Leslie Topshee
Leslie TopsheeTruro, NS
District Governor 1986-87
Les had an indomitable spirit and deep sense of commitment to his family, church and community. He attended St. Francis Xavier University and Marquette University, Wisconsin, where he received a degree in Mechanical Engineering (1941). He was employed by the Pictou Shipyard before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Navy where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant. He was employed by Domtar Chemicals in 1946 and retired in 1980 as Atlantic Regional Manager.
Les had a brilliant athletic career in football, hockey, track, baseball and boxing. He finished his active playing career on a winning note as a member of the Ontario Softball Championship Team. Les was also an avid golfer. Les' athletic achievements have been recognized in many ways. He was elected to the St. F.X. Hall of Fame in 1975, Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame in 1985, Truro Sports Hall of Fame in 1988 and Cape Breton Heritage Hall of Fame in 1998. He was also known as a sports builder, serving as president of the Truro Football Association and coaching other local teams.
Les employed his interest in sports in his service in Rotary by his involvement in the Rotary Club's Little League baseball team. Les served on the Truro Town Council for six years, during which time he was on committees responsible for the building of the Cobequid Education Centre, the Truro Library, the Vocational School and the Legion Stadium. Les was one of the founding fathers of the original Truro Community Workshop.
Les participated in the planning of the new Immaculate Conception Church, of which he was an active member. He worked with the Millbrook Building Committee and Father O'Neill on the planning and construction of the Sacred Heart Church, Millbrook.
In 1967, Les was voted "Citizen of the Year". He was president of the Truro Golf Club, he was on the Board of Governors of St. Francis Xavier University for six years.
A long time Rotarian, Les was President of the Rotary Club of Truro for the 1959-60 year and was District Governor of Rotary District 7820 in 1986-87. He was a Paul Harris Fellow (1986) and received the Avenues of Service Citation during the 2005-06 Rotary year.
Les and his wife Margaret were the parents of 10 children. Born July 30, 1915, in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Les passed away Saturday, May 13, 2006, in Colchester Regional Hospital, Truro, surrounded by his loving family.