George Samuels McLeish

George Samuel McLeish (affectionately known as Sam or Uncle Sammy) was born on May 24, 1944, in Spanish Town, St Catherine, Jamaica to Mrs. Leitie Smith McLeish of Woodhall, St Catherine and Richard McLeish of Balaclava, St Elizabeth.

When Sam was 9, his mother died. A year later, his father remarried then migrated to England. Although he was left under the supervision of his older siblings and his stepmother, he often felt like he was on his own.

Sam dedicated his life to Christ in his late teens and was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Browns Hall, St Catherine. He was serious about the things of God. He sang in the choir and participated in bible studies. He knew the word of God and could discuss scriptures with anyone. Later in his life he would encourage his youngest son to read the bible with him.

Sam attended Marley Hill Primary School, and he was the smartest student in his class. At 14 yrs of age, he decided to leave school and get a trade, and he learn carpentry and masonry. As a teen he worked as a bricklayer and drove a delivery truck to support himself. He took the test for Police College and reached out to a friend for a sponsorship to Canada. His friend was unable to sponsor him but, he used the envelope with the Canadian stamp and wrote his own letter, which he used to apply for a visa and work permit. He was going to find a way! The same week he was accepted to Police training school, he received his Visa for Canada.

On November 26, 1967, Sam migrated to Canada he often tells the story of how he stepped off the plane in his new suit and thin dress shoes and stepped into snow for the first time. Canada was not easy, but he was determined, and he did whatever work he could find. As soon as was able, he sent for his sisters Louise and Phyllis and their husbands. Shortly after his whole group of friends from Jamaica were there with him and he did what he could to helped them find work as well.

After being in Canada for a while, he thought there might be better opportunities in the US, so he migrated to New York and later settled in Boston. Once there, he went back to masonry work and received professional certification and joining the union. After many years of working for other companies, he started GSM Contracting and went into business for himself.

His skill, independence and hard work allowed him to establish himself in his community and to provide work for men that had the skill but just needed an opportunity like himself. During the summer, his children could be found on site, sweeping up and painting base boards. Over his life he bought and renovated several homes for him and his family. Sam was always willing to help friends and family with their home or repairs as well, often driving to Toronto and New York with his tools. When his sister Phyllis started her daycare

center in Toronto, he was there to do the renovation and whatever maintenance was needed as the business grew. When his sister in New York bought her house, he was there with tools and manpower to make improvements.

Sam loved to spend time “back home” in Jamaica, his last visit was in November 2023. After his return in January 2024, his health started to deteriorate, and he had several visits to the hospital and rehab dealing with complications to his heart and kidney. When he entered the hospital in August he never went back home. On November 14th, he went home to be with the Lord, and by the Grace of God, he rededicated his life to God before he departed.

Sam loved to have fun, he was a comedian, a storyteller and the life of the party. Everyone loved to see him walk in the room. He was generous with his time and his finances; he was loving and always willing to help. Once you met him, you never forgot him. He will be missed.

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