LEONARD SIMMS - January 29, 1928 - November 11, 2017
It is with great sadness the family of Leonard Simms announces his passing on November 11, 2017 at the age of 89. He is survived by his wife, Satira, eight children, Newton, Brian, Carvel , Lorna, Michael, Duite, Audrey and Feona; 16 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, four sisters, two brothers, nieces and nephews and in-laws in the U.S. and Jamaica. He was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Margaret, as well as his daughter Marlene in 2004.
Leonard was born and raised in Castle Kelly, Jamaica. He later built his own home and raised his family in Ocho Rios. He immigrated to Winnipeg, MB in 1970. Initially, he worked in the hotel industry and later pursued his dream of starting his own business as a building contractor. He left Winnipeg in 1991and moved to Toronto, Ontario where he had resided since.
Leonard loved being surrounded by his family and was always there to provide guidance, assistance and support. He was very proud of his children and instilled in them the value of a good education. He will be lovingly remembered for repeatedly saying "No one can take from you what you have in your head." His final words to his children the evening before his death were "If there's a ladder to climb, climb it." In addition to these words of encouragement, we will all miss his long stories about his years growing up in Jamaica, especially the story about the day he purchased his first pair of shoes. The moral of the story: try the shoes on before you buy it.
In keeping with his wishes, a funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at the York Cemetery and Funeral Centre, 160 Beecroft Road, Toronto, Ontario. Viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and the service will commence at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow in the York Cemetery followed by a reception at 12:00 p.m.
The family wishes to thank Drs. P. Mazzotta and S. MacLellan, the clinicians and staff at Humber River Hospital and all the Home Care PSW's who cared for Leonard during his illness. Condolences may be sent to www.mountpleasantgroup.com
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.