MCLEOD, Vern Edward

May 1, 1950 – August 13, 2020

Vern Edward McLeod, peacefully passed away August 13, 2020 at the age of 70, with his wife Lynn by his side. Vern is survived his loving wife Lynn, of 23 years, his brothers Larry (Nat) and Alvin (Lynne), his children Leigh-Anna, Eryne (Mark), Kyle (Mikelah) and Chelsey (Bryan), and many grandchildren, as well as many extended family and friends. Vern was predeceased by his parents Florence (Brownell) and Melville McLeod.

Vern was born May 1st, 1950 in Carmangay, Alberta. He grew up a country boy and has always been known as a true cowboy. His parents were some of the first people to bring Charolais cattle from France and Vern often recalled raising and showing their prize cattle.

Horses, roping and playing a guitar was his passion and nothing was impossible. He mastered them all; from raising and training Quarter Horses, to rodeo, teaching roping clinics, getting together with friends for a music jam session, there was nothing he couldn’t accomplish. He had a love for the outdoors and surrounding himself with people.

Vern was also a very handy man and worked in construction as a crane and cat operator prior to starting his career in the Calgary Fire Department. He served with the Fire Department for 22 years and retired in 2010 as a Lieutenant. Not one to sit around, Vern continued to work part time as a Safety Inspector in the Oil and Gas industry.

Vern spent his time using his incredibly talented skills to build himself a wonderful life with the people he loved, including building his dream house, barn, large work shop, and roping arena that he used for teaching many people the fine sport of roping. He was always ready with his guitar to sing songs for everyone who visited and was incredibly talented in the kitchen. He would create new recipes all the time and was very well known for his delicious pancakes.

Vern soon found the beach life and enjoyed spending time at their Mexico condo. Vern’s zest for adventure was plentiful, from quading to deep sea fishing, whaling watching and body surfing. He was everyone’s friend and sidekick.

Celebration of Life in Honour of Vern E. McLeod

Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 1 pm
Location:
McLeod Ranch

Details:
Celebration will start promptly at 1 pm
Please sign the registration book upon arrival
Be prepared for the weather as this is an outdoor event
Seating Space is limited with minimal parking area
Zoom live streaming will also be available

Due to health restrictions, please note the following:
Bring your own lawn chair, mask (if you wish to wear one) as well your drink of choice as we will be raising our glasses in a salute to Vern.

Please confirm by emailing  vernsjourney@gmail.com,  whether you will be attending in person or over Zoom.  Include in the email every person’s full name and phone numbers (AHS requirement). An email response with directions to the property will be sent on Friday. Zoom session instructions will be included.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made out to:

Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Society, 2234 – 30 Ave NE, Calgary, AB  T2E 7K9

The family would also like to express their gratitude to the Doctors, Surgeons and Nurses of the Foothills Hospital ICU that took wonderful care of Vern.

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  1. On August 19, 2020 at 10:57 pm Rock Said:

    My sincere condolences to Mrs. McLeod and family. One didn’t have to know Mr. McLeod personally to see the joy he had for life, the smiles, laughter, and kindness he shared with everyone. For all who did business with this fine man over the years, he will be forever remembered. Take comfort in knowing that God remembers his kindness too. Isaiah 26:19, Psalms 37:29

  2. On August 20, 2020 at 9:01 am Barry Resvick Said:

    Vern was one of the finest gentleman I have ever had the privilege the meet. This world was a much better place with him in it. Our condolences go out to his family at such a difficult time. Til we meet again my friend and brother Rest In Peace.

  3. On August 20, 2020 at 9:34 am Ed and Angela Look Said:

    Hello Lynn.
    Ed look here.
    We are so sorry for your loss.
    I was in shock when I heard what happened and have been wanting to call but didn’t want to burden you with extra calls.
    We are in bc and will not be around on the 29th but we would really want to come visit In September.
    Please send me a message later when we could come.
    And if you need help with something don’t hesitate to call.
    Email me or call at 403 371 4555.

