In Memory of

Les

Armstrong

Obituary for Les Armstrong

Peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2014 at Juravinski Hospital, Hamilton at the age of 80. Beloved husband of Peggy. Loving father of Wally (Maggie), Leslie (Jeff) and Russell (Tracie). Cherished grandfather of Sean, Taylor, Kristen, Lindsay, Blake, Karlie and Lauren and great grandfather of Makayla. Les will be dearly missed by his brothers Frank (May) Armstrong and Chris “Beezer” Armstrong (Betty Morden). Predeceased by his sister in law Donna Armstrong. After retiring from the Ontario Potato Board in 1998, Les became active in his community by supporting many organizations including the Burlington Historical Society, Freeman Station, Power Squadron, 50 Point Yacht Club, Burlington Ham Radio Club as well as volunteering with the City of Burlington. Visitation at SMITH’S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stoplight north of QEW), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333), on Sunday from 3-5 and 7-9p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Monday, January 27, 2014 at 1p.m. Private family interment, Greenwood Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Les are asked to please consider a charity of choice and are encouraged to become more active within their community by volunteering their time.

Born in Nelson Township in 1933, Les spent his youth in Burlington. As a young adult he worked for the Hydro department as well as a Volunteer Firefighter. On June 25, 1955 Les married Margaret (Peggy)
Les and Peggy moved to Clifford in 1963 where he became a pig farmer. While in Clifford, Les became active in the Lions Club and drove a school bus. Les and Peggy also adopted three children Wally (1960), Leslie (1962) and Russell (1966).
In 1969 Les moved his family to Wingham. Les was a Farm reporter for the local television station CKNX. During his time with the TV station, he had the honour of interviewing former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker.
It was always in the back of Les’ mind to move back to his hometown of Burlington. In 1971, Les was offered a job with the Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association in Toronto. He jumped at the opportunity and moved the family back to Burlington.
After a brief time with the OF&VGA, Les became the Secretary Manager of the Ontario Potato Board.
He held this position up until his retirement in 1998.
Les began his retirement by getting involved in the city he loved. He volunteered his time to several clubs and committees. These include HUG, LACAC, Friends of the Freeman Station, Plains Road Vision, and The Historical Society to name a few.
He also became more involved in his passion of sailing. Les has sailed Newfoundland to honour the Vikings, each of the five Great Lakes, the British Virgin Islands and his cross Atlantic trip to the Azores along with several voyages in Lake Ontario from his slip at 50 Point Marina.