“David” Wolf-Dieter Lukas Leeb

October 18, 1950 - July 9, 2022
July 12, 2022 10 Condolences Print Obituary Send Flowers

Having had an extraordinary life spanning nearly 72 years David’s family announces with great sadness that the final chapter of his life has come to an end.  After a courageous 12-year battle with Early Onset Alzheimer’s, our loving father, husband and brother passed away peacefully on July 9th, 2022 while surrounded with the love and comfort of his children, Matthew, Katherine, Nicholas & Makenzie and wife Sharon.  David will forever remain in the hearts and memories of the many people who loved, admired and respected him.  His brother, Günter “Wally” Leeb of Edmonton and his many cousins in Austria, Greater Europe and the United States survive him.  David’s father Walter Leeb and mother Anna Leeb predeceased him in 2001 and 2016 respectively.

Born in Krems, Austria, David immigrated with his family to Edmonton, Alberta Canada in 1953.  After graduating from St Joseph High School in 1968, David further continued his education at the University of Alberta where, in 1971, he received his Bachelor of Science with a Major in Biology.  David’s remarkable passion for the wildlife and the outdoors, led him to a lengthy and fulfilling 42-year career with the City of Edmonton’s Valley Zoo and Animal Control.

David held a deep love and admiration of the mountains from an early age, leading him to spend many vacations in the Canadian Rockies camping, hiking and cross-country skiing.  His regular travels also included motorcycle trips with friends or his brother throughout Canada and the United States.  It was his many adventures in the mountains and motorcycle trips that contributed to just some of his many treasured memories – memories he extensively captured in his journals and photos.  David’s large and highly prized personal library of English and German literature were deeply admired by those who shared his interest in history, philosophy and fiction.  Other hobbies that brought David joy throughout his life included photography, cycling, swimming, yoga, and woodworking.  David was well known and admired by friends, family and colleagues for his kindness, professionalism, respect of others, patience and calm demeanor.

Special thanks are extended to the compassionate and supportive staff at the Good Samaritan Stony Plain Care Centre, Copper Sky Assisted Living Facility, Spruce Grove, the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and North West Territories and the many doctors and medical professionals who guided him, as well as our family throughout his journey.

A celebration of David’s life will take place At the Edmonton Valley Zoo on October 15th, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, contribution to the Alzheimer Association of Alberta and Northwest Territories or the Valley Development Society in David’s memory is preferred.

  1. Our dear buddy Dave is now in a better place. So many great memories!
    RIP, my dear friend.
    🙏🏻 Dr Bob

    • We have lost a great friend. I regret not staying in touch with him. I live on Vancouver Island now, if you want to connect sometime my email is haroldeglinski@gmail.com and phone is the same 780-778-0070.
      Regards
      Harold

  2. I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dave. I had the pleasure of working with him at Animal Control. May your memories of him bring you peace.

  3. My condolences to David’s family.
    I have many fond memories of my times with David.
    John

  4. I am saddened to hear of Dave’s passing and truly sorry for the last 12 years of suffering with this terrible disease. I am sorry he missed out on spending time with his wonderful family. It was a pleasure to work with him at the Zoo and all the Attractions, My deepest sympathy