Tennant, Leslie William 'Skinny'
Leslie William ‘Skinny’ Tennant ~ December 25, 1943 – July 13, 2021
To know him is to love him. A friend of many, he had the ability to light up a room. Those who were privileged to cross his path were forever changed. He was hilarious and could find humour in any situation. He was a good listener and believed in you when you forgot to believe in yourself. He was honest in his opinions whether you liked them or not. Skinny was patient and kind and a lover of life.
The son of Mathew William and Erna Pearl (nee Aldread) Tennant, survived by sister Shirley Leone Rourke of Cold Lake Alberta.
Skinny will be greatly missed by the love of his life, Bonnie, and his family who adored him: Andrea and Paul, Shauna and Jonny, Christie and Hayden, Leanne and Flounder, along with his adoring grandchildren: Stella and Clayton, Zora and Frida, Grey and Morris.
Skinny’s impact on the musical fabric of this country is paramount. From Radio DJ to A&R to Booker to Manager to Publishing Executive, he’s fulfilled so many impactful roles in the industry. Throughout it all he always kept his focus on the artist. His role in the live booking sector found him working alongside acts such as Rush, Lighthouse and Fludd. His role on both the label and management side found him developing artists such as Andrew Cash, Lowest of the Low, The Waltons, to more contemporary artists such as Hayden, Tegan and Sarah, and Hawksley Workman. His tireless work ethic continued well into his semi-retirement. He landed sync placements for many indie artists via his company Songplugger. Looking back on his life and influences he created a nine-episode podcast titled, Skinny Spinner Presents: The Birth of Rock n’ Roll. He was recently awarded CIMA’s Builder Award for being a tireless advocate for creators over many decades. His loss will be felt by many.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to dreamserenade.ca or Residential Hospice Grey Bruce – Chapman House Hospice, Owen Sound would be greatly appreciated and may be made through Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Donations: dreamserenade.ca or Residential Hospice Grey Bruce - Chapman House HospiceDonate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Thursday, July 15, 2021
Xoxo To a man who made such a wonderful impact on mine and my children’s lives. He always made my children smile within the first few seconds of seeing him. He was an amazing role model to my girls as to how they should be treated in their lives. He looked them in the eyes when he spoke to them and was actually interested in what they had to say. I haven’t even touched how important he made me feel. I remember when Bon was away and Skinny decided that him and I should have a movie night .. he picked ‘The Girl with the dragon tattoo’ and a minute into the movie I looked at him and said “seriously? I have to read this entire movie?” He replied “come on Car, you’ll love it” .. and I did. But what I loved was that time together. Just two friends watching a movie. That and a million more memories is how I will honour Skinny. My love always to you Bon. ♥️
Thursday, July 15, 2021
The best manager ever. His contribution to the Canadian music business was immense. Very sorry to hear this very sad news. My condolences to his family.
Thursday, July 15, 2021
A prince of a man. Always smiling, thoughtful, and extremely dedicated to his craft. He swam above the fray. I will miss him.
Friday, July 16, 2021
I will never forget his collection of The Simpsons paraphernalia, or the generous gift of champagne and framed poetry William and Bonnie gifted when they sold me their Toronto Beaches property. I no longer live there, but the framed poetry still welcomes everyone at my door. RIP William.
Friday, July 16, 2021
I knew you since the 60ies, Skinny, and always enjoyed your company. You will be long remember by all those who met you and will be missed big time.
Friday, July 16, 2021
My deepest condolences to Skinny and his family. Worked with him many times during the 70s and 80s. Always had a a smile on his face which will continue to light up the heavens.
Friday, July 16, 2021
Skinny was truly a good man. He was a good friend, a good partner, a good husband, a good parent, and a good grandparent. Skinny had the best heart. I am lucky to have been able to call him friend. In every aspect of his life, he proceeded with a passion that was so pure, it was just wonderful to see. I miss my friend. I love you, skinman.
Friday, July 16, 2021
loved music – you saw it in his face and he shared it with his heart….Joanne Smale
Friday, July 16, 2021
Our thoughts and hearts will always be with you Uncle Skinny
We will always remember Skinny as Skinny Milinky, our favourite uncle, and greatest uncle to our children, he always told us he was. We will always cherish the great times we had with him. Our visits with him were always anticipated, when we were kids visiting grandma and grandpa, and through to raising our own families, or visiting him. There were few moments without laughter, teasing, joking, just having fun, and talking about music. He always keen to do what we were doing, tubing behind the boat, quadding, tobogganing, playing catch, basketball, swinging on a swing, or fighting over who got the butter tarts. He was young at heart and mind.
We will always remember him for his love of music, and zest for life. We will miss you buddy.
Norman and Kim Rourke and family
Lianne Rourke and family
Andrew Rourke and family
Penny Rourke
Friday, July 16, 2021
An amazer, a trail blazer and a gentle man. Skinny cobbled a large stitch into the fabric of rock n’ roll….. for a lotta people!! Live on, Sir. May your fairways be forever wide.
Friday, July 16, 2021
We only have fond memories of Skinny when our lives crossed during your years in Bluewater. Skinny you were as good as they come. Your warm smile and gentle demeanor would melt anyone’s heart. You made a huge impression on Jacob as a child, something that few have been able to do . He will never forget you or your collection of The Simpsons paraphernalia. He was truly touched as we were when you knocked on our door last fall. What were the chances that he would be there to see you after so many years and for the last time. You have left an empty space in so many people’s lives and hearts! Know that we will always remember you with warmth. Nick has missed having coffees with you on our veranda. He was proud of making them for you. After all you said he made the best. Wishing you peace and music for eternity…until we meet again. Lots of love to you Bonnie with our deepest condolences.
Saturday, July 17, 2021
Skinny was a wonderful, kind , caring person with a great sense of humour and I am honoured to have known him in both business & as a friend . I will always remember his laugh and he laughed a lot . He loved his musicians , he loved music and he loved his wife Bonnie, his business partner Sandy , and his family .
The music industry has lost a genuinely good person , and I am so sad to have lost such a fine friend .
Sunday, July 18, 2021
We knew Skinny as our neighbor for several years at Bluewater Beach. Kind, gentle and funny, we shared many laughs and good times at friends and neighbors get togethers.
You will be missed. Our deepest condolences to Bonnie&the family.
Monday, July 19, 2021
Farewell Dear Friend. We will always remember the laughter, fun and friendship you shared with us over many years. We will always cherish your memorable surprise visits and some planed parties.
We miss you.
Our Love to Bonnie and the entire family.
Your friends
Ingrid & André
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Thank you Skinny for your kindness, laughter and patience. I will always remember the music you provided for the Bluewater Beach events.
My condolences to Bonnie and family.
Jessie Garland
Thursday, July 22, 2021
My deepest condolences for your loss of Skinny. You have been missed in the neighbourhood and at the “Babes” events. Take good care.
Irene Wilson
Friday, July 23, 2021
Bonnie
We were very saddened to hear of Skinny’s passing. We only met him a few times, but he was really a wonderful guy and he really lit up your life (as you did to his). We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
All our Love.
Dan, Mary and Jennifer
Thursday, July 11, 2024
So sorry to recently hear of Les’ passing, which brings back so many memories for me as a copywriter at CKOM during his time on air there. Will always remember his fun-loving spirit off and on-air as the “slimmer thinner, skinny spinner”.