The Deschenes Group announced that Jon Leeson, the company’s vice president of the building mechanical market, has died. He first joined the industry in 1988 and joined the Deschenes Group in March 2003 at Desco Plumbing and Heating.
During his time in the industry, he held various marketing and sales roles before becoming vice president and general manager. Leeson was also long involved with the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH).
In tribute to the nearly 20 years of work at the Deschenes Group, Francois Deschênes, president and CEO issued a note to Leeson.
Dear Jon,
I was devastated to learn that you passed away so quickly. During our last conversation, not so long ago, and despite your health which seemed very fragile, you still had your combative and positive state of mind. You knew you had a big challenge ahead of you, but you still had the will to do everything to meet it. During all these years that I have known you, I always felt that you wanted to go for it, to persevere despite the pitfalls and that you said things as they really were with honesty and sincerity. All this with your sense of humour, your humility and your desire to put others first rather than yourself.
I had great confidence in you and a lot of respect for your leadership. You had the success of our organization and its people at heart. You were always willing to get involved in projects with rigour. My family and I are very grateful for your great contribution to the company, whether professional or human.
You have always spoken to me with admiration and pride of your family: your wife Linda, your daughter Madison and your son David. My thoughts are with them and your mother Barbara. They will certainly miss you very much as well as your many friends and colleagues. I will miss your friendship very much. Rest in peace, my friend!
Leeson passed away on Dec. 15 after a lengthy batter with cancer. He leaves behind his wife of 29 years, Linda Leeson, and his two children Madison (Yazeed) and David.
Funeral details will be announced at a later date. Leeson would like for those interested and able to make donations in his name to the Sinai Health Foundation in Toronto. A page has been set up on Arbor Memorial for people to share condolences.