Leslie Dawn Bushman
February 27, 1951 – November 15, 2021
Leslie Dawn Bushman – February 27, 1951 – November 15, 2021. Leslie Dawn Bushman was born in Winnipeg, and the family moved to Saskatoon when Leslie was 1. She attended King George School and Bedford Road Collegiate, where she excelled at academics including Latin. The summer after Grade 11, she attended Redberry Bible Camp where she chose to follow Jesus, remaining dedicated to her decision for the rest of her life.
After high school, she took two years of a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Saskatchewan in preparation for a career in social work. She then determined a career in nursing would be more fulfilling and graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Diploma Nursing program at Kelsey Institute. In 1971 she met her future husband Ron Bushman at an organizational meeting for Tranquility Base, a coffee house that became a teenage hangout. Here Ron saw her care for people of all backgrounds and interests, never judging, always with a word of grace.
In December 1972 they were engaged, marrying September 15, 1973. They settled in Watrous, where Leslie worked in her profession. Jonathan was born April 1979 and Janice December 1982. Ron and Leslie moved to Saskatoon in 1981, and they enjoyed many happy years raising their two children to be delightful, contributing and loving adults.
Leslie was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 19. The disease took an increasing toll on her health through the years. Throughout dialyses, a kidney transplant, a lower leg amputation and a multitude of health complications, Leslie never questioned God, always adapting with her cheerful, optimistic poise. In the past year it became evident that she was nearing the end of her life, but her attitude was, “I’m going to a better place; it’s just the journey that hurts.”
She was predeceased by her mother, Eleanor D. Campbell, her father, Duncan Lachlan Campbell, parents-in-law David and Katherine Bushman, and two brothers-in-law, Kenneth Kasper and Dave Barr. She leaves to mourn her husband, Ron, son Jonathan Ronald (Tania Lynn) Bushman, Janice Kathryn (Gord) Mills, grandchildren Gavin and Marilla Mills, brother Duncan (Terry) Campbell, sister Wendy Campbell, sister-in-law Elizabeth Kasper, brother-in-law Walter Bushman (Mary) and several nephews and nieces along with their families. She owes the last 26 years of life to her sister Wendy for the selfless donation of a kidney. We also thank Dr. Jason Hosain who deserves our deepest gratitude for his combination of last century rural doctor care along with his cutting-edge medical knowledge, never missing a cue in spite of Leslie’s overwhelmingly complex medical history. We will always cherish her memory.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021, 2:00 p.m. at West Portal Church, 3134 33rd Street West, Saskatoon, SK. Memorial donations may be made to Redberry Bible Camp, PO Box 25128 River Heights, Saskatoon, SK S7K 8B7.
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
14 Comments
Ron, our deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of Leslie. We’ve appreciated you over the years and especially felt reconnected when we had “that” significant lunch which you initiated several years ago. Thanks so much! Reconciliation is truly sweet. Now we will lift you often to our Heavenly Father as you adjust to your new life without Leslie. We’re blessed to know she no longer suffers as she has for so many years. Thanks, too, for that spontaneous BBQ just months ago at your home. You both have been hospitable beyond measure! We’ll be watching the service online but will miss seeing you in person. God bless you with His immeasurable resources during this difficult transition! We love you.
Dear Ron, my sincere condolences to you and the family on Leslie’s passing. I have been so blessed by your love and care and willingness to help in every situation. You both opened your home so many times to lunches and friendly gathering time. So many fond memories of both of you. I know that Leslie is now free of her pain and she has been welcomed in the arms of Jesus and we have that blessed wonderful hope of being reunited some day. What a day that will be! My heart and prayers go out tp you and the family at this time and may the good Lord continue to walk beside you and bless and keep you and comfort you in the days that lie ahead as you start this new journey of your life without her.. We love you. God bless!
From Ronda and family
Ron, we offer our condolences to you and your family upon Leslie’s “graduation with distinction” to her new home. She will be missed. Thank you for being an amazing caregiver over the years when Leslie needed you most. Although we will not be attending Leslie’s memorial service in person, please know that we will be with you in spirit and viewing online. We pray that you feel God’s arms of comfort in this new season before you.
Ron & family we extend our condolences and prayers at this difficult time of Leslies passing. Leslies deep spiritual beliefs were a blessing to many people and gave them great comfort. We hope that you all feel God’s presence at this time. “The memory of the righteous is a blessing- Proverbs 10:7”
Our sincerest condolences to you Ron and your family. Our prayers are with you. We’re sorry we are unable to attend in person but will try to tune in on line.
Ron and family, I am so sorry for the passing of your wife and mother! I remember interacting with Leslie way back even when West Portal was on 20th . God gives strength for one day at a time. Praying for you!
Sylvia and I are honored to watch the live streaming of Leslie’s service. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Every loved one who passes holds a place in your heart. We are sorry for your loss, but we believe Leslie is with her maker. God Bless Ron and Sylvia Campbell
We are well so sorry to hear of your loss Ron, Jonathan and Janice and families
We followed Leslie’s memorial service on line.. our prayers will be with you
Dear Ron, Jonathan and Janice….what an extraordinary tribute you gave to your wife and mom today. She would have been so proud of you all. We grow to be like the ones we spend the most time with, and I can see some of Leslie in each of you.
May you find Jesus near; he too knows what it is to sorrow when saying our goodbyes here on earth. Leslie is safe with him until and when we are all gathered together in the new heaven and earth.
Our hearts are with you and we pray comfort, peace, and rest for you.
Caralee and Dave
Leslie was in my class at Bedford Road. She won the academic award all four years-an amazing accomplishment! I remember her as being very quiet, but having such a warm personality and strong convictions. Her classmates knew her respect was valued, and her opinion was highly regarded. We lost contact after our BRCI years as I travelled for several years and Leslie changed post secondary institutions. I was saddened to read of her health struggles throughout her adult life, but was heartened to discover that she found her soulmate and raised a lovely (and probably brilliant!) family. My condolences to all with a special hug for Wendy.
Ron, I am really sorry for you to loose a such wonderful life partner. Looking at the photo that Leslie with Levi and Keve, it really brings my memory up when I met Leslie and you in Saskatoon. Meeting you and Leslie is one of the nice things in my life. You and Leslie showed me how you care others. Leslie is a such a strong and wonderful women I have ever met. She never complain about her poor health and always be positive and optimistic, no matter what happen to her life she never change her strong faith and love to GOD what really impress me. I prey Leslie is happy with GOD in the heaven now and wish God comfort you and your family.
What a lovely celebration of Leslie’s life. We were unable to attend the afternoon service, but appreciated being able to be with you Ron and family in this way. You all were courageous & would have made Leslie proud of you. May you continue to lean on our loving Father for courage and comfort in the days to come.
Ron, Janice and Jonathan, I am very sorry for your loss. I will miss the phone calls that we had over the last year, we had so much in common and it was my pleasure to spend some time with her. Yes she totally loved the Lord and we will see her again someday. I pray that you will be comforted to know that. All the best to you as you go through this loss.
Ron,
Vi and I are sorry for the loss of Leslie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care.
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