Obituary of Leslie Richard Barrett

Les passed away peacefully on Nov 18, 2020 at the age of 96 years.

He will be lovingly remembered by daughter Patricia (Patrick); sons Alan (Patricia), and Robert (Estelle); his sister Mary; brother Harry; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Geraldine (Gerry); parents Percy and Elsie Barrett, and great- grandson Evan.

Les was born in Regina where he resided until his passing. He attended Herchmer elementary school, and Scott Collegiate. He was active in many sports during his school years, including track and field, swimming, and of course hockey. Shortly after graduating he met his future bride Gerry while working as a lifeguard at the beach on Wascana Lake. In the late 1930’s Les played junior hockey for the Regina Abbotts. Then, like so many young men his age, Les decided to serve in WW II joining the Royal Canadian Navy as a radar operator on a destroyer escort. During those years, Les was also part of a naval hockey team that toured bases in both Canada and England to entertain other enlisted men.

Upon returning from the War, Les and Gerry were married and settled in Regina where Les started working for the Provincial Gov’t and played senior hockey with the Regina Caps.

His love for hockey led him to becoming involved in minor hockey, initially at the coaching level for both Bantam and Midget teams for some 12 years. Les was instrumental in helping to organize the Regina Boys Community Hockey League in 1972 with the amalgamation of the Pats Community and Regina Boys Leagues. He served in various executive roles for 8 years and was honored by the City of Regina for his many contributions in 1984. Les also served in executive roles with the Saskatchewan Amateur Hockey Association, primarily with the organization’s fund-raising programs.

Les loved the beach life and enjoyed having a cottage at Regina Beach for many years. Prior to Gerry’s passing in 1987 they were able to travel to Hawaii, Europe and on a Caribbean cruise.  Les later travelled with family on many vacations which usually included a golf course or two.

Les retired from the Provincial Government in 1981 as the Superintendent of School Grants and then worked part-time for the Grand Coulee school board.  He enjoyed his golf membership at the Royal Regina Golf Club, which honored him with a life time membership.  He was also a regular participant in an annual Waskesiu golf group and had many fond memories of those trips.  In the winter months Les was back on the ice again but the curling ice this time at the Caledonian Curling Club.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful staff at Wintergreene Estates for the care and attention provided to Les, particularly over the past 2 years during his struggles with dementia.  And also to the staff at College Park II thank you for care during his short stay there.

We would also like to thank the wonderful nursing care he received and the compassion shown to the family at the Pasqua Hospital during his final days.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private family service and reception will be held in the spring of 2021. Family and friends so wishing may make donations to a charity of their choice in memory of Les.