    So sorry again
    With love Ed

  4. On August 20, 2020 at 9:49 am D Keith McLaughlin Said:

    I will remember…

  5. On August 20, 2020 at 10:49 am Jen Cuthbertson Said:

    My sincerest condolences to Verns family.
    I haven’t seen Vern since I was a little girl but I think of him
    every time I hear the song “Diggin’ Up Bones”. I remember sitting
    and listening to Vern play his guitar and sing that song like it was
    yesterday. I still ask my dad to play it when he has a guitar in his
    hand xo
    May you Rest In Peace Vern.

    Jen

  6. On August 20, 2020 at 12:19 pm Leanne Niblock Said:

    Lots of love to Lynn and family. Vern was a true cowboy and gentleman. I always loved spending time with him. Rest in peace friend.

  7. On August 20, 2020 at 12:26 pm Ed & Sharon Kam Said:

    Sharon and I would like to pass on on our most sincere condolences to you and all your family. Vern was indeed a special human being, who will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with you Lynn and a day doesn’t go by without thinking of what you must be going through. You can be reassured that Sharon and I and all of your friends will be there for you.

  8. On August 20, 2020 at 12:29 pm Annemarie Pedersen Said:

    Lovely memories of chatting with Vern on Stampede afternoons. A gentleman who clearly touched many lives and will be greatly missed. Lynn, you and your family are in my thoughts.

  9. On August 20, 2020 at 12:37 pm Stan & Paola Cena Said:

    Dear McLeod Family

    Our sincere condolences for your tragic loss, the world had lost a great, great man. Will miss roping, camping and visiting with Vern. I know you have had lots of offers for help Lynn, please include us on your list if you need anything.

    Sincerely Stan and Paola

  10. On August 20, 2020 at 1:22 pm Denise Pezderic Said:

    Our condolences from the Coates family. As a youngest I fondly remember Vern and his horse Diablo at our place when he was hanging out with my older brother. I ran into him about 10 years ago at the Stampede and had a good visit. Vern was a wonderful guy. Take care

  11. On August 20, 2020 at 3:31 pm Barry Laidlaw Said:

    It is with sudden shock and extreme sadness that we learn of Vern’s passing. Lynn, to you and your family, our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. Vern has given Sandy and I countless laughs and a legacy of memories to cherish. My days with Vern at #12 Station, and then together off and on throughout our respective careers, are some of my fondest memories of my career with the CFD. Vern was a wonderful man. I will miss you my friend, rest in peace Cowboy. Barry and Sandy Laidlaw

  12. On August 20, 2020 at 5:52 pm Mike & Sandy O’Connor Said:

    Lynn and Family,
    Sandy and I were so saddened to hear the news of Vern’s accident. We cheered him on from our home and then came the devastating news of his passing. I didn’t get to see a lot of Vern, unless it was during Stampede over a few beers by the river, other committee functions or at a rodeo, but always had a great time and enjoyed his company.
    He will be dearly missed by so many people he touched and the memories he gave will live on.
    Mike O’Connor

  13. On August 20, 2020 at 7:07 pm Lynel Wishlow Said:

    I worked with Vern for a number of years at 22 stn in Calgary. Vern was a wonderful CFD member…he was always pleasant, caring, and just a great man. He was one of the good ones. Vern will be missed by CFD and EMS. Our prayers go out to his family. We are truly sorry for your loss.

  14. On August 20, 2020 at 7:58 pm Isabel Gimber Said:

    To Lynne, Chelsea and all your family;
    My most sincere condolences to you both and all your family during this time of sorrow. Just recently I came across old photos from the 4H days at the ag grounds. Vern was always so cheerful and generous with his knowledge and skill and helped to make those days so special. With fond memories -my heart is with you. I am so sorry for your loss.
    Isabel

  15. On August 21, 2020 at 12:24 am Murray Knowler Said:

    We will always remember Vern for his upbeat attitude and great sense of humour. He was a great guy to have at a call and around the firehall. He will be missed by many.

  16. On August 21, 2020 at 9:50 am Alax Whittleton Said:

    I was shocked to here that Vern passed away. I am so sorry for your loss. I am sad for all who knew Vern. He was always so full so life and a great person to be around. I am honored to have been his partner in the World Police/Fire games and to have won the wild cow milking event. It was great to have shared the joy with him and to have been a small part of his life. Rest in peace buddy. Alax

  17. On August 21, 2020 at 11:00 pm Kate Bamford Said:

    Lynn, I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss- sending love to you and your family, my sincere condolences.

