Leonard James Gamble
January 29, 1931 - January 31, 2026
In Loving Memory
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 66th 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 172nd 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 17th 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:
Leave a comment
Comments: 14
Our condolences to a wonderful man family plus a wonderful teacher
Len was a true gentleman. He treated me with utmost respect. Sympathies to you all.
It was with such sadness that we heard the news of Len passing. It was always a joy to see Len and Jessie Ann throughout Armstrong.
He will be missed.
Joanne and Martin
To Jessie Ann and all of your family and close friends;
On behalf of The Rocky Mountain Rangers Regimental Association I send our deepest sympathies for your loss of Len. Len became a friend of the Regiment many years ago and many people within the Regiment and in the community have a copy of Len’s book of the 172nd Battalion. Len was a wonderful man and will be missed by all that knew him.
So sorry to hear of Len’s passing. Cherish your memories! He has such a big part of Armstrong for many years, he will be greatly missed. Take care with hugs,
Kay and Wayne Cornish
My sincerest sympathies Jessie Ann to you and your family. I know your loss will also be felt through out the community.
Kindest regards,
Nancy Visser.
Sorry to hear on Lens passing.
Fine fellow.
Condolences to Jessie Ann and family.
Jessie Ann and Family,
We are sorry to hear about the passing of Len. Our condolences to you and your family.
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you, your family, and friends during these difficult times.
Jessie Ann, you can cherish your 66 years of happy memories!
Jack and Barb.
Dear Jessie Ann,
Helen and I would like to express our sincere condolences and also apologize for not attending Len’s Celebration of Life in person as we are both recovering from a bout of covid. Sending you peace and strength at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Rolf and Helen Dykstra
Our thoughts and prayers are with and your family Aunt Jessie. So sorry to hear of Uncle Len’s passing, but we’re so very grateful for time spent with you both and the memories we have. Such a generous and caring soul, he will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Much peace to you and yours.
With love.
Duane & Jeannie
To JessieAnne, and Len’s family
What a lovely tribute the celebration of life for Len was. He touched so many through his community living, teaching.., friend and family times…
He was a huge inspiration to Ted through math club…Ted spoke of Len often, and his influence. Later Len and Ted became “Back Hand of God” (dark beer) buddies at the Armstrong Inn! Rest in peace, dear Len.. to quote the song…”what a wonderful life.”
Jessie Anne and family, our condolences. The Live Stream, Celebration of Life was heart felt. He was a pillar of the community and will be missed.
Mr Gamble was my math teacher and Jr basketball coach. He struck a strong chord of respect as a teacher and caring human. And what an example of continuous intelligence and vitality he was, always engaged and gracious. Best wishes to all of his family and my own former player. I just learned of his passing while I am in Czech Republic.
Dear Jessie Ann and family,
I just read of Len passing away so sorry for your loss and for your family. Len did have a grace about him that one could sense quite quickly. My prayers are with you at this time.
Maureen Murray