LEGGAT, Donald Ellsworth (1929-2018)
Don Leggat’s squash record is second to none in the history of Ontario squash. Affectionately known by friends and foe alike as the “silver fox”, he was a skilled and accomplished competitor. When one thinks that he won 23 Canadian Championships including the Canadian Open Hardball Championship in 1961, countless Ontario Championships as well numerous invitational events in both Canada and the United States, there is no question that his record is outstanding.
Don changed the game of doubles in Canada. We all know the shot called the “Philly”. Well, Don might not have invented it but he sure perfected it. Don Leggat was involved for over half a century in squash but few people knew of his generosity in sending juniors to play in national events or the fact that he was a Jester since 1958 or President of The Canadian Squash Racquets Association from 1970 to 1972. He was inducted into the Ontario Squash Hall of Fame in 2009.
On the court Don Leggat was a fierce competitor, played hard, played fair and gave no quarter. Off the court, he was a generous to a fault and helped build the game in Ontario and Canada. He was a great ambassador for the game wherever his travels took him.
He will be greatly missed by Audrey Leggat (nee Smith), his loving wife of 58 years, his daughter Joanne Leggat and his sons Steven Leggat (Kirsten) and Scott Leggat (Suzanne). He was the proud grandfather of Chelsea Miller (Adam), Katharine Leggat and Smith Leggat. He will also be greatly missed by his brother Doug Leggat (Maryella) and his many nieces and nephews. He was recently predeceased by his older brother Bob Leggat and his sister-in-law Carol Leggat (nee Purdy) in 2017.