McInnis, Leslie John 'Les'
It is with great sadness that the family of Les McInnis announce his peaceful passing on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026 surrounded by his family in his 93rd year.
Les was born on October 20, 1933 in Chipman New Brunswick. He will be deeply missed, but also lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Judy Sandra McInnis (nee Jones) who he was married to for 63 years, and by his daughter Shanna Hurd and her husband Ross, son Steven McInnis, daughter Tracy McInnis and son Michael McInnis and his wife Jeanene. He was a proud grandfather to Amanda McInnis (Travis) , Scott McInnis, Joshua and Sophia Hurd, Jessica and Michael John McInnis, and great grandfather to Nova Fergueson.
Les was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He will be remembered for his outgoing personality, his sense of humour and his kindness. He was a well-known and very respected pilot, working at first at the Fredericton and Moncton Flying Club in 1957, then landing his first commercial position with Eastern Provincial Airlines, then moving his young family across the country to Vancouver to work for CPAIR in 1964. In 1971, he was promoted to Captain and this took his family, now with all four children, to Ontario where he finished out his professional career with Canadian Airlines International.
Throughout his career Les also flew for fun as often as possible, and he loved flying his many various types of aircraft including float planes, stunt planes and even an amphibious plane. He flew till he was 88 years old. Les was the consummate pilot, but he was so much more than that.
Les was always the life of the party and could light up a room simply by walking in with his stories and jokes at the ready. One of Les’ passions was music. Especially Gospel Music. He loved to play guitar, fiddle and to sing. He was a long-standing member at Mississauga Gospel Temple and then Lakemount Worship Centre.
Les was truly unique and a man of great strength. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.
Heartfelt thanks to Lorraine Ready and the wonderful staff at Pretty River Residence for taking such good care of him. A private family funeral service will be conducted at the Ferguson Funeral Home, with committal and interment following at Lakeview Cemetery in Meaford, ON.
As your expression of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Details
Make a donation in memory of Leslie John 'Les' McInnis
Donations: Alzheimer Society of Canada or the Heart and Stroke FoundationDonate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Saturday, July 25, 2026
My grandfather was an amazing man, and I love him a lot. I hope he’s flying his planes in heaven ❤️
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Grampy really loved you Sophia and sure had lots of fun joking around with you. You always had a great comeback and he loved it. Feed my sheep ❤️
Saturday, July 25, 2026
A lovely tribute Shanna❤️… once again our sincere condolences to your Mom, you, Ross and entire family …. Nancy and Richard
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Thanks so much Nancy! Your words the other day meant so much!❤️
Saturday, July 25, 2026
I am so sorry to hear this. Les was one of my favorite people. I loved his sense of humor and his storytelling. He loved Jesus and was one of the most consistent encouragers in my life.
I am thankful he is no longer suffering. He will be missed. Praying for Judy and the family today.
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Wow. Matt, you made a massive impression on dad as well. He loved you and he spoke to me all the time about you and all you amazing services at Lakemount. He also forced me to listen to many of them. I was glad he did. God Bless you and your family❤️
Saturday, July 25, 2026
From visits to the pool and dancing to his favourite songs in his office, grampy always made every visit special. I miss him so much already. I was lucky enough to be one of the few people he took for a fly, and to this day I will not forget it ❤️
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Oh wow. That is amazing. I know he loved you so much❤️
Sunday, July 26, 2026
We miss the visits to the Maritimes that Les, Judy and the family used to make. It was always a pleasure to have them. Les had so many stories to share. Our sincere sympathy to our sister, Judy, and her family.
Sunday, July 26, 2026
We all miss the East Coast and especially the East Coast family. Those were truly some magical time we all had back in the day. We were so lucky!! Thank you so much.❤️
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Dear Judy and Family,
We were saddened to learn of the.passing of Les, a valued colleague and friend.
Les was wonderful in so many ways. His sense of humour was next to none, he was always genuinely interested in how his fellow pilots were doing and he made everyone’s life better and happier. Every flight was fun, and stress-free. He was skilled aviator and mentor. I enjoyed a few aerobatic flights with Les, post-retirement in his personal aircraft.
