Stephen Leacock was the English-speaking world’s best-known humourist between 1915 and 1925

On My Walk: Stephen Leacock’s Resting Place – The Humourist of Lake Simcoe

On a peaceful walk along the shores of Lake Simcoe at St. George’s Anglican Churchyard in Georgina, I carried with me a well-worn copy of Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town, and found the final resting place of Stephen Leacock — one of Canada’s greatest authors and humourists.

Born in Swanmore, Hampshire, England in 1869, Leacock was the third of eleven children. When he was just six, his family emigrated to Canada, settling on a 100-acre farm not far from where he now rests. That rural Ontario upbringing would later colour the vivid landscapes and quirky characters in his most famous writings.

Leacock’s early life was marked by hardship. At the age of nine, his father — a heavy drinker — abandoned the family, leaving his strong and determined mother to raise 11 children on her own. Leacock never saw his father again.

Despite these challenges, Leacock excelled academically. He attended the University of Toronto and later earned a doctorate from the University of Chicago, eventually becoming a professor of economics and political science at McGill University, where he taught for nearly two decades.

Stephen attended Upper Canada College in 1887 and graduated top of his class.

But it was humour and storytelling that defined his legacy. In the early 20th century, Leacock began writing fiction, satire, and social commentary to supplement his teaching salary. His blend of wit, insight, and gentle parody captivated audiences across the English-speaking world. It was once said that in 1911, “more people had heard of Stephen Leacock than had heard of Canada.”

Stephen P.H. Butler Leacock died in Toronto on March 28, 1944. He was 74.

1869-1944

St. George’s Anglican Church and Churchyard, Sutton, Ontario.

Stephen Leacock’s son, Stephen Jr. stopped growing at the age of 9 or 10. He played piano, penned books and manuscripts and was an expert in medieval history. Photo of Stephen enjoying a cigar and playing the piano.

Grave of Stephen Leacock’s only child, son, Stephen Lushington Leacock (1915–1974). Located near his father’s grave.