Leslie Walter Mowatt

Leslie Walter Mowatt 

March 11, 1956 – January 21, 2026 

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Husband, Dad and Grampa on January 21, 2026, at the Johnson Memorial Hospital in Gimli, MB with his family by his side. 

Leslie leaves to mourn his devoted wife of 49 years, Donna, his son James (Meagan); his treasured grandchildren Beatrice, Bradley, Jillyan, Payton, Daggur, Kanyen, Rylee and Chane, who were the absolute joys of his life. He will also be lovingly remembered by his mother Dorothy Mowatt; brothers Ken (Linda) and Chris (Wanda); sister Valerie (Clifford) Jonasson; brother in-law Harold McDonald; mother in-law Deanna Monkman; as well as his many sister’s in-law, brother's in-law, nieces, nephews and many friends. Leslie also leaves behind his life – long friend Gary Lea who was always there to lend a helping hand. 

 Leslie was predeceased by his son Leslie- John (Dub), his father Harvey, sister Marilyn McDonald, grandmother Nancy Anderson, his father in–law Edward and sister in–law Debbie. 

 Commercial fishing was not just Leslie’s livelihood- it was his passion and his way of life. He began fishing alongside his father at a young age and carried that love with him throughout his life. When his sons were old enough, he proudly brought them onto the lake, passing his knowledge, work ethics, and deep respect for the water. 

Leslie and Donna spent many fishing seasons together, living on their gas boat while fishing at Catfish Creek, McBeth Point, Egg Islands, and along the shores of Lake Winnipeg. Leslie fished right up until the very end – only days before entering the hospital. Even as ill as he was, his heart remained on the lake, wishing he could be there helping Jamie and Meagan lift nets.  

Leslie was truly an earth angel, known for his courage and selflessness. At just 15 years old, he saved three young boys from drowning in the river in Selkirk, Manitoba. Over the years he went on to save the crew of the fish freighter HaleyLynn as it sank in the dead of night, rescued two of his nieces from drowning in Pine Dock, and saved the lone occupant of an overturned vehicle submerged in a water-filled ditch. For his extraordinary bravery, Leslie was honored at the Manitoba Legislative Building with a Life Saving Award from the Life Saving Society of Manitoba. 

Leslie proudly served as the team leader of the Auxiliary Coast Guard out of Pine Dock for many years, rescuing countless boaters in distress on Lake Winnipeg. He also dedicated many years as a councilor on the Pine Dock Community Council, where he worked to support and strengthen his community. 

An avid sports fan, he never missed a Winnipeg Jets game. If he was too tired to watch, he would go to bed and listen to the game on his radio, which went 24/7 on CJOB! He also followed the Blue Bombers and enjoyed watching curling. But nothing compared to watching his sons – and later his grandchildren – playing hockey. He made every effort to attend their games, cheering proudly from the stands. 

Leslie’s grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved spending time with them, taking them on side by side rides, boat rides, chicken hunting, to the beach and on countless adventures. His special place to take them was to “Gilligans Island” for a wiener roast/picnic and a day of swimming. 

 Leslie also had a deep love for snowmobiling. He loved to spend long days cruising with his buddies – often Dave and Willy McIvor and others. Most recently he would go cruising with his grandchildren. 

Leslie, Dad, Grampa – Your work on earth is done, now you can rest. While our hearts ache with your loss, we take comfort knowing you are no longer suffering and are free from pain and sorrow. Give Dub our love and a big hug. 

You will be loved forever, missed every day, and never forgotten until we meet again. 

“Your heart of gold stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best.” 

Tributes: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.

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