Leonard James Gamble

At the age of 95, Leonard James Gamble, long-time Armstrong resident, passed away on January 31, 2026 at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Born in Brixham, Devon, England on January 29, 1931, Len and his parents moved to Canada in 1948.

Len enrolled at the University of British Columbia, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s in Mathematics Education. UBC is also where he met his wife Jessie Ann. They were married in 1959 and celebrated their 66^th Wedding anniversary on October 9, 2025.

For 34 years Len worked in the BC school system. He started teaching in Armstrong, then moved to 18 years of secondary school administration in Clearwater and Enderby, and finally returned to teaching in the fall of 1983, in Salmon Arm. Over this time, he taught math, science and drama to students from grades 6-12. Len also directed many theatre productions and coached a number of sports teams with the aim of enriching the lives of his students.

Upon retirement, Len dove into researching World War I and II, producing three books, ‘So Far From Home’, ‘So Young They Were’ and ‘The 172^nd Battalion – RMR 1916-1919’. In addition to these books, he also penned his autobiography ‘Roots and Wings’.

His military books won him honours from the Legion, the Rocky Mountain Rangers and the Government of Canada. In March 2025, Len was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his service contributions to the City of Armstrong and his writing of local military books.

Throughout his life, Len felt service to the community was “the rent we pay for living on this earth”. He worked for the betterment of his communities in a multitude of ways including participating as a member of the Armstrong Rotary Club and most recently as the Vice President of the Haugen Community Healthcare Society.

Len was also a dedicated family man. Whether at family gatherings or relaxing at the cabin, Len reveled in spending time with his family. He was devoted to Jessie Ann, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchild often entertaining them with his singing, and piano and ukelele playing. His family brought him immense joy.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Jessie Ann (nee Shepherd); his children, Bruce (Natalie), DJ (Kelly), and Jen; his grandchildren, Byron (Megan), Laura (Nate), Robert (Alex), Vicki (Paul), Kate, and Hazel; his great-granddaughter Bella; his sister-in-law, Jean Shepherd; niece Maureen (John) Cottrell in England; and nieces and nephews in the lower mainland and southern Alberta.

The Celebration of Life will be at the hall of the Zion United Church in Armstrong on Tuesday, February the 17^th at 10 am. Reception to follow at the Armstrong Legion.

Those who wish to honour Len may make a donation to the Haugen Community Healthcare Society or a charity of your choice.

H.C.H.S, Box 495, Armstrong BC, V0E1BO etransfer: [email protected]

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-546-7237

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: