Obituary for Leslie Robert Ivall
It is with great sadness the Ivall family announces the passing of their father, grandfather and great grandfather, Leslie Robert Ivall.
Les was born on June 3, 1922 and was just one day short of his 99th birthday when he passed away at Rainy River Long Term Care in Rainy River, ON
Les was born in Rainy River to Joseph William Ivall and Annie Ivall (Kolser).
He was third youngest of 9 children; Albert John, Irene Hazel, Meryle Ida, William James, Edward Laverne, Joseph Garnet, (Les Robert) Arthur Clinton, Marion Margaret.
His young life was very hard as his father left the family when Les was a young boy. Any money Les or his siblings made, chopping & cutting wood, collecting bottles and mowing grass went to the family for food and household costs.
He enjoyed fishing as a young boy and when a fish was caught that meant the family could eat.
He went to the old White School and later the Alexander School. His best friend was Buzz Miniely, (who he remained friends with the rest of his life, until Buzz's passing in 2014.) Other childhood friends were Tom Green, Jack Ross, Raymond Galepeau & Leo Valliquette.
Three days after his 18th birthday he signed up for the Army.
The Army took him many places, Thunder Bay, Petawawa, Divert N.S., (where he got his promotion from gunner to Bombardier.) From there he was sent overseas where he spent time in Scotland, England & Italy. Les began training as a signaler, radio operator and was laying wire. They were responsible for all the communication posts for the whole troop. He eventually attained the rank of Sargent.
He had many adventures during the war but was very happy to be home in Rainy River after the war. He had a few jobs including Canada Customs, CN, Mel Newmans garage and Bill Crow's gas station. He eventually decided to build his own garage and along with that he drove taxi and ambulance. Some nights he would stay right at the garage in case there was a call out. The building still stands on the east side of town. Les was very involved in community activities and fund raising efforts over the years. He was a Kinsman and Lions member and a respected town councillor for many years. He was well known for his historical knowledge and was often approached by someone wanting to know something about the town's past.
He very much enjoyed his time owning the garage but eventually decided to sell and he started working at the High School in Rainy River as caretaker. Many, many students still remember his smile and quick comments as they went on their way to classes. He was well loved by the students and teachers.
One of Les and Lucy's greatest joys was travel. After Les retired from the school he and Lucy went many places in the camper van. They had many adventures all over Canada and to the southern United States, but probably their favourite place to visit was Alaska, making many trips there.
Les leaves behind his son Robert (Anne), Donnie, Lindy Taylor and children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who loved him dearly.
He will also be missed by his friend and World War 2 veteran Len Ricci. They were two of a kind and had much had much in common.
He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Lucy in 2004, all of his sisters and brothers and son-in-law Keith Taylor.
Les lived in his own house on Sixth Street until he was 98 when it became unsafe for him to stay alone. He enjoyed going for rides with his son Robert and on return home he would always say “Well I had a very good day” Hopefully he can now say... “I had a very good life”
A small private family graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn cemetery for both Les & Lucy at a later date.
We love you dad,you will be missed!
Les was born on June 3, 1922 and was just one day short of his 99th birthday when he passed away at Rainy River Long Term Care in Rainy River, ON
Les was born in Rainy River to Joseph William Ivall and Annie Ivall (Kolser).
He was third youngest of 9 children; Albert John, Irene Hazel, Meryle Ida, William James, Edward Laverne, Joseph Garnet, (Les Robert) Arthur Clinton, Marion Margaret.
His young life was very hard as his father left the family when Les was a young boy. Any money Les or his siblings made, chopping & cutting wood, collecting bottles and mowing grass went to the family for food and household costs.
He enjoyed fishing as a young boy and when a fish was caught that meant the family could eat.
He went to the old White School and later the Alexander School. His best friend was Buzz Miniely, (who he remained friends with the rest of his life, until Buzz's passing in 2014.) Other childhood friends were Tom Green, Jack Ross, Raymond Galepeau & Leo Valliquette.
Three days after his 18th birthday he signed up for the Army.
The Army took him many places, Thunder Bay, Petawawa, Divert N.S., (where he got his promotion from gunner to Bombardier.) From there he was sent overseas where he spent time in Scotland, England & Italy. Les began training as a signaler, radio operator and was laying wire. They were responsible for all the communication posts for the whole troop. He eventually attained the rank of Sargent.
He had many adventures during the war but was very happy to be home in Rainy River after the war. He had a few jobs including Canada Customs, CN, Mel Newmans garage and Bill Crow's gas station. He eventually decided to build his own garage and along with that he drove taxi and ambulance. Some nights he would stay right at the garage in case there was a call out. The building still stands on the east side of town. Les was very involved in community activities and fund raising efforts over the years. He was a Kinsman and Lions member and a respected town councillor for many years. He was well known for his historical knowledge and was often approached by someone wanting to know something about the town's past.
He very much enjoyed his time owning the garage but eventually decided to sell and he started working at the High School in Rainy River as caretaker. Many, many students still remember his smile and quick comments as they went on their way to classes. He was well loved by the students and teachers.
One of Les and Lucy's greatest joys was travel. After Les retired from the school he and Lucy went many places in the camper van. They had many adventures all over Canada and to the southern United States, but probably their favourite place to visit was Alaska, making many trips there.
Les leaves behind his son Robert (Anne), Donnie, Lindy Taylor and children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who loved him dearly.
He will also be missed by his friend and World War 2 veteran Len Ricci. They were two of a kind and had much had much in common.
He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Lucy in 2004, all of his sisters and brothers and son-in-law Keith Taylor.
Les lived in his own house on Sixth Street until he was 98 when it became unsafe for him to stay alone. He enjoyed going for rides with his son Robert and on return home he would always say “Well I had a very good day” Hopefully he can now say... “I had a very good life”
A small private family graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn cemetery for both Les & Lucy at a later date.
We love you dad,you will be missed!