After a life well-lived, Justus passed away peacefully at Dryden Regional Health Centre on January 5, 2025 with his family by his side.
Justus was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Lillian (Martens). He is survived by his children Ramona (Russ), Marcia (Scott) and Dean (Diane). He holds a special place in the hearts of his grandchildren Matthew, Amelia, Katelyn, Karl, Mitchell, Cameron, Andrew and Travis and his ten great-grandchildren who he deeply loved and took a keen interest in.
Born to Wilhem “Bill” and Anna Leschied on January 15, 1940 in Waldhof, ON, the youngest of eight children, he grew up with a deep love of nature, outdoor adventures, gardening, hunting and fishing. As a child of homesteaders, his “can-do” spirit carried over into all other aspects of his life. He modelled that if you could do for yourself, then you should try and if you didn’t know something then there were ways of educating yourself about what you needed to know.
He met the love of his life, Lillian, while attending Winnipeg Bible Institute. Their Christian faith formed the basis of raising a family, relationship with others, service to the church family and within the community. Our home rang with music, the laughter of friends and extended family visits. They supported each other as they worked towards their dreams of a country home, their cabin and Four Seasons Footwear. Together they enjoyed travelling to shoe shows, visits to extended family across North America and winter holidays in warm destinations.
Dad’s stated focus was one of support and service to others whether that was during his 30 years with Dryden Reimer Express Lines or when he joined Mom in running Four Seasons Footwear. Following her passing in 2003, Dad continued to operate the store until his retirement in 2022.
Along with his wonderful staff, his German Schnauzer Mac was a lively addition to the store. Who can forget Mac’s mascot role as “Dryden’s Hush Puppy”. As a family, we have heard many stories from others of Dad’s helpful service: Not just caring for sales and feet, but caring for the people he served.
Dad participated in municipal government by serving on the Barclay council in the 1970’s. As well he became involved in different environmental campaigns: nuclear waste protest, walleye spawning bed preservation, white pine protection on Eagle Lake, wetlands preservation and woodlands management practices. He was also a supporter of the Dryden Food Bank, and his voracious love of reading (especially history and politics) translated into being a staunch supporter of the Dryden Library. He had many hobbies and loved learning.
Following retirement, Dad enjoyed his new life with the Timberland community and sought to be involved and help in whatever way he could. He continued to invite people into his home for meals and visits and loved sharing the produce he grew at the Community Garden with others.
The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of Dingwall Medical Clinic and Dryden Regional Health Centre for their care and support of Dad.
Condolences(9)-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Previous Wilfred Ewen
Next Alan Woodworth
Larry Sukava says
January 23, 2025 at 1:22 pmMy most sincere condolences on the passing of Justus. He was my first Sunday school teacher in Vermilion Bay and over the years had many interesting conversations. A life well lived!
Melanie Weberg says
January 23, 2025 at 2:22 pmSincere condolences to the Leschied family. Always enjoyed conversations with Justus, he always taught me something I didn’t know. Will miss our conversations. Thinking of you all and sending my love.
Ashley Foster (Liddell) says
January 30, 2025 at 9:07 pmI felt the same; I wish I would have recorded every conversation. He knew so many incredibly historical facts. I always looked forward to visiting him and learning more about family history. He will be very greatly missed.
Terry & Jackie Myland says
January 24, 2025 at 2:35 pmJustus was a very strong Christian influence in our lives and our 3 girls, Rachelle, Vicki, and Andrea. Justus was known as uncle Justus.
I remember my first moose hunting trip with Justus calling out a moose with a squeaky hand pump of an old water well.
Justus’s support to our family lives on with God’s strength.
A true legacy left to us and all who knew Justus.
Lynn Brickman says
January 24, 2025 at 4:06 pmWhen you perform an anonymous random act of kindness, sometimes someone sees and never forgets. In 1978 my little girl and a friend set up a lemonade stand at the end of our driveway on Airport Rd., virtually a busy highway. From the kitchen window, I watched Justin Leschied stop his car, pull over, and buy lemonade that I’m sure he wasn’t thirsty for, just to thrill a couple of little girls and make them feel important. If that is all anyone ever says about Justin, I think it speaks volumes about the man. Rest in peace, Mr. Leschied.
Tim Weber says
January 26, 2025 at 3:06 pmI met Justus through my work. A wonderful gentleman! Although we only met a couple of times I was touched by his passion and kind spirit. Sincere condolences to your families.
Keith Eichel says
January 26, 2025 at 8:50 pmI have fond memories of my friendship with Justus. He and Lillian took me into their home at a difficult time in my life. As a new believer in Jesus, Justus was a godly influence in my life.
Shannon Dueck (Niece) says
January 27, 2025 at 5:34 pmMy dear Uncle Justus! You will always be one of my favorite people. When we spent one on one time together there was nobody as important as me in your eyes. It was Uncle Justus and Shannon time…nothing was more special! You taught me so many things in my life, that I have taken into my adulthood. I have been blessed beyond measure to have you as my Uncle, thank you for being such a strong influence in my life. May you fly high with the Seagulls (I won’t call them what I really want to), I am sure Aunt Lil was eagerly waiting for your arrival. Have so much fun fishing on the big lake in the sky with Dad. I Love You Uncle Justus.
Ramona, Marcia and Dean and families – may our Lord wrap his loving arms around you during this difficult time of loss. Lean on Him and he will guide you through! Love you all!
Dale Edmonds-Mutcher says
February 16, 2025 at 11:20 pmRamona, Marcia, and Dean : I loved visiting your family when I was a kid, and remember that Justus was a big personality with a lot of love to share. My mom appreciates how he stayed in touch and kept contact. I see now that there were many people that he touched and influenced. I pray that your memories of your dad will be a blessing to you even during the difficult times of grieving.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Dryden Food Bank, 62 Queen St, Dryden, ON P8N 1A4
or
Adult & Teen Challenge of Central Canada, Dryden, 34 King St., Unit G, Dryden, ON P8N 1B3
All Rights Reserved