Obituary of Leslie John David Hooey
Leslie John David Hooey of Red Deer AB, passed away in Jarvis Bay, Sylvan Lake, AB on August 21, 2024, at the age of 76.
My best friend and the love of my life Leslie John David Hooey was born in Red Deer AB on January 15, 1948. His family lived in Carstairs for his younger years, and later moved to Calgary, where he spent his teen years. Les then apprenticed to become a meat cutter. He moved his family to Red Deer in the late 1970s where he raised his children from his previous marriage – Melissa Kimberly Jean Lavergne (Gary) and Jeffrey Leslie Michael Hooey (Saisamorn). Les later married Sylvia, on Febuary 1, 1995, in Las Vegas.
Les spent 30 plus years as a meat cutter with Safeway, and he taught in the Meat Cutting Department at the Olds College, both being jobs he really enjoyed. After a couple of other jobs, he applied to work at Prairie Bus Lines in the early 2000s, where he drove school busses and charter busses for another 16 years, another job that he enjoyed very much. He finally retired in 2016.
Les’ other love in life was hunting. He was an accomplished huntsman and loved being with likeminded people, he could talk about guns and hunting for hours. He took the trip of a lifetime in 1993, when he and his son Jeff went on a hunting safari to Africa. He had such an amazing time there, while also meeting some wonderful people.
Les and myself, along with Jack and Brenda Steenson took a trip to South Dakota where Les and Jack shot a buffalo on the same ranch that “Dances With Wolves” was filmed, that was a wonderful trip for all of us. Les enjoyed all hunting trips he went on, especially when it was a “fruitful” trip!
He loved anything that was outdoors, including fishing. He went on a few fishing trips out at the coast, mainly with his longtime friend, Jim Mapey. We had a few boats over the years that we would take fishing around here as well, he always enjoyed those times as well.
Les was a Cub Scout Leader for many years while his children were growing up, those were some of the best times he had in his life.
Les and I enjoyed camping every summer for many years, we enjoyed it whether with others or if it was just us. We started out with a truck camper, which I talked him into selling because I wanted a bathroom! This he chided me about regularly over the years! For the past 8 years we took our two fur babies (Toby and Finnie) with us every time we went out, Les loved this addition to our camping routine … unless he had to go chase after one of them. Those many trips have made some of the most wonderful memories.
Lovingly penned by Les’ wife, Sylvia Hooey.
Les will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Sylvia, as well as by many family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Gladys Hooey, as well as by his sister, Norma Jean “Jeanie” Hooey.
A come-and-go service to celebrate Les’ life will be held at the Pioneer’s Lodge, 4324 46a Ave, Red Deer, AB, on September 21, 2024, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. A private family internment will take place in Carstairs at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to a charity of one’s choosing. Condolences to Les’ family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Hooey” in the subject line.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944