Obituary of Harold Wendell Leamon

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Harold Wendell Leamon on March 25, 2025, in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

 

Wendell was born on June 26,1962, in Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. He was only 20 years old when he enlisted and went on to dedicate 21 years of service to the Canadian Armed Forces as a Red Seal Chef. Later in life, he loved to prepare and serve special meals for family and friends. Wendell received numerous medals including: The Queen’s Jubilee, The Canadian Special Service Medal (SSM) for serving under exceptional circumstances, The Canadian Forces Declaration of Service Medal, and even receiving a medal from the government of Kuwait for participating in Operation Desert Storm, and the Liberation of Kuwait.

 

Wendell retired from the Canadian Armed Forces in 2004 and went on to enjoy a career wearing many different hats from Chef to hard hat with Marine Atlantic for almost 20 years. He then moved to Fort McMurray in 2015 working in Safety with the oil sands, leaving lasting impressions rooted in the hearts of everyone he worked with. He really enjoyed his being with his coworkers and looked forward to his times with them.

 

Wendell, also known affectionately as “Mr. Christmas”, earned his nickname by wearing his many flashy, season-themed suits with matching shiny shoes. He would love to wear these extravagant outfits for Christmas functions from November to January. He loved to dress up and make people smile when they saw his suits.

 

Wendell enjoyed being surrounded by friends and family sharing good food, stories, music, and laughter. He was always up for a good gathering and was always the first to arrive. He would really enjoy himself and stay later if there was a good supply of candy.

 

Wendell thoroughly enjoyed watching hockey, especially when the Montreal Canadiens were playing and winning. One of his best memories was when his sons gave him rink-side tickets to see the Canadiens play the Oilers in Edmonton. He smiled big the entire game.

 

Wendell is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 21 years, Jennifer; his four handsome sons: Sheldon Leamon of Fort McMurray, Charles Leamon of Winnipeg, Tyson (Kristin) Hayward & Cordale Hayward of Fort McMurray; his cherished granddaughter, Emily; and his four-legged babies: Molly & Marshall.

 

He is also survived by his brothers: Todd (Edith) Leamon of Rose Blanche, N.L., and Austin (LoriAnn) Leamon of Airdrie, A.B.; sister, Evelyn (Woodrow) Keeping of Yellowknife, Yukon; his loving mother-in-law & father-in-law: Miriam and Rubert Bond of Burn Islands, N.L.; his sister-in-law, Theresa (Rick) Sheaves; and brother-in-law, Russell (Jackie) Bond of McDongulls, N.L. Wendell also leaves to mourn, many wonderful aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 

Wendell was a thoughtful and caring friend who will me mourned and dearly remembered by his many friends who have become family. Wendell’s fun spirit, kindness, and dedication to his family and career will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

 

Wendell was predeceased by his sweet parents, whom he spoke of often and fondly: Phyllis & Reginald Leamon of Channel-Port aux Basques.

 

A Celebration of Wendell’s incredible Life will be held at The Royal Canadian Legion in Fort McMurray, A.B. in the near future, with an additional Celebration of Life in Port aux Basques, N.L. to be announced at a later date.