Leonard Norcross Ferdon, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d), The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada passed away peacefully June 17, 2026. Born in Montreal August 31, 1934, Len (aka Mike) spent his formative years engaging in various high jinx escapades around Westmount with lifelong friend John Lillie. Len moved to Toronto in early 1980’s where he was fortunate to meet his partner in life Cath on a blind date. Len began his 70 year commitment to the Black Watch in the summer of 1956 as Offi cer Cadet to the Commanding Offi cer. He had the honour of hosting the Queen Mother in 1974 while she presented new colours to the regiment in Montreal and continued as a member of the Black Watch of Canada Foundation. Len joined the Toronto Association as Honorary President and was active until his passing. Len taught himself to play the bagpipes after joining the Black Watch in Montreal and it became his lifelong passion playing and competing in many bands over the decades and most recently with the Streetsville Pipes and Drums. He never stopped learning and several years ago joined the Wednesday Warriors to learn classical bagpipes….Piobaireachd!!! He’s daring you to pronounce that!! Len leaves behind his wife of 41 years Catherine Sparling, daughter Lucinda (George Mouzourakis), son Jamie (Krista Freeman), granddaughters Tessa and Zoe, sister Diane (Frank Ward), predeceased by his sister Barbara (Ian Eisenhardt) as well as many, many nieces and nephews. Len was a fi xer of things, a problem solver, a story teller and a history buff . He wept while listening to baroque music, loved the best in wine and food, acquired quite a collection of single malt whisky thanks to the Companions of the Quaich and did the BEST address to the haggis by Robbie Burns. Len was also quite stubborn and believed everyone other than himself was a terrible driver. Many times he could be heard saying “WHAT IS HE DOING!!!!” but above all he was fi ercely loyal to family and friends. As a friend said of Len “he was a man who spent his entire life living the motto of “noblesse oblige” The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. ter Kuile (family physician), Dr. Orfi (Cardiology) and Dr. Suleman (Oncology) and their teams for their compassion and caring. As with everything there is a beginning and an end whether it’s a season or a good book or a life well lived. There will be a Celebration of Life

for Len (Uncle Mike) at the Oakville Club, 56 River St. August 31st at 12:30pm. A memorial donation may be made to the charity of your choice.