Police Pensioners' Association of Niagara

LEONARD, Laurie Guy
Retired Sergeant, Niagara Regional Police

The family of Laurie Leonard is deeply saddened to announce his peaceful passing into the presence of the Lord on May 28, 2026.
He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his devoted wife, Mary; his daughters, Lauren and Emma (Luc); and his stepsons, Gordie Bell (Lori) and Craig Bell (Nicole).
“Papa Sarge” was a proud and devoted grandfather to four beloved grandchildren whom he cherished dearly. Laurie is also survived by his children Jennifer Good (Thomas), Sarah Chandler (Jim), Rebecca West (Matt), and Joel Leonard (Kim), along with 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy.
He is also lovingly remembered by his sister, Rosemary; his brother, Eric (Pierre); and his extended family, including his in-laws Cathy De Simone (Marcello), Lynn Bowie (Sam), and John Brown (Cyndy).
Laurie proudly served with the Niagara Regional Police for 35 years. Throughout his distinguished career, he was named Officer of the Year on three occasions and was honoured to be seconded to the Office of the Solicitor General of Ontario. He concluded his service overseeing the Community Services Unit, where he played a key role in developing impactful programs such as Crime Stoppers, Victims Services Unit, and Safety Village; leaving a lasting legacy in the community he loved.

In keeping with Laurie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to gather at Pleasantview Funeral Home on June 15 from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Alexander Church in Fonthill on June 16 at 11 a.m. There will be a luncheon following Mass. Please pack Toronto Blue Jays attire to wear at the luncheon in honor of Laurie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to SickKids Hospital, the Juravinski Cancer Centre, or St. Alexander Church would be appreciated by the family.
May he rest in eternal peace and be forever remembered with love.

David Henry NELSON

Retired Niagara Regional Police (Welland) Constable David “Knuckles” Nelson is 10-7 (out of service).

It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Dave at 10:07 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving family.

He is now reunited with Rosemarie Bakos (née Walker), his partner for 22 years.

He will be sorely missed by his children, Terry Nelson and Virginia (née Nelson) St-Denis (Normand); stepson, Mike Bakos (Tamara née Mckinley); and step-grandchildren, Justin Wimmer, John Bakos, and Kelly Lang, who called him “Pops.”

Dave enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1961 and served for three years with the Provost Corps. One of the original members of the Niagara Regional Police Service, he served for 31 years before retiring in 1996.

After his retirement, he enjoyed riding his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle to the West Coast and then the East Coast. He was a member of the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club.

Dave was also a member of the Greater Niagara Model Railroad Engineers, which includes Nelson Heights in their layout. He enjoyed building and working on his own model railway, which featured several family names and businesses.

Cremation has taken place. Burial and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Interim Long-Term Care section of the Extended Care Unit at the Welland Hospital. They took such good care of him during his four years there, especially during his last few weeks.