1945 – 2024
Charles Eric Montagu Leeds, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and respected member of the community, passed away on February 23, 2024, at Claresholm General Hospital. He was born on January 26, 1945, to proud parents Hildyard and Merran Leeds, who instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep love for the land.
On July 3, 1971, Charles married the love of his life, Patricia Marlene Brown, and together they embarked on a journey filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. He cherished every moment with his children, Monty (Donna), Shayne (Kayley), and Cameron, and took immense joy in the presence of his grandchildren, Sarah, Ashton, and the late Callum.
Charles’s life was marked by dedication and service to his community. After completing his education in agriculture at Lethbridge Community College and SAIT, he returned to the family homestead, Creek Hill Ranch, where he carried on the legacy of farming and ranching.
Beyond his agricultural pursuits, Charles was deeply involved in community organizations. He served as a director for the United Grain Growers, contributed his expertise to the MD of Willow Creek on the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, and provided leadership to the Claresholm Health Foundation and the South Alta REA (EQUS).
Charles was a man of diverse interests. He held a private pilot’s license and found freedom of the skies above. As an avid collector of farm antiques, he amassed a remarkable collection of tractors, pump engines, and antique license plates, each piece telling a story of a bygone era.
In his leisure time, Charles enjoyed curling, trap shooting, and cowboy action shooting. Yet, his greatest contentment came from the simple pleasures of farm life—working with his cattle, surrounded by his German Shepherds, and tending to the land with the skills passed down from his father.
Kind-hearted and gentle-spirited, Charles leaves behind a legacy of hard work, integrity, and unwavering kindness. Preceded in death by his parents Hildyard and Merran Leeds, and grandson Callum. Charles is survived by his loving wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings, including brothers John and Doug, and sister Helen.
His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary or Claresholm General Hospital Palliative Care, in honor of Charles’s dedication to community service and philanthropy.