Leslie Neill

I have known Leslie through volunteering at the BC Highland Games. As we are entering the countdown to the Games on June 16th this year, my thoughts always stray to the wonderful Leslie, whose energy and humour always made things a bit brighter. I'm sure your spirit will be with us Leslie. We will be raising a glass or two to you. Cilla Bachop

We said farewell far too soon to a vibrant, fun-loving friend this weekend. I send my deepest condolences to her extended family and friends. Leslie and I grew up together and were neighbours from the time we were very young. I have so many great memories of sledding in the winter, ice skating on the golf course pond like we were bound for the Olympics, playing kick the can in our front yards and navigating those awkward pre-teen years together. School dances are particularly in the forefront of my mind these days, where you could hear Leslie's explosive laugh throughout the gym. Leslie was a fantastic disco dancer by the way!! We used to practice in her house and I would end up just standing back and watching her Travolta moves with envy! I wish I had a chance to visit her before she passed. I believe this anonymous poem describes her well: "I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one. I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun; Of happy memories that I leave when life is done." Rest In Peace My Friend, Barb (Parker) Chase

Dear Leslie’s family, I’m so terribly shocked, saddened and sorry to hear this news. I just got back from annual leave so I’m sorry this message is late in arriving. I worked with Leslie for 12 years and am so thankful to have gotten to know her better in the past couple of years. I loved her humour so much, she really made me laugh, and I will miss her a lot. My thoughts are with all of you at this terrible time. Love, Cat

I am so sorry for your loss of dear Leslie. She had a heart of gold and was more worried how everyone else was doing than her own illness. I am so very grateful that our last day together before she passed away was so special. The two Leslies and I reminisced about all the fun childhood memories..sledding down the huge hill( well we thought it was huge back then) in your backyard and my horse hanging her head over the fence into your yard, How for lunch we could have a ...sand..vich..and she even sang my Dad's silly swedish song. We had so many laughs and I will hold those memories in my heart forever. Although she will be missed by so many people we will find peace that "somewhere deep inside she is flying free. With loving thoughts Janice Jackson (Erickson) and family

My condolences to Leslie's family and close friends on her passing. She will be missed but not forgotten.

To Elizabeth, Nancy, Dave, Geoff and Lisa I’m so sorry you lost your beloved daughter, sister and auntie far too soon. Nancy, I have so many happy memories from our childhood with you & Leslie. Hanging out at your house & ‘babysitting’ you both....Holding a ‘Sports Day’ and running races in the driveway and swimming in the pool. Leslie was such a sweetheart & I know she will be deeply missed by all her friends and family. May God keep her in His loving care. Gayle Erickson

On behalf of the Saanich Police Administration Division please accept our sincere and deepest sympathy for the loss of such a vibrant and passionate woman. Leslie has always been a great person to work with even though it was often from afar. She will be truly missed.

Dearest Elisabeth and family, I'm a highschool mate of Leslie's. Although I didn't know her well, I do have significant memories of her in a Science class. I would always look forward to hearing her infectious laugh, it made the class so much more enjoyable, as she sat right behind me. I am grateful to know her just that bit more shortly after our highschool reunion, sharing the same birthmonth and similar traits, once again brought me laughter. To lose a loved one so dear, is so significant. Life is so bittersweet, I trust that you will get to know Leslie even more through the eyes of her friends. I was deeply saddened to hear of her death, and I send you my deepest condolences. Sincerely, Loren

I so just want to send Les a quick text and say hey they got it wrong didn't they Les? Every time I see the PNE I will think of you. We had a lot of laughs and you should of been able to have had many more. You were a good friend and I'll miss you.

Mrs Albrecht Nancy Dave and Kids my heart aches for the loss of your Daughter, Sister, Sister in law and Auntie I can’t begin to express the sadness, loss and empty place in my heart. I met Leslie in 1979 and remained Friends until the end. Those who knew her can wholeheartedly attest that her sincerity in being the definition of a true friend was a precious gift that We were blessed to be a part of. I may not be the most eloquent in putting feelings to words but she knew how deeply we all loved her she understood that we may have different backgrounds and yet she never judged, she saw through the fake and only had time for the real in her life. We talked about many things over the years and always said we would be Friends Forever sadly my forever will be in memory. I wished for one more hug Les one more I love you one more unmistakable laugh from you but that will have to wait until we meet again, as you always said “My Seester from another Meester “ Rest peacefully Sweet Les you are forever missed...

To Leslie’s family, I just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear of Leslie’s passing. I had the pleasure to get to know Leslie through working with her at VPD. She was always fun-loving and a joy to work with. She will be greatly missed by all of us.