  18. On August 21, 2020 at 11:58 pm Terry Brownell, Michele Jacobsen and family Said:

    Sending our condolences from Australia. We are devastated to hear the news of dear Vern’s passing. Sending you all so much love xx

  19. On August 22, 2020 at 10:44 am Jason & Twyla Davidson Said:

    Our deepest condolences to you and your family Lynn. Twyla and I always enjoyed our visits with Vern. He always had time to visit with our boys which was right up Jackson’s alley. Thinking of you through these difficult times. ♥️

  20. On August 22, 2020 at 12:29 pm Clyde and Harriet Sinnicks Said:

    We will always remember the giant gentleman. A great man for sure. We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Kindest regards and deepest sympathy.

  21. On August 22, 2020 at 6:47 pm Remondini Family Said:

    Lynn and family sending our most sincere condolences to you as well as much so much love and hugs ❤️
    Heaven gained a good one! ❤️

  22. On August 22, 2020 at 9:38 pm Pat and Irene Blaney Said:

    We are so sorry to hear of Verns passing.
    We didn’t really get to know Vern but sure enjoyed the evening guitar/singing sessions in Mx
    Please know that you have been in our thoughts
    Sincere condolences to you and your family

  23. On August 24, 2020 at 11:50 am Darrell Murtha Said:

    My sincerest condolences to Vern’s entire family. I met Vern 1987.09.28 at Fire Training as we were both starting our journeys as Rookies. He was highly regarded in our class. Legend has it Vern ran CFD’s agility test wearing his Wranglers and Cowboy Boots as part of testing to win a spot on the Department. I am fortunate to have known Vern and have many fond memories that will never be forgotten. Godspeed my friend.

  24. On August 25, 2020 at 8:10 am Richard Hawker Said:

    Many of us at Remedy had the great pleasure of working with Vern these last several years. Vern was a true gentleman and professional with a quiet way of helping our team get better at what we do. He always made an effort to see the best in everyone and to help everyone be their best. He will be greatly missed as a colleague and even more so as a friend. I will miss our lunches at the China Rose with tales of the Mexican adventures of Lynn and Vern and sitting in the breeze that blew through the barn while telling each other stories.

  25. On August 25, 2020 at 9:19 am Garry Peterson Said:

    My deepest sympathies to Lynne and family. I was so sorry to here of Vern’s passing. Although we haven’t seen you folks for some time we think of you often. He was a good friend and will be sadly missed.

  26. On August 25, 2020 at 9:25 am Daniel Grant Said:

    From Daniel, Carissa and Charlie Grant: We mourn the loss of a great man and a good friend. Vern often played cribbage with me during our stay at the Waddell Camp while coworkers in the Conklin area. Vern always made a point to say hello to our son Charlie when on the phone and Charlie grew up knowing Vern’s voice. He was a friend to all, a giant with a big heart and a humble, gentle spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lynn and Vern’s family at this time of great loss. May the peace of God comfort us all.

  27. On August 26, 2020 at 10:18 am Penny Lock Said:

    Lynn and family I was so truly shocked to hear this sad news. Sending love hugs and heartfelt condolences.If you need anything please do not hesitate to ask. Much love Penny

  28. On August 26, 2020 at 7:12 pm Marlin & Pat Fairman Said:

    So sorry to hear about Vern’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.

  29. On August 26, 2020 at 9:07 pm Angie (Garbe) Watts Said:

    Lynn, my deepest condolences to you and your family. My heart aches for you all.

  30. On August 27, 2020 at 2:22 pm L & S Widenmaier Said:

    Lynn, Sincere sympathy to you and your family. May you take strength from all of the love held for you by your close friends and family. From your Mexican condo friends.

  31. On August 29, 2020 at 8:47 am Karen & Derrek Hahn Said:

    Lynn we are so sorry to hear of Vern’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts are with you. ❤️

  32. On August 29, 2020 at 10:40 am Cathy Shier Said:

    So sorry for your loss Lynn, thinking of you ❤️❤️

  33. On August 29, 2020 at 10:44 am Paul Gouhh Said:

    My most sincere sympathies to all the family. Vern was a big man with a big heart and a credit to the CFD. Rest In Peace Vern..