Leslie Dawn Baynes (Huson) peacefully passed away on July 14, 2026, at Nanaimo Palliative Care after a very brief and stoic battle with Pancreatic Cancer, surrounded by those who loved her. 

Leslie is survived by her husband Derek Baynes, her 3 sons Mason Baynes, Carter Baynes and Callen Baynes, her father Robert Huson and sister Christine Wesnedge along with many extended family and friends. She is predeceased by her first-born son Jacob Baynes and her mother Norma Huson.

Leslie was a compassionate and devoted member of the communities she worked and lived in and spent her career in service to others. Leslie was an incredible mentor and friend to all of those who were blessed to work alongside her and her passion and devotion to leadership and service will be greatly missed by her co-workers, customers and community. Leslie loved cooking and baking for loved ones, Christmas, music, movies, fireworks and the serenity of the beautiful west coast.

Above all else Leslie loved being a wife and a mother to her boys. She cherished the beautiful family that her and Derek created. Spending the last decade or so in and out of hockey rinks as a cheerleader and volunteer was one of her life’s greatest joys. She was so incredibly proud of the
loving and caring young men that Mason, Carter and Callen are growing up to be. Her boys brought her so much joy, strength and inspiration. She deeply cherished every moment she had with them. 

Our family is deeply grateful for the love and support that Leslie and our family have received during this heartbreaking journey. Our deepest gratitude goes to the amazing Doctors, Nurses and HealthCare Aids at Nanaimo Palliative Care. We are profoundly grateful for the safe haven you provided for Leslie and our entire family during this time. Your generosity and care will be forever etched into our memories and words simply cannot express how grateful we are for each and every one of you.

We invite everyone who was lucky enough to feel the warmth and love from Leslie to her Celebration of Life that is being held at the Coombs Rodeo Grounds on August 22, 2026, at 12pm.