Verne Mcleod

On June 1, 2014 Verne left our world in the manner in which she lived; with dignity, courage, love and on her own terms!

This petite woman entered this world proudly as a 12 lb. baby, born on the kitchen table in Perth, Ontario. Verne was the first daughter of Margaret (Nagel) and Ira Gibson. They moved to Cobalt in 1923 and then on to Kirkland Lake in 1937. It was here in northern Ontario that she met her husband Joe. After they married, he was transferred with the RCMP to Ottawa, where they settled to raise their family. When her children were older, Verne began her lengthy career at Texaco where she met and developed many lifelong friendships.

Shortly after her retirement, at the tender age of 75, Verne hopped in her beloved sporty Dodge Charger and headed west to Kelowna. The next decade was filled with grand adventures with her first cousin Carolyn and her husband Bob (Campbell). Some of Verne's best memories were the times with these wonderful people whose love and support made it all possible!

Then at 85 years young, Verne made the decision to relocate to Canmore to be closer to her daughter Laurie and her granddaughter Jody. In her 90th chapter and her final move … she settled in Banff.

Verne always enjoyed the time she spent with her family and friends of all ages. People were drawn to her wit, her wisdom and her welcoming nature. She was truly a woman of substance; a woman whose independence, strength, tenacity, resilience, and unwavering devotion will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Predeceased by her husband Joe (1974), her sisters Norma (Roy) Murray, Jane (Bud) McLellan and her niece Suzanne (Ed) Butler. She will be forever loved and remembered by her daughter Laurie Bell (Rob Arndt); sons Darcy McLeod and Lee Reamsbottom; grandchildren Jody Urban-Bell, Terry Bull, Todd Reamsbottom; great grandchildren Adam, Vanessa, Jordan Bull; nieces Roberta (Jack), Lynn (Doug); nephews Francis (Paula), Danny and Keith (Sharon).

There are no words that can express our gratefulness to Jo and the staff at Cascade House in Banff and to each and every staff member at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital and St. Martha's Place for making our Mom "a home" filled with love, laughter and care.

Our world will never be the same!

A Celebration of Verne's life was held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Banff, AB on Saturday July 12, 2014

Given her deep roots in northern Ontario, interment will follow in Kirkland Lake at a later date.

Those wishing to remember Verne may make a donation, in her memory, to St. Martha's Place, Banff Mineral Springs Hospital,

P.O. Box 1050, Banff, AB T1L 1H7

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.