Leslie Jade Chong

We lost Leslie Jade Chong at the age of 75 when she died of a stroke on the night of 5 April. Leslie is survived by her sisters Glenda Walliser (Bill Cornish) and Jody Morin (Gordon), nephews and niece Daniel, Elijah, Chad, Cole and Richelle, and great nephews and niece, Ethan, Brooks, and Celeste. Predeceased by her parents Edith (née Woo) and Willie Chong.

At a time when women had many fewer career options, Leslie began work in the pioneering Pestology Lab at Simon Fraser University in 1974. Shortly after, she met Professor John Borden, became his technician, and from that moment, ran his laboratory and guided his more than 100 graduate students through their studies for the next 29 years. She retired in November 2003.

Leslie had fortitude, an adventurous spirit and keen intelligence. She loved to travel and was a great photographer. Bonsai, the fibre arts, family genealogy: her interests were diverse and she approached all projects with great enthusiasm. She was a generous person and she will be deeply missed.

No service or memorial as per Leslie’s wishes.