Leslie J. Hackett
HACKETT, Leslie James – It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Leslie James Hackett (April 21,1949- April 8, 2026). He passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Hospice Wellington in Guelph on April 8th. He was at peace, in part because his beloved Toronto Blue Jays finally snapped a six game losing streak the day he left us.
Beloved husband of Joye MacIsaac-Hackett, devoted father of Kenzie (Peter) and Byron (Ashley). Fondly loved and remembered by his dear grandchildren Elsa and Riley. Dear brother to Tom (Mary Kay), brother-in law to Paul (Eileen), Don (Carol) and Iain. Predeceased by his parents Leonard and Marjorie Hackett, and sister Kristine Suffel. Les will be missed by his extended family and wide circle of friends, old and new.
Les was a remarkable man, leaving an indelible mark on anyone he encountered during his 76 years. He was a kind, caring and thoughtful individual, who was willing to do anything for anyone and not ask for a single thing in return. His superpower was showing up. He showed up for those who needed him and many who didn’t even realize they needed him until long after he helped them.
A teacher by trade, including 25 years at Morning Star High School in Malton, Les was an educator until the very end. During his final days, former tutoring students were reaching out to tell him how his work with them propelled them into various careers that weren’t possible without his help. Of course, in retirement he didn’t set out to be a tutor, but one day, helping a friend of a friend led to student after student working with him 20 years after he finished teaching.
Math may have been his first love, but after his wife, his grandkids were the apple of his eye. Elsa, 10 and Riley, 7, may have lived far away, but they had a full hold on his heart. He always talked about them with such pride, admiration and love. Many people in the ‘Village By The Arboretum’ have likely been regaled of tales about their adventures in Australia.
And you can’t mention the Village without talking about Les’ love of pickleball. The move to the Village provided Les and Joye so many great activities and the introduction to his obsession with pickleball was one of them. He was a ‘pickler’ through and through and even as his cancer was making life hard, he persevered to make it onto the courts.
Beyond his love of sports, Les’ heart belonged to his family. To Kenzie and Byron, he was a pillar of support who consistently put his children first. He spent countless hours at sporting practices and games, helped navigate moves across provinces and university transitions, and even gave up his own car to ensure his children had what they needed. His selfless nature knew no bounds, leading him all the way to Australia to spend months at a time with his grandchildren.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without his exceptional wife, Joye. Throughout their 46 years of marriage, she was his steadying force and his calm in the storm. He was a kind and caring man, with Joye guiding and supporting him throughout the rest of his life.
The family would like to thank all of Les’ doctors, nurses and caregivers who assisted him throughout his battle with cancer. We truly appreciated all the support and care he was given.
The family would like to invite you to a Celebration of Les’ Life on April 18, 2026. Please feel free to Drop-In and visit us in Reid Hall, Village by the Arboretum in Guelph between 9:30am and 11:30 am. A few tributes will be delivered at 10:30am. Please wear something casual or sports related as we celebrate a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Wellington Guelph, Canadian Cancer Society or to WRHN-Midtown (Waterloo Regional Health Network-Cancer Care) will be gratefully appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
A tree will be planted in memory of Leslie J. Hackett in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.