I love old people. We all should. Hopefully one day we'll be one. The oldest person in Thompson could very well be Leon Laine. I got to know Leon through my friends Maria and Noel. He's quite the character, and if you are lucky enough to know him you will know that this 96-year-old man is intelligent, soft-spoken, kind, enjoys laughing, and more than anything, he loves to eat.
Leon is on his way to Ontario to be closer to family. His son and daughter-in-law moved to Prince Edward County on Lake Ontario in May and since then have made two quick trips back to Thompson when they were called back. The first time they got the call they came rushing back to find Leon was not ready to leave quite yet. When they went in his room Leon woke up and said, "What are you doing here? Did you think I was going to die or something? I'll let you know when I'm going to die." The second emergency trip back to Thompson was because of another phone call. They were told they probably wouldn't make it in time. But yet again when they arrived, Mr. Laine woke up and said, "What's to eat? I want shrimp and beer." Internal bleeding and old age will not stop this man. Not yet. Leon is determined to make it to the age of 100. He wants his telegram from the Queen when he turns 100. He feels that's worth waiting around for.
Life is worth living for Leon as he has many people that love him, which was quite evident at the Northern Spirit Manor, this past Thursday. I had the pleasure of joining Leon for his farewell gathering where Kate Geiger and staff, joined by residents, paid tribute to his time shared with them. They made him a poster, which called him dapper; Leon is always a well-dressed man. Kate mentioned how they kept shrimp in the fridge for him, when Leon spoke up and said "is there any left?" She reminded him of how he had the staff all fooled and said they thought he was a goner, but like the cat he came back.
Leon Laine, a merchant marine during the war, was on the ship Sangara when it was torpedoed. Leon and the others survived but the captain went down with the ship. Leon sailed many times to the West coast of Africa with general cargo, bringing back cocoa to the Cadbury Fry Factory in Liverpool, England. Leon has lived a good life in Thompson and though there was no demand for a marine engineer, he has plenty of stories to tell. One such story was about getting ready for the grand opening of the City Centre Mall. No water was in the fountain and he was making arrangements with the fire hall to fill it. It ended up being filled with muddy water from the river and he had to have it drained and cleaned.
Leon told me that he had at least 70 kisses on his forehead during his farewell from well-wishers. He said if it weren't for family he would never leave. The kindness and love shown at the Northern Spirit Manor is amazing. The staff truly cares for the residents. I hope Leon receives his telegram from the Queen in four years from now and I hope he shares it with our readers. Good luck in your new home in Ontario, Leon. You will be missed in Thompson.
