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Obituary ~ James Lionel McLeod, 1930-2010
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James Lionel McLeod was born Oct. 21, 1930 in Lloydminster, AB. He was the third child born to Archie and Ethel McLeod. At a young age he moved to the High Prairie area with his parents. His father purchased land along the East Prairie River where his father farmed until his death. At that time James and his brothers continued farming. As time went on, his brothers went elsewhere to work and make their homes. James continued to live on and farm the land. He took winter employment at several lumber mills in the area to supplement the farm income.
In 1979, his mother moved from her home in Enilda to live with him on the farm until her death in 1986. During this time, they made many trips to Triangle and High Prairie for cribbage games, which provided them with the good companionship of friends and many hours of enjoyment. When there were no crib games, they made many trips north of High Prairie to pick saskatoons - many, many pails of saskatoons. They enjoyed picking many other kinds of local fruit which were then turned into preserves or jams to be enjoyed throughout the year.
James took pride in the cattle that were raised on the farm and the horses that were used on the farm to pull the machinery and do various other jobs. As times changed, the horses were replaced by tractors and other equipment and the cattle were sold. James continued to farm and raise pigs and, later on, even entrusted two small piglets to his niece and nephew to raise. He truly enjoyed the planting, cultivating and harvesting that took place year after year.
Along with the routine farm work of planting and harvesting, James also enjoyed gardening, both vegetables and flowers, and cultivating a rather large patch of raspberries. He liked his yard neat and tidy, so consequently, he mowed what seemed like several acres of grass, even the half a mile driveway out to the main road.
He always had the constant companionship of a dog throughout his years on the farm. In his later years on the farm, his dog ‘Toots’ was joined by a rather large cat, which was given the name of ‘Big Guy’. These two faithful companions followed wherever he went, even on them round-trip mile long jaunts out to the end of the driveway.
When poor health required him to move to the Pleasantview Lodge in High Prairie, he continued to cultivate his love of gardening. He planted flowers next to the building and in planters. One year, he planted a few tomato plants that produced so abundantly they filled boxes. This cultivation gave him much enjoyment and satisfaction.
While in his new home, he made many good friends whom he enjoyed spending time with. He took pleasure in just sitting and drinking tea and conversing with the ladies and other residents. Occasionally, there were spirited discussions with regards to some topics, but mostly it was talking about family, friends, activities enjoyed, trips taken and reminiscing about times past. Crib and card games were still enjoyed and enriched by these friends. Outings included bowling games in Enilda, shopping trips to Grande Prairie and Slave Lake, and excursions to various parts of Alberta.
Even thought he was no longer on his beloved farm, he continued to enjoy a rich and active life at the lodge. During the last year, his health began to deteriorate until the point where he was hospitalized in McLennan, where he stayed for the last two weeks of his life.
James is survived by: brother Robert in Evansburg; sister Ethel Mae in High Prairie; brother Stanley (Erline) in Hinton; brother Leslie in Carvel; sister Katherine June (Thomas); in High Prairie and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased: by his parents, Archie in 1955 and Ethel in 1986; his brothers Richard (Pat) in 1970, and Donald (Bonnie) in 1978.
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