I did not work directly with Leslie but knew her ever since she began at the Vancouver Police Department - we both started at the VPD around the same time. We shared many warm hellos, conversations, brief exchanges in the corridors, grievance meetings, other meetings, and we even went on strike together (years ago). I am still coming to terms with Leslie's death. My sadness lingers. It seems so recently she was very much alive. The last few months have not obscured my memory of a very vibrant woman in the prime of her life. That is the image I will continue to hold. I liked Leslie very much. She held a special place in my heart. I will not forget her. My sincere condolences to you, the family. Warm regards, Gail August

To the Neill family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time. Although I never had the privilege of working with Leslie, I know she was very committed to those she worked for and with as well as her job. When I did see her, she always had a smile on her face which lit up the room. Leslie will be missed by everyone at the VPD. May the memories of Leslie live in your heart always. Sincerely, Joanne

Hello family and friends of Leslie, I work in the Financial Services Section of the VPD. I did not work regularly with Leslie, but on the few occasion where our paths crossed, either during an IMS social event, like the Halloween party costume contests, or just in passing in her building, she always shared a smile and pleasant conversation. That kindness will be missed. My sincerest condolences to her family, friends and co-workers. Best regards, Nancy Eng

Very sad to hear of Leslie passing. A good person taken way too soon. Our thoughts are with you.

Dear Leslie’s family, I didn’t work with Leslie for very long, only for about 6 months, about a year and a half ago. But in that time, I could see right away what a caring and thoughtful person she was. Always very genuine with a fantastic sense of humour and lots of laughter! My husband, Michael, who also works at the Vancouver Police, spoke with Leslie often and he told me they joked a lot together. She called him “Michael Michael Motorcycle” every time she saw him around! I know many of us within the VPD are feeling her loss keenly but we are glad she is no longer in pain. Condolences from myself and my husband to all her family and friends, and wishing you all strength and support during this very difficult time.

It is with great sadness that I learned of Leslie’s passing. Leslie had trained me on very first week of joining VPD. I remember her great sense of humour and passion for the subject. I was just a newbie in the Kootenay building but Leslie always took the time to say hello to me and ask how my job was going. She always made me feel welcome. She will be missed greatly.

Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. No words can begin to express how you must be feeling at this difficult time. Such a great loss and my heart and thoughts go out to you and your family. I had the pleasure of working with Leslie since 2007. Right from the start, she was gregarious, helpful, kind and hilarious. In 2013, I got bumped out of my position and chose Leslie to be my Union shop steward and was glad that I did. She was completely supportive and sympathetic and made sure she was with me whenever I had to speak with HR, etc. I will be forever grateful to her for that, it helped me a great deal. When I eventually, ended up back in my original position, she was so happy for me, genuinely, so. Every time I would see her in the hall at work, we would make friendly ‘jibes’ at one another, as we had the same sense of humour. I think, a lot of people may have misunderstood Leslie’s honesty, straight forwardness and big heartedness as being ‘brash’ or ‘difficult’, but to me, what you saw was what you got and those are genuine and true people that I value to have known and know. Leslie was one of those people and I shall miss her, greatly. You are in my thoughts. Take good care. Andrea

I will always have fond memories of Leslie, as well as her wicked sense of humor, as she provided us with many laughs throughout the years. Leslie was bright, quick-witted and left us all far too soon. She will be greatly missed by her friends, coworkers and family. My sincerest condolences, for your loss. She was a brilliant lady who will never be replaced and will always own a very special place in our hearts. Patti

To my cheeky friend Leslie, It’s a sad hello to Leslie’s family and friends, but I just wanted to let you all know that so many of us are thinking of you struggling with the loss of Leslie. Leslie was one of my favourite civilian buddies and we shared a very sarcastic banter that I miss already! I loved her sense of humour and her wit. I will her remember her fondly, and hope to see her again someday. God bless all of you! John

Ms. Elisabeth Albrecht and the Terpening Family (Nancy, Dave, Geoff and Lisa): My name is Simon Demers. I am a civilian employee with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). I would like to pass along my condolences to you and the other people who were close to Leslie. I was saddened to hear about Leslie’s illness and I am heartbroken to hear she passed away 11 days ago but I am comforted by the thought that she passed away peacefully with her family by her side. I never worked directly with Leslie but I did meet her several times in serendipitous circumstances, in the VPD hallways and at some events. I will always remember her playful spirit, her wit, and her sense of humor. Before I started to wear a beard, Leslie teased that I reminded her of Alain Vigneault, the former Canucks Coach. Leslie touched many people and she is dearly missed. Again, please accept my most sincere condolences. Also, please just let me know if there is anything I can do for you (or to honor Leslie’s memory).

To Leslie’s family, I’m a police detective with the Vancouver Police Department and have been with VPD for 15 years. I’ve had many contacts with Leslie over the years, mostly in a professional capacity, but wanted to let you know how much I will truly miss her. I would often have to get on the phone with her to ask for her help to resolve a problem – or I’d run into her grabbing a coffee over at Bosa foods across the road. Leslie always seemed to me to be a very special person; she was always so genuine and so kind. I’m so sorry for your loss as clearly Leslie would have been played an integral role in the family she belonged to … that just seems to be who she was. I will think of her often. Caroline

What an amazing sense of humour! No matter how many times I joked with her about wearing her Todd Bertuzzi Canucks jersey – she always came back with a joke that was way better than mine! Leslie was a devoted worker and was an amazing mediator. In her role of Shop Steward, I once witnessed her quickly and efficiently deescalate an emotional argument between two co-workers. The situation ended with the co-workers shaking hands and laughing about their argument. Leslie displayed sensitivity and professionalism in this situation…and on a daily basis at work. I will always remember her as being quick to smile and laugh – and I for one will never forget Leslie. She truly was a pleasure to be around – and she has left a hole in the work-place that will be impossible to fill. I am also sorry for the families loss. Until we meet again, rest in peace Leslie. Glenn

Hello to Nancy and family, I would like to send my sincerest condolences to you and your Mother and family at this time of deep loss. I met you at the hospital a couple of times Nancy, while visiting Leslie. Leslie and I worked together, along with a handful of other people, in the same area for 4 years. I am so very sorry for your loss and I wanted you to know how much Leslie meant to our department, and how much she meant to a lot of people here. I hope knowing that so many people cared, and that Leslie made a difference here, will help you through this most difficult time. She had a generous heart and a generous spirit and was such a big personality, and we will miss her terribly. I hope you can find comfort in family and loved ones, and also in knowing that Leslie had many, many friends who loved her. Kindest regards, Antje Schoepper

To Leslie’s family, Over the years I worked infrequently with Leslie, always enjoying her straightforward manner. Approximately 4 years ago however, we started having frequent contact, mostly over the telephone, but it was only then that I began to truly appreciate what a funny, caring and sincere person she was. As an example, on one hot, sunny afternoon, we had been sitting outside at a patio table, talking about our plans for the upcoming weekend, and commenting that if we had a couple of drinks, we could just start early. While in the process of standing up my knee gave way (due to an old injury), and I fell over, landing ‘flat on my face ‘. I rolled over and just as I’m starting to get up, Leslie gently pushed me back down and quickly tipped the chair I had been sitting on, on it’s side, placing it directly behind me. Leslie then commented to the effect of if I had a tall glass, and a long flexible straw, I’d be set for the entire weekend. It was a quick, spontaneous response to make one see the humor in a situation instead of feeling uncomfortable due to a disability. We had a bit of a chuckle and then she did in fact help me on my way. I can only offer my most sincere regrets and condolences on Leslie’s passing. I will definitely miss her. Darren

Hello, My heartfelt condolences to Leslie’s family and friends. I offer you thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. She is at peace now. Take care, Mukesh

I’m truly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Family of Leslie, I would like to offer you my most sincere condolences in this difficult time. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you and may your hearts and souls find peace and comfort. With love from my family to yours, The Kajanders

I am very sorry to hear about Leslie’s passing. I never had the priviledge of working with Leslie but I knew of her and she was very respected and admired by all VPD Staff. Sincere condolences to your entire family. May Leslie rest in peace.

Good morning: This dreary, wet morning, is missing Leslie’s smile and laugh to lighten things up. My career started only a few months before Leslie’s, and I had the privilege to work near her, or at least see her around, several times, over the years. It was always a pleasure and we always laughed. Her last position was just up the hall from me, and that improved the office, greatly. I wish peace and healing, for her loved ones. The Leslie’s of the world are not forgotten. With the greatest respect, Rowan

I can’t express my condolences enough! Leslie was a wonderful, kind, funny person who always had time for the people around her. I just found out today that she had passed. I’m so sorry to all of her family and friends for their loss. She had such a big personality, it will leave a large hole in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her. Sending my heart felt condolences to all who knew Leslie. She will be missed dearly. Lisa Mitchell

When I worked at VPD there was hardly a day go by that I didn't see Leslie where there wasn't a humorous note made or facial expression telling all. Lots of laughs at other functions as well. She made an imprint on her section and will not be forgotten. My condolences to all the Family. She will be missed, Sandy Allen

I am deeply saddened to hear the passing of Leslie. I am blessed to have known her and she will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to her family, co-workers and friends. George Kapaclis

My deepest sympathies to the family. Going to miss you lots Lester! Your friend “Jayne!!!!”

Dear Ms. Albrecht, Nancy and family, I was deeply saddened to hear of Leslie’s passing on the 29th, but glad to hear that she was with all of you. Over the years we shared lots of laughs – over a mutual acquaintance (my cousin), and lots of animal stories. I know she will be sorely missed here, and I will miss her smile and her laughter. My condolences to all of you. Denise