Leo Major, 58, of Longueuil, Quebec, passed on October 12, 2008. Leo was born on January 23, 1950. He was a canadian war hero and one of the country's most decorated soldiers, he passed away at the age of 97. Major joined the Canadian army in 1942, serving in the second world war in Italy and Northwest Europe. He is best known for his actions in 1944, when he single handedly captured 93 German soldiers and destroyed six tanks in the Dutch town of Zwolle. For this, he was awarded the distinguished conduct Medal, the second-highest award for gallantry in British Commonwealth.

After the war, Major continued to serve in the army, taking part in the Korean War and serving as a UN peacekeeper in the Suez Canal crisis. He retired from the military in 1968 with the rank of Warrant officer. In addition to his military service, Major was also an accomplished athlete, competing in the 1948 Olympic Games in London as a member of Canada's national track and field team. He was inducted into Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.

Major was also a strong advocate for vetrans rights and was actively involved in various vetrans organizations throughout his life. He will be remembered as a true Canadian hero and a symbol of courage and selflessness. He will be missed by all who knew him.