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sincere condolences to all of you with our warmest and best wishes.
Rest in Peace, dear friend.
Pierre & Martha (Garneau)
Fonthill, Ont.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Pierre, you have been such a great help and support to our family at this difficult time. Thank you for everything you have done to help honour dad’s memory and legacy. We all appreciate you so much!!❤️
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Judy, my sincere condolences to you and your family. Les was a great neighbour; who always had time to check in to see how things were going. Always had a kind word or a great story.
RIP my friend.
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Hi Cora,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I know that you were a blessing to them as a great neighbour as well!!❤️
Shanna
Monday, July 27, 2026
Judy & Family, Emily & I are very saddened with the passing of Lester as most of his airline buddies called him. I first met Les on CP flight arriving in Toronto from the maritimes, on the way to Vancouver for our interview with CP. We sat together and talked about airline life. We were both hired in December 1964 then in 1971 we transferred to Toronto.
It was quite the experience watching Les & Judy dancing and singing. I don’t remember how many parties our airline group held but it was a happy time.
And his stories he used to tell, my sides hurt from all the laughing. Especially the boxer and his speed boat, not sure but I think his name was Yvon Durelle.
A great and wonderful friend to Emily & me, he will be missed. Our love to Judy and family.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Wow. Bill. I have heard your name throughout my life as someone dad really thought a lot of. I was witness to many of the parties as a youngster. Hearing the laughter and music and fun till sometimes 3 am. Ha. I loved every minute. I paid attention to the songs especially. Thank you for this. Yes . It was Yvon. Dad cracked himself up telling that one. I only wish I had it recorded. He thought that was the most hilarious thing ever!!!
Monday, July 27, 2026
Always a gentleman with a great sense of humour! I had many flights with Les.
Les was always very supportive to the crew as a wonderful captain & leader.
My sincere condolences to your family.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Thank you so much Sandra!!! We really appreciate your reaching out it so much!!! When did you fly with dad? Please tell me more!
Monday, July 27, 2026
Tracy, Judy, Shanna, Steven snd Michael …
Our prayers are with you while you go through this sad time together. Many happy memories of MGT choir and Kids Praise!
We pray the Lord’s comfort, peace and love to surround you all at this time.
Hugs drew and barb parkinson ottawa
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Hi Barb and Drew,
Thank you for your love and support. Yes so many great memories at MGT. Thank you for your prayers at this difficult time.
Bless you both
Tracy
Monday, July 27, 2026
So sorry to hear of Les’s passing. He was a wonderful and friendly man whose faith was strong. I remember spending lots of time with him and Judy along with out two girls. They were so welcoming to their home and Harry spent time with him in his pit special plane. Love to Judy and the children and God’s strength and peace be with them.
Monday, July 27, 2026
Hi Dianne,
Thank you so much for this. I remember hearing about you guys lots and the good friendship you had.
Will definitely show all of these lovely messages to mom. Bless you ❤️
Monday, July 27, 2026
My Dad was a good friend of Captain McInnis….I am sure that they are flying high together … Condolences to the family …My Dad was Captain Don Folsetter….
Monday, July 27, 2026
Hi Heather,
Yes. Dad mentioned you dad lots of time growing up. They had quite the life and career! Would be great if they’re up there flying free together!! ❤️
Monday, July 27, 2026
My deepest sympathies to your family – my husband Bob (who died in 2006 aged 65) flew with Les and I love to hear their stories. I met both Les and Judy on one of their visits out west.
Karin Fulcher
Monday, July 27, 2026
Hi Karin,
Dad mentioned your husband tonnes around our house. Sounds like they had a really good friendship. I am so sorry you lost him at such a young age. Bless you and thank you so very much for this!❤️
Monday, July 27, 2026
Dear Judy,
Susan and I wish to extend our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Yes, Lester was both a great captain and a good leader who always stood firmly behind his crew. His wonderful sense of humor was appreciated wherever he appeared. We had the pleasure to work on a great many of Lester’s Trans Atlantic DC-8 flights back in the CP-Air era. He ran his ship with great professionalism, though as crew we always had a great atmosphere on board. There are many anecdotes about those times, simply too many to mention…
We say our goodbyes to a great man and will always remember the good old days.
Rest in peace dear Friend
Susan and Hans Heim
Etobicoke, Ont.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Amazing. Thank you so much for reaching out. Will definitely pass this on to mom. Can you share an anecdote…no matter how simple. Dad was usually up to some kind of silliness. If not, no worries. Really appreciate your message here. ❤️
Monday, July 27, 2026
I first met Les in 1956 or 7 when we both stayed with the Mackenzie family in Charlottetown. Les was operating a crane for a building company and saving his money to buy flying lessons and an aeroplane to haul seal skins from the ice flows north of PEI. Many years later we met again and flew across the Atlantic with a CP Air DC-8. He has always been a kind and generous person who thought of others before himself. Rest in peace dear friend and may your Landings be Happy. To Judy and Family, our Sincerest Condolences are extended to you and we will keep you in our prayers. Art & Else Cameron
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Hi Art,
Wow. That is sure going back! Before my time. It is very wonderful for our family to hear about the old times.
Thank you so much for sharing this part of dad’s past and your time spent with him. Bless you and your family!❤️
Shanna
Monday, July 27, 2026
I had the pleasure of meeting Les through the Experimental Aircraft Association and fondly remember his many incredible stories innumerable jokes charisma and wit. He had many excellent bits of advice for a pilot just getting started and enthusiastically supported the dream of flying. These past few years his absence has been felt by us all. My sincerest condolences and thanks for sharing Les with us….an amazing gentleman.
Monday, July 27, 2026
Les was a much respected and admired pilot with a wonderful personality and terrific sense of humour. He will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and those he held near and dear.
Monday, July 27, 2026
Judy and Family,
I just wanted to pass along my condolences on Les’s passing. He was a dedicated family man that will be deeply missed by all of you.
In the mid 1970’s I was a new second officer with CP Air and had the privilege and pleasure of flying with him. On flights with Lester I learned lots, laughed lots and enjoyed his company on very memorable layovers. I am glad to have had him as a colleague and proud too call call him my friend.
Al Ogilvie
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
I am proud that Les was my father-in-law. He was a great provider and loved his family very much. I enjoyed how he was so passionate for life and the fun we had together on our fishing trips. Les was a very special man who will be deeply missed. I loved him like a father and I take comfort that he is in resting in peace with the Lord.
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
❤️ After dad got past the garage door take down, I know he loved you too!! ❤️
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
We are saddened to hear the news. Les was always so kind and took time to greet us at church and ask after the family. We enjoyed his stories and his personality. Our prayers are with you Judy and your family. We pray for a heavenly peace on all of you as you recall all the wonderful memories.
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
My husband, Wayne and I extend our deepest condolences to Judy, Shanna, Steven, Tracy and Michael as well as your families at the passing of Les. He was such an amazing man and we always enjoyed his sense of humour mixed into our conversations with him. He will be remembered, usually with a story about his airplane exploits like flying over the water in front of their waterfront home in Grimsby! He and Judy were wonderful hosts to many gatherings we had the pleasure of attending. Les loved the Lord and had a place in our congregation at Lakemount. We miss him, but know he is with the Lord and so we are grateful for the hope we have in Jesus.
Please give Judy a hug from us!
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Leslie was an amazing and kind person. He always appreciated the staff with a warm smile. I will truly miss his kind words, “Thank you, dear.” Leslie will always be remembered with fondness.
Thursday, July 30, 2026
My heart goes out to you, Judy, and your family. My husband, Larry, started out as a second officer with CP Air in the early seventies when Les was a captain. Larry always enjoyed flying with Les, and frequently brought home stories from “the good old days” in the cockpit and on layovers. He left a great impression!