Phil Leskewich
Philip Donald Leskewich, aged 91, of Abbotsford, British Columbia, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026, at Abbotsford Regional Hospital.
Phil was born on July 13, 1935, in Swan River, Manitoba, to Daniel and Ksenia Leskewich, who immigrated to Canada in 1930.
Phil attended Briercrest Bible College, where he pursued his Christian education. His Christian faith remained an important part of his life and was reflected in his many years of service to his Lord and Saviour. In 1959, while at Briercrest, Phil married Marcia Hildebrand, beginning a loving partnership that spanned 67 years. Together, they raised three daughters: Donna, Sandra, and Rhonda (Jason Wilcox). Phil was a proud grandfather to Stephanie Berrington (Zach Rodgers), Kirstin Berrington (Neil Madill), Brent Berrington (Chelsea Grewar), Jenna Wilcox, and Sadie Wilcox, and a great-grandfather to Angus Berrington Rodgers.
He went on to build a career in management in the trucking industry, working for more than 27 years in Regina, Winnipeg, and Calgary. From 1990 to 2004, Phil and Marcia served with SIM Canada in stewardship, mobilization, and church relations throughout Western Canada. Their commitment to Christian ministry continued well into retirement, as they joyfully remained involved with SIM for many years.
Phil and Marcia began attending Grant Church in 1979 and considered Grant their home church for 38 years. Marcia still considers Grant her home church, saying, “We love Grant—it has always had a significant impact on our lives as a family. We thank God for our continued ‘connectedness’ to Grant. It will always be home for us.” While at Grant, Phil served on the Deacon Board and chaired it for several years. In late 1990, Phil and Marcia began their ministry with SIM, and in January 1991, they became endorsed missionaries of our church, beginning what was for Phil a second career.
Phil was a devoted husband and father whose Christian faith was an important part of his life. He was known for his kindness, his sense of humour, and his generous spirit, particularly toward his family, whom he loved dearly. He was always willing to help others and took great joy in caring for those closest to him. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed a variety of sports, both playing and watching. Phil’s commitment to serving, his faith and his generosity were evident throughout his life. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his family and all who knew and loved him.
Phil was predeceased by his parents, Daniel and Ksenia, and his siblings Steve (Mary), Jean (Nick) Ness, and Les. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marcia; his daughters and their families; his sister-in-law, Peggy; his siblings Walter (Mary, deceased) and Myna (Sam) Kublick; and many extended family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Clearbrook MB Church, located at 2719 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford, British Columbia.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Phil’s memory to SIM Canada.
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