LIVES LIVED

Ellis Leuschner

Globe and Mail, Friday, August 26, 2005 Page A16

Son, brother, grandson, nephew, best friend, athlete and mostly just a kid. Born April 24, 1992, in Mississauga. Died June 18 in Oakville, Ont., in a bicycle accident, aged 13.

Ellis Michael Robert not only wanted to experience everything in life, but he truly needed to excel. During his 13 wonderful years on Earth he showed a passion for many sports, enjoyed life's finer things. Most importantly, Ellis made many friends and touched many hearts.

Always fun-loving, sometimes devilish and perpetually smiling, Ellis made the most of the privileged childhood provided by his loving mom, dad, sister and his close extended family. Regular trips to skateboard parks, mountain biking trails, tennis courts and golf courses were squeezed around a busy schedule of hockey, soccer, school and family socials. Ellis worked hard at each of these activities, always striving to be the best, but at the same time he never took it too seriously, always having fun and making friends.

Family vacations were plentiful as Ellis had the pleasure of numerous trips to Orlando where he loved the theme parks, golfing, shopping, swimming and getting autographs at spring training. Summer trips to Pickerel Lake, Fern Resort, Talisman Resort, Ottawa, Montreal, and Chicago were added to annual trips to Sauble Beach and Shadow Lake. Ellis enjoyed trips to the Maritime provinces (age 6) and the Rocky Mountains (age 11) camping with his Nan, Grandpa, cousin Mathew, Auntie Linda, sister Natalie and his dad. Ellis also enjoyed many weekends camping in Ontario. He also visited Arizona where he enjoyed a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.

Ellis was a solid student who had an ability to learn while having fun in class. Ellis always knew when to back off the fun and flash the quick smile and the bright blue eyes to avoid the teachers' wrath. He made many friends at St. Jerome school and Mentor College where they will honour Ellis with an annual award for the Grade 8 student who most typifies Ellis's indomitable zest for life.

Of all his sporting pursuits, hockey was the one that provided the most memories. Ellis joined the Port Credit Paperweight League as a five-year-old who could barely stand on his skates. His first year he won the most improved player award and quickly became a fan favourite. He continued in Port Credit for three more years making many friends and having many big games as he progressed through the system. Ellis moved on to playing for The Mississauga Reps, Mississauga Rebels and most recently the Mississauga Terriers. Ellis was known for his big heart, work ethic and toughness and perseverance.

Ellis loved hockey tournaments, mostly because it meant a day off of school and tons of social time with his teammates. This past season, Ellis and his teammates badly wanted to play in the Silver Stick tournament as the team planned to take a bus to Port Huron, Mich., and it also meant two days off school and all the usual fun that goes with it. In the championship game of the qualifying tournament, Ellis was pumped. He scored the first goal of the game and made a great play to set up his team's third goal. At the end of regulation time, the game was deadlocked at 3-3. With seconds to go in the second overtime period, Ellis picked up the puck in his own zone and took off like a rocket. The only way he could be stopped was to be tripped as he came in on a breakaway. A penalty shot was awarded and Ellis rose to the occasion, ripping a wrist shot into the lower right corner of the net, winning the game and the tournament for his team. The game broadcaster said it best: Ellis Leuschner the hero of the game.

Ellis was and still is our hero.

Rob and Lisa are Ellis's parents.