Histories

Obituary - Published in the January 23, 2002 edition of the Meridian Booster, Lloydminster:

It is with deep regret that we announce the sudden passing of Leasa Lynn Kessir (nee Wildman) on January 4 2002 at the age of 40 years.

The funeral service for Leasa was held on January 11, 2002 in Edmonton with pastor Harold Hildebrandt officiating. The honorary pallbearers were all those in attendance and the active pallbearers were Dwayne Kessir, Stephen Doell, Mark Wildman, Brian Wildman, Wayne Caswell and Terry Kessir. Appel Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements. The eulogy was read by Stephen Doell and a special tribute was given by Leasa's cousin Susan Lobe.

Eulogy, read by son-in-law Stephen Doell:

We thank all of you for being here this afternoon as we remember Leasa and celebrate her life. We know many of you have traveled long distances and we truly appreciate your presence.

Leasa Lynn Kessir was born September 28, 1961 in Edmonton, the second daughter of Lee and Velma Wildman. From the outset, Leasa could make her wants and wishes known. She was an outgoing child with an ability to attract many friends. She seemed in a hurry to get on with life: walked early, talked early, and rode her bicycle at the age of three without training wheels.

She had a lot of athletic ability, enjoying swimming, skating, gymnastics, ballet and jazz dancing, playing ball, and horseback riding. School interested her more for the social rather than academic aspect - she always did homework with her friends rather than on her own. We often thought that Leasa believed the telephone had been invented exclusively for her. Again, in her rush through life, Leasa abandoned high school in Grade 12 to join the work force.

In 1980 Leasa married Allan and they became parents in 1981. Sweet little Sarah was soon followed by Susan, Dwayne and Sandra. Motherhood seemed so natural for Leasa and she devoted subsequent years to nurturing her family. She took such pride in her children and their accomplishments - a more loyal hockey and soccer mom couldn't be found.

As with us all, sometimes wrong choices were made, but Leasa worked very hard to correct them and always assumed her own responsibility.

Her strong sense of family never wavered and she always let them know how much she loved them. Leasa's love of life, her compassion and concern for others, and her sense of humor will not be forgotten.

We're sorry that Leasa didn't get the chance to grow old, see her children mature and get to know her grandchildren, but we must accept God's will and be thankful for the years He gave her. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. This past week has demonstrated how far-reaching the impact of her life has been.

Leasa is survived by her husband Allan; daughter Sarah, son-in-law Stephen and granddaughter Katelyn; daughter Susan and her special friend Warren; son Dwayne and daughter Sandra; parents Lee and Velma Wildman; sister Brenda, Glen, Kirk and Derek; brother Mark, Kathy and Brandon; brother Brian, Heather, Spencer and Evan; maternal grandparents Alfred and Ruth Lobe; father and mother-in-law Lawrence and Shirley Kessir; brother-in-law Terry, Brenda, Cory and Chad; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

We are thankful for your life; grateful for your love and the memories you've left us with. We love you Leasa, rest in peace.

Tribute to Leasa, by Susan Lobe:

Leasa's life was similar to that of a shooting star - burning bright and burning strong. She had the capacity to love incredibly and unconditionally.

Her younger years were similar to that of a 'rebel with a cause'..... Nights sneaking out to sleep under the stars; often sneaking in pretty late from a date; getting bucked off the horses at the Wildman's farm; or skidooing amidst the northern lights.

Whether she was singing with her cousin to a crowded room, or desperate to finish a Kaiser game with Grandpa, her infectious smile never dimmed. She was the last one to bed and the first to arise.... no matter what the agenda. Her passion for friendship and fun was so grand, whether we touched the sand in Hawaii or screamed at the weeds in Turtle Lake.

Yet Leasa's dedication as mother was one that could not be replaced. Her children were her pride and joy and this we all knew.... Four kids in diapers, runny noses to be wiped, scraped knees to be kissed, and a trailer full of love..... This is when Leasa's star shone the brightest.

But the shooting star is fleeting, as was Leasa's life. Her desire to fulfill her dreams outweighed the time in which she was given to do it. Her love for life and faith in herself had blossomed. And although she will be sorely missed, look up to the stars, as hers will be the brightest.

I miss you and I love you Leasa. God Bless You.