Angus Leslie Calvank, a man of many names. He was known by Leslie, Les, Daddy, Dad, Grandpa, Pops and if you were on a CB, Felix.
How do we measure a man's life? Is it longevity? He was born and raised in Glengarry county and lived 91 years.
Is it hard work and accomplishment? He farmed for over 70 years at Willpine Farms, Kirk Hill. For a short time when he was younger he and some other young men from Lochiel went out to Donalda Alberta to work on a farm for Summer Harvest.
Is it life enjoyment? He loved old cars, John Deere tractors, Music, Carpentry, travelling and Steam engines. He travelled to North to Alaska, South to Texas, Pennsylvania and Branson
Missouri to name a few places. Leslie kept a Guitar and Banjo at home until a disagreement with a power tool removed part of a finger and he couldn't fret the cords anymore. He sang in the Choir at St Columba and for any years was a member of The Singing Farmers. When his vision failed in latter years he turned back to his Harmonica which he played right up to the week before he left us.
Is it Religious observance? He attended and was an Elder at St Columba Presbyterian Church at Kirk Hill for many years before he moved here to VanKleek Hill and came to Knox Presbyterian.
Is it love? He loved and was loved in return by two wonderful women, Mora MacCaskill for 23 years and Joyce Carkner for 27 years. These unions resulted in children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He enjoyed many things in life. His family, Faith, music, woodworking, and animals were all important to him.
He was often in his carpentry shop and kept his friends and family supplied with screen doors, Hope chests, wooden spoons, puzzles, signs, paper towel holders and his most impressive pieces, the Grandfather clocks.
He enjoyed naps. When he came in from the fields for the noon meal you could often hear him snoring in his Lazy Boy!
He loved to visit with friends and family in person or on the phone. Sometimes we would chat and he would say well I guess I better go and then talk for another ten minutes!! He enjoyed them so much he didn't want them to end.
He cared for and was surrounded by animals of all kinds. The milk cows were joined by various cats and dogs, beef cattle like his favourite Big Red, some chickens like Henrietta hen and Joyce's horse.
Even after they moved off the farm to VanKleek Hill he had visits from the neighbours dog who
certainly knew where to come for treats!!
I think by any measure Leslie's life was well lived and through failing health in his last years he
maintained his strength and courage.
To this man from Glengarry we say in Gaelic, ( keemee ari risty) Chi mi a -rithist thu.
I'll see you again!
