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Leslie Joan Askew (Hamilton)
June 5, 1953 - February 11, 2023
Tribute
It is with great sadness that the family of Leslie Askew (née Hamilton) announce her sudden passing on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the age of 69.
Leslie is survived by her former husband Michael (Shelley), two children, Amy and Shaun (Cassandra), two granddaughters, Amelie and Carolyn, Sisters, Leigh, Beth (Bruce), Jill and Darci, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and extended family. Leslie was predeceased by her parents, Brian Hamilton and Shirlea Armstrong, and an infant sister, Chris.
Leslie was born in Kimberley, British Columbia, the second of five girls. She attended Lindsay Park Elementary School until the family’s move to Cranbrook in 1963 where she attended Central School, Laurie Junior Secondary and then graduated from Mount Baker Senior Secondary in 1971. Leslie participated in various school activities and clubs: cheerleading, ski club, yearbook, photography and theatre. She enjoyed ballet, Brownies and Girl Guides, and was a Corporal in the Cranbrook Girls Bugle Band. After graduation Leslie attended Henderson Business College in Calgary and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi.
After returning to Cranbrook, Leslie embarked on a 35-year career with the BC Provincial Government where she held varying positions before retiring in 2017.
Leslie was thrilled to become a grandmother first in 2009, and was so excited to welcome another granddaughter in 2021. Seeing her children become parents and spending time with her granddaughters brought her so much joy.
Leslie recently participated in the 2019 Cranbrook Girls Bugle Band reunion, riding on the float in their final Sam Steele Parade. She was instrumental in organizing three Mount Baker grad reunions and was currently planning their 50+2 Grad Reunion.
Leslie was a voracious reader with at least one thick hardback library book on the go. She was also a strong competitor in any board game, especially Trivial Pursuit. She could retain mind-boggling trivia and facts. Leslie was a talented wordsmith and spent countless hours blogging and corresponding on social media, making friends across the globe.
Leslie’s love of camping took her to many spots in British Columbia and the Western States, including frequent trips to her favourite spot in Idaho. She visited San Diego in 2014 with some friends she’d met through her blog, and she embarked on a trip-of-a lifetime to Scotland and Ireland in 2019. In January 2020 she travelled to Disneyland with her children and granddaughter. She excitedly shared her travels with her online communities via her enthusiastic and detailed journaling.
Fiercely independent, passionate, and enthusiastic about the things she cared about, whatever Leslie did, she did 100 percent. She was unwavering in her beliefs and whoever she loved, she loved wholeheartedly. She was brilliant and shone her light everywhere. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 29th 2023 at 11am at Christ The Servant Parish, 1100 – 14th Avenue South, Cranbrook.
Condolences
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From: Mark Memorial Funeral Services
Mark Memorial Funeral Services Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Sandie Cartie
Relation: Friend of her sister Darci
Darci,
So sorry for your families loss. Such a beautiful tribute. My heart goes out to you all.
From: Tricia Kavanagh
Relation: Long distance blog friends
I am sad for Leslie’s family and sad for those of us who were her world-around friends. She and I shared a lot prior to her trip to Scotland as I had been there twice. Leslie was an awesome blog friend, one I hope to travel to aand meet in person. She was loved by many. I will miss her.
From: Lesley McCulloch (nee: Colledge)
Relation: Childhood neighbour
Sorry to hear of Leslie’s passing. I remember her and all her sisters with their busy lives back in the 60’s. On one occasion, Leslie’s mom hired me to help Leslie take care of Leigh, Darcy, Jill and Beth. We had to cook dinner as well as ensure all baths were safely done before bedtime. I still have the recipe Mrs Hamilton provided for an easy “chow mein” dish that I was expected to prepare for everyone that evening. Leslie was a very kind helpful soul.
From: Cathy Louise Hodgson
Relation: Our grandparents and parents were friends.
Sending love to all the Hamiton and Armstrong clans, close, close friends to my mother (Bubbles Hodgson) and grandmother’s (Virginia Adlard) families. Although we have been out of close contact for many decades, I remember the fiery and passionate spirit of young Leslie as described in this lovely obituary. I wish we lived closer so I could return the many kindnesses you and the Armstrong clan bestowedd on my family deceased and living. I would bring a casserole, flowers and pie. Drink some tea, coffee or scotch and reminisce. Wrap you in hugs. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I carry you in my heart. Love from Edmonton, Cathy Hodgson
From: Lori Stadel
Relation: Long time patron at the Library (I have worked here for 27 years)
My deepest condolences to the family. I will miss her coming into the Library and talking to her. She would always be in for more titles, a long time patron. I will miss you, RIP Leslie.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
MJ’s Floral Boutique
24 10th Avenue South
Cranbrook BC V1C 2M8
250.526.5689
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
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