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It is with great sadness that Hockey NL announces the passing of the late Arthur Wilson (Copper) Leyte, who passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side at Riverview Gardens, Chatham, on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at age 82.

Leyte was inducted into the Newfoundland Amateur Hockey Association’s Hockey Hall of Fame in 1998. He was only 16 when he joined the Buchan’s Miners senior hockey team, and was 19 when the club won the provincial senior championship and the Herder Memorial Trophy for 1949-50.  Leyte was a native of Buchan’s, NL.

He is survived by his children, Chris (Becky) Leyte of Windsor, Bob (Kathy) Leyte of Kingsville, Margaret (Scott) McKenzie of Oakville, Stephen (Michelle) Leyte of Cambridge, Jim (Janice) Leyte of Chatham, JoAnn Leyte of Tokyo, Greg (Johanne) Leyte of Quebec City, his sister Pearl (Phil) Shave and his brother Mark (Phyllis) Leyte, both of Newfoundland. Copper is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Friends and relatives may visit at the Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-352-5120) on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm, where Vigil Prayers will be offered at 3 pm.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 11 am in St. Ursula’s Church.

Cremation will follow with interment of cremated remains at a later date. Donations to the Diabetes Association or Outreach for Hunger would be appreciated.