Born 27 May 1934 Cape Breton, NS ~ Passed away
peacefully 27 June 2014 St. Joseph’s Hospital, Comox BC
Leonard was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Helen Wilkie. He is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Jackie; son John, daughters Daryl Ann Huisman (Dennis) and Lisa Gillis (Rick); grandchildren Michael (Dawne), Jon (Amanda), Jessica (Brandon), Matthew, Heather and Hayley; Great grandchildren Alexa, Kayden, Chloe, Carter, and Kohan; sisters Liz (Don), Linda (Sean), Gordene, Peggy & Brenda; and many nieces and nephews.
Len joined the RCAF in 1951; served in Trenton, Ont & Greenwood, NS before posting overseas to 3(F)Wing Zweibruken, Germany where he met and married Jackie in 1956. They returned to Canada, Chatham, NB in 1958, then on to Comox in ‘61. His posting to North Bay, Ont in 1967 convinced Len to choose Comox as his retirement posting, in 1971.
Len had a hand in the building of the Leeward pub, and was part-owner & manager during its thriving early years; then moved on to manage both the Elks Club and Sunnydale Golf & Country Club.
Len was very active in various sports throughout his life; competitive swim, basketball, hockey and was an avid golfer until these past few months, enjoying many a round with his best buddy, son John. Music was also a big part of Len’s life; mentoring many music students, playing in a dance band in France & Germany, The Dixie Stompers, then The Desperation Jazz Band for 14 years up & down the West Coast. Unable to hang up the drumsticks, Len still played with his own band, The Lensmen these past few years.
Gone, but never forgotten.
A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date. Information to follow. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations to Y.A.N.A., 495 Fitzgerald Ave, Courtenay, B.C., V9N-2R1 would be gratefully appreciated.