Obituary of George Sydney "Syd" Leech

Syd Rushfeldt AKA George Sydney Leech March 28, 1943 - July 10, 2018 It is very painful to have to say goodbye to someone you love but we find comfort knowing that our brother Syd passed peacefully and is finally at ease. Syd passed away on July 10, 2018 at Rotary Manor in Dawson Creek. He was 75. Syd was born in Edmonton Alberta on March 28,1943 to Lillian Porter and Frederick Sydney Leech. Syd's birthfather met his little son only once and then unfortunately in late 1944, he was killed in a WWII Canadian Air Force mission over the North Sea. In 1947, Lillian married Elmer Rushfeldt and in 1949, they moved to Pouce Coupe, BC where Elmer was a part owner of The Hart Hotel. Syd grew up in Pouce Coupe and will be remembered as a very caring and loving brother to all of his four younger siblings. From meal preparation to teaching the basics of baseball and hockey, Syd was always there with patience, advice and guidance. He will also be fondly remembered by his nephews and nieces who spent time with him at the farm. After Grade 12, Syd graduated with Honours in Agriculture from Fair View College. He worked at the Bennett Dam for a few years before joining Elmer and Lillian at their farm/ranching operation in Bonanza, Alberta. Syd was indispensable to Elmer with his wide range of knowledge about cattle and his innate ability to calm nervous cows. Being very athletic himself, in his younger years he enjoyed playing hockey, curling and ball and his left-handedness became a bonus as he could throw a wicked pitch or surprise goalies with his quick left shots. No summer went by when Syd did not swim across the Peace River and back again with nothing on but his shorts. Syd is survived by Haley(Gail) Jonstyn, Brian Rushfeldt, Wendy Christie and Bev (Ron) Pasmeny. A Celebration of Syd's life will take place at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made by donation to the charity of your choice.