Leslie Burkholder

In Loving Memory of

Leslie Victor Burkholder

May 21, 1949 – July 8, 2025

In his own time and in his on way… It is with deep sadness the family of Leslie Burkholder, affectionately know as “Grumpy”, announces his death after a short battle with dementia.

Leslie is survived by his wife of 48 years, Margaret, his joy, his pride, children Crystal and Nicholas (Ashley), and his legacy, grandchildren whom he adored- Carlee, Harold, Benjamin, Daphnee, Jack and William. He is also survived by his brother, Jack (Bonnie), Kelsie (Johnathon) and Jessica. In addition, Leslie will be dearly missed by numerous in-laws whom he called his outlaws, and an extensive family of cousins, nieces and nephews both near and far.

Leslie worked hard to achieve his mechanic’s licence but found his true calling as a bus driver and he proudly drove the students to and from Norembega, Tawkwa Tagamou First Nation and the East Highway for 27 years. In his last couple of years as a driver, he was always happy to greet the little ones of students he had driven in years past. Les could always be counted on to keep the bus station buzzing with his strong opinions on any topic that came up and even after retiring, he looked forward to greeting his former coworkers around town.

An avid outdoorsman, Les developed his skills as a youth member of the then Cochrane Boy Scout Association followed by over thirty years as a Scouter. He proudly shared his canoeing experience and skills with his Scout Family and members of Cochrane and surrounding area as a canoe instructor with Rick Chartier of Les Coureur des Bois. He especially loved the voyageur canoe when it was filled with excited children and/or adults who had never been out on the water. And winter months were filles with skidoo adventures. When he no longer enjoyed travelling on a skidoo, he became a founding member of the Cochrane Classic Vintage Riders where he enjoyed time at meetings, ‘cooking’ at the Tom Saul Run and helping where he could. Les shared his  love of scouting, canoes, classic skidoos and vehicles with his children and grandchildren. Family trips were always interesting as he handed a map to one of the kids and said, “Tell me which way to go.” We were never ‘lost’, just turned around. His patience, which could be short, was always immense on these adventures. His interests were many, from fishing to fly tying, his never ending quest to learn guitar, wood working to classic modes of transportation but his true talent was looking at a problem and coming up with a solution that was both practical and easy to implement. Les was always ready to lend a hand be it for friend or stranger. This is the gift he left us all, to be curious and not be afraid to try new things. Oh, and to speak up when you saw a wrong and right it if you could.

We would like to thank his entire health team and especially the staff at Lady Minto Hospital for their care during Leslie’s illness. You saw his need for laughter and company then supported him when he was his most ‘Grumpy’.

Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating Leslie (cause he loved almost nothing more that a party) at the Scout Hall, 438 Eleventh Avenue on Friday, July 11, 2025. 6:00 pm Gather and Greet; 7:00 pm Service and Celebration.

Come as you are and bring your stories. We know there are many!

If you wish, please consider a donation in Leslie’s name to Cochrane Scout Association, 438 Eleventh Avenue, Cochrane ON P0L 1C0 or 1stcochranescoutgroup@gmail.com (e-transfer)

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to

Irvine & Irvine funeral home

For information:705-272-3239

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leslie Burkholder, please visit our floral store.