Obituary of Leo James Lamphier

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss LAMPHIER, Leo James - Left this world peacefully on February 7, 2011, at age 96, at Parkwood Hospital in London, with loving family members at his side. Devoted husband of 65 years to Thelma Doris (Mulholland), predeceased. Proud and loving son to Bridgette (Toohey) and Anthony Lamphier of Lucan. Loving dad to Stephen, Brian (predeceased), Brenda, Gary, Wayne and Anne. Loving father-in-law to Deborah, Reid, Antoinette, Diana, and Spencer. Adored grandfather of Trevor, Madeleine, Devon, Connor, Kate and Leigh and great-grandfather of Anneli, Lucy and Gavin. Loving brother to Corinne, Cyril, Mary and Bill (all predeceased) and brother-in-law of Glady and Howard Merrow and Ken Mulholland. Devoted uncle to the Lamphier, Salayka, Mulholland and Bondy clans, and faithful cousin to the Trudelle and Toohey clans. Loyal friend to Phyllis Motherwell (predeceased), and so many others who shared his love and companionship over many decades. Born into a Lucan farming family, attended school on the Roman Line, served in WWII, and operated the Master Feeds outlet in Comber, Ont. from 1949 to 1961. Worked at Inter-City Truck Lines in Detroit until his retirement in 1980. Leo's love for his precious wife Thelma and their family was fierce, and his strength, courage, integrity and faith were indestructible. He loved a stiff drink, a great joke, and never missed a 5 a.m. hockey practice. Alas, Leo had a lifelong feud with hammers and tools. Chairs learned to fear him. Cars got bent out of shape. He was a true original, one of a kind, and the world will never see his like again. Huge thanks to the devoted staff at Parkwood Hospital and to Todd for their professionalism and constant care. Visitation will be held at the WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Friday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. with prayers at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 777 Valetta Street, London, on Saturday, February 12th, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to the St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation – Parkwood 2 Perth. Online condolences available at www.westviewfuneralchapel.com "God invented whiskey so the Irish wouldn't rule the world." - Old Irish toast