March 12, 1957 – October 30, 2026
Leslie Ann Frick (née Blakley), of Luseland, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the afternoon of Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Kerrobert and District Health Centre, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 69 years old.
Leslie is lovingly remembered by her husband of 39 years, Garry; her sons, Thomas (Heather) and Scott; her siblings, Brian Blakley, Diane Kalina, and Janet Hanlin; Garry’s sisters, Diana Frick and Tanislei Scheuerman (Dwaine); and numerous nieces, nephews, and their children. She was predeceased by her parents, Edwin and Dorothy Blakley, and her brother, Barry Blakley.
Born in Saskatoon into an academically inclined and sports-minded family, Leslie quickly discovered her many interests and passions. She enjoyed both participating in and watching sports, particularly fastball, where being left-handed proved to be an advantage, and competitive swimming with the Saskatoon Goldfins, where backstroke was her specialty. She was a devoted Saskatchewan Roughriders fan, and curling bonspiels were always eagerly anticipated.
A dedicated student, Leslie loved school and had a particular fondness for reading. While attending university, she took a summer job with the University of Saskatchewan’s Horticulture Department, sparking a lifelong passion for gardening. She also taught swimming lessons to children, an early indication of the patience and care that would become hallmarks of her teaching career. Leslie graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Education in 1979. Shortly afterward, she accepted a teaching position in Leask for five years. She then accepted a teaching position in Kindersley, where she taught several grades as well as Physical Education. During this time, her good friend Linda Meyers, whom she had known at university and who was teaching in a nearby community, introduced her to Garry Frick, her future husband.
Leslie eventually moved to Luseland to teach at Luseland District School, where she remained until her retirement. She typically taught Grades 7, 8, and 9, and, as a special distinction, had the opportunity to teach both of her own sons. She brought a calm, steady presence to the classroom, and students were always pleased when they found themselves in Mrs. Frick’s class. Over the course of 31 years, she made a lasting difference in the lives of countless students through her patience, dedication, and quiet encouragement.
Leslie and Garry were married for 39 years. They began their life together in the little house on the Frick family farm, where Thomas was born. A few years later, they moved into a lovely home in Luseland, where Scott was born. Their home in Luseland was conveniently located across from the school, in what Leslie considered one of the prettiest towns on the Prairies.
Wherever she lived, Leslie created beautiful and productive gardens, tending them with enthusiasm and care. Gardening remained one of her greatest pleasures, and she continued working in her garden through the end of the 2026 growing season.
Life in Luseland also brought Leslie two more passions: curling and golf. She curled for many years, until her knees finally called a halt to the sport, and continued golfing until the end of the summer of 2026. Both activities provided many happy hours, good-natured competition, and opportunities to enjoy the company of friends.
Leslie lived life to the fullest, sharing her humour, kindness, and many talents with those around her. She was thoughtful, patient, and considerate, whether with friends, colleagues, or students, and she was always ready to lend a hand. She had a wonderful sense of humour and a special way of putting people at ease, often with a twinkle in her eye.
One of Leslie’s most memorable talents was her uncanny ability to speak in a Donald Duck voice. Children were delighted by this unusual gift, although those in the one- to two-year-old age group were occasionally more frightened than entertained!
Leslie also loved to travel. She visited Europe several times, explored many parts of Canada, and especially cherished the annual winter trips to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, with Garry and their large circle of friends. These journeys brought sunshine, laughter, friendship, and many treasured memories.
Hopefully, there will be a set of golf clubs awaiting Leslie’s arrival in Heaven—left-handed, of course. After the difficult year she endured, she has certainly earned a well-deserved break. Her life was far too short, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. The memories she leaves behind, however, will continue to bring smiles and comfort for many years to come.
As one of Leslie’s favourite authors, Dr. Seuss, once wrote, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
A funeral service will be held at Luseland United Church on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., followed by lunch.
Leslie and her family wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Johann Wentzel, Dr. Mada Wentzel, and the nurses and staff at the Kerrobert and District Health Centre for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion they provided.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Leslie’s memory are welcome to the Luseland District School Library to the support the purchase of books, a fitting tribute to a lifelong educator who loved reading and inspired generations of students. Donations can be made at Luseland Credit Union.