John Leckie

John Douglas Leckie, 81, of Chester, passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2013. Born in Tenby, Wales he was the son of the late Robert and Bernice O'Kane Leckie. He was a member of the Bensley-Bermuda Rescue Squad, Bryce Mountain National Ski Patrol, and the Meadowbrook Country Club. He is survived by his wife, Sheila Anita Leckie; a son, Robert Grierson Leckie and wife, Alesandra of Reno, Nevada; a daughter, Lisa Leckie Gravitte and husband, Ricky of Chester; grandchildren, Daniel (Sarah), Matthew (Courtney), Katelyn (Zac), John Thompson, James Grierson, Robert Sean, James Ryan, and Elizabeth Madison; great-grandchildren, Faith, Mia, Camdyn, and Beckett; a brother, Robin Leckie of Ottawa, Canada; sisters-in-law, Jean Beamish and Judy Dumsday (Gayle); numerous nieces and nephews; and his best friend, Wilson Sheridan ( Mary Lou). A private family ceremony was held. A man of the mountains and the sea, John had a passion for life's adventures and an appreciation for new experiences. He always stopped to assist at accidents and was given the Gold Star from the National Ski Patrol for saving the life of a truck driver. He climbed Mt. Denali at age 60 and Mt. Kilimanjaro at age 70 . He was in the World Kite Flying Championships in 1967 ( an early form of hang gliding), and was a championship water and snow skier. John ran several marathons, including Boston. All over the world, he climbed, kayaked, scuba dived, windsurfed and sailed with Sheila, his wife of 55 years. He taught his children and grandchildren through actions, not words. John exuded a constant light, living life to the fullest, sharing his honesty, humility and loving heart with all who knew him. Arrangements by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bryce Mountain Ski Patrol, P.O. Box 3, Basye, Virginia 22810 or your favorite charity. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com