Visitation Held For Fallen Firefighter

Fire Division Chief Robert Leek gave his life in the line of duty Sunday, and for that, he will be honoured with a full firefighter’s funeral.

“If there was any for him to go out, this was the way. He wanted to be serving people always,” remembered Robert’s brother Jim Leek at a visitation Wednesday.

“I woke up Sunday morning [and] I heard the news on the radio of what was going on. My first thought was to pray, Lord, don’t let them call Bob in. He’s supposed to be on vacation. He so badly needs it,” Jim continued.

The 25-year-veteran of the force wasn’t even supposed to be working when the Sunrise Propane Facility exploded Sunday, but the severity of the blast meant all hands were needed on deck.

“As soon as he got the call at 6:30 in the morning he was out the door, and he was really only supposed to deliver some equipment to the site, and that’s all they were asking of him, but as soon as he got there of course, ‘what more can I do? How can I help?’ That’s Bob,” he said calmly.

Leek, who started in 1983 and later became Division Chief of Emergency Services, leapt into action. Like hundreds of emergency workers, he raced to the site to put his expertise to work.

But his day of service ended shortly after he arrived. The 55-year-old was found without vital signs in a home in the affected area.

He left behind a wife and a 20-year-old son.

On Tuesday, a mass was held at an area church, organized by parishioners who wanted to thank him for his selfless service.

“He lost his life in the line of duty,” explained Rev. Xavier De Pinto of St. Norbert Church.

Victoria was at the mass and also attended the visitation Wednesday. Her home is just steps from the site of the blast and she wanted to show her gratitude.

“He died for us. He died for us,” she struggled to speak through tears.

Many firefighters attended the memorial, with more set to arrive on Thursday.

“It hits close to home and it’s close to the heart, you know,” reveals Captain Pat McGrath of Toronto Fire.

Leek will be laid to rest Friday following a service at the  Prayer Palace, a Christian centre that can accommodate 3,000 people.

Firefighters from across North America are expected to attend, as well as those from Toronto.

Robert Leek is the 201st firefighter to die in the line of duty in the city. The cause of his death is still undetermined.

See the full list of fallen firefighters here.

Visitation Details
Thursday August 14
2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm
DeMarco Funeral Home
3725 Keele Street

Funeral Information
Friday August 15
11am
Prayer Palace
How to get there: 1111 Arrow Road