Obituary of Eric William Leaver

Leaver Eric William Leaver died peacefully in his eighty-ninth year at St. Joseph's Hospital on February 12, 2004 after a brief battle with cancer. Beloved husband of the late Lillian Gertrude Leaver. Beloved father and best friend of Susan Elizabeth D'Alton Scott (nee Leaver) and beloved uncle of Tony Leaver, hsi wife Bernice, and their son Stephen. Beloved friend of Pam and Cec Shewchuk, Dr. Jack J. Brown, and many others in London, Ontario and Toronto. Predeceased by his parents Stephen and Elizabeth Alton Leaver and his brothers John and Stephen Leaver. Eric was an inventor, entrepreneur and businessman who founded nine innovative high-technology companies in Canada, the U.S. and England. Among many accomplishments during his sixty-plus-year career, he earned the title of "the father of flexible and adaptive automation for manufacturing companies." He was a professional engineer, a Fellow of The Canadian Academy of Engineering, and an Officer of the Order of Canada. Eric was blessed with a photographic memory, a vast intelligence and an inquiring mind that won him the admiration and the hearts of those who knew him. A world traveller, he remained true to his roots: a shrewd businessman, he retained a deep-seated compassion for those less fortunate. He was a true gentleman who will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Eric's daughter would like to express her heartfelt thanks to Dr. Pierce and his team at the St. Joseph Family Health Clinic, the nurses at St. Joseph's Hospital B5 nursing station, and her many supportive friends for their care and compassion during this unbearably difficult time. According to his wishes, Eric will be cremated privately and a reception held to celebrate his life at a later date. For those wishing to honour Eric, please make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, or Parkwood Hospital Foundation. A tree will be planted in Eric's memory. (John T. Donohue Funeral Home, London)