Leon Burt Root

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Leon Root on Friday, December 27, 2024. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend to many people in his 85 years. He is survived by his four daughters and their husbands, Laurie (Bo), Karen (David), Holly (Michael), Janice (Joe), sister Glenda and many more family and friends. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews and his very special friend Glenice Van Wiljk. Leon will be excited to reunite with his beloved wife Charlotte, parents Glen and Ethel Root, brother Dale Root, and sisters Judy Birkenes and Lois Roelofs.

Leon was born in Travers, AB and was raised in the Travers and Lomond area. After finishing High School in Champion, AB he was the first in his family to attend University. He attended the University of Alberta in 1957, graduating with a Engineering Degree in 1961. While in Edmonton, Leon met a nursing student, Charlotte Carter. They started dating in 1960 and were married on January 14, 1961. While in Edmonton, they were blessed with Laurie and then in Red Deer the triplets, Karen, Holly and Janice. 

Leon worked for the Province of Alberta in the Department of Highways from 1961-1993. This work moved the family across the province over the years, making many lifelong friends and memories. In 1967 Leon was transferred to Athabasca, where the family enjoyed some of their best memories purchasing a cabin at Baptiste Lake in 1971. In 1973, he was transferred back to Edmonton and then to Lethbridge in 1976. It was in Lethbridge that Leon felt he "came home" to his Root roots and enjoyed owning two racehorses with his dad (Glen) at the Lethbridge Exposition. In 1980, Leon was offered the role of Assistant Deputy Minister and the family moved back to Edmonton, where they stayed for the next 22 years. After retiring from the Department in 1993, Leon consulted in an Engineering firm for 8 years until he finally retired in 2001 and he and Charlotte then moved to Calgary. In 2014 they moved to Parksville, BC and then returned to Calgary in 2019 when Charlotte needed more help. Charlotte was eventually placed in Bethany Riverview Extendicare and Leon faithfully visited every day until Covid hit and Charlotte passed in 2020. Since that time, Leon has been living in Sage Hill Residence and has enjoyed his time there thoroughly, meeting a lovely lady named Glenice Van Wiljk while there. They enjoyed spending time together and she brought much joy and companionship to Leon.

Leon was a family man through and through, as his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren brought him his greatest joy. He was also an avid fisherman and loved golfing, curling, playing OldTimer hockey, bowling, coaching and playing baseball, and of course being an enthusiastic fan of the Edmonton Oilers and Eskimos. He also played guitar and loved singalongs around the campfire. He was always actively involved in everything he could be, his church, his community and most importantly his family. 

A Funeral Service will be held for Leon at Country Hills Crematorium (11995 - 16 Street NE, Calgary) on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be held prior to the service at 1:00 pm. Cremation will take place following the service and his cremated remains will be laid to rest with his wife Charlotte at Archmount Cemetery in Lethbridge, AB at a later date.