Justus Ernst Leschied
January 15, 1940 – January 5, 2025
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.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Dryden First United Church.
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
Condolences may be posted to www.dcfh.ca
Arrangements entrusted to the Dryden Community Funeral Home,
249 Grand Trunk Ave. Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
