Steep Rock air division, where as both a pilot and mechanic, he travelled to mines throughout Canada and the US doing aircraft mechanical work. Later on he worked at Steep Rock’s main warehouse until the mine closed. From there, Leif worked with Calmang Steel until his retirement, although he spent some time every day there, working in the steel fabrication shop as needed, until the business closed.
Throughout his working years, Cecil was very active in the community as a volunteer. He joined the Kiwanis Club in 1957 and was a member until his death, throughout the years serving almost continually on the executive and was an active volunteer at the club’s many events – whether it was ‘apple days’ or the fall fair. In the mid 1970s, he, along with fellow Kiwanians Bob Mathison and Adolf Werner, started the first Atikokan Snowarama in support of Easter Seals kids.
Cecil also volunteered with the Boys Scouts, served as a Town Councillor, and was a faithful member and volunteer of the Faith Lutheran Church. For the past 24 years, he was a member of the board of the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation.
However, there were two passions near and dear to his heart, possibly for what he was most well-known: He was a ‘Ford man’ through and through, and a dedicated member of the Liberal Party.
In addition to volunteering, Cecil and Ginny enjoyed their retirement by spending time at their camp on Eva Lake and exploring virtually every bush road in northwestern Ontario.
Cecil is survived by his wife of 62 years Ginny, daughter Krystal of Thunder Bay, and numerous nieces and nephews.
As per Cecil’s wishes, no service will be held, and in lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial donations to the Faith Lutheran Church or to the Exceptional Cancer Care Campaign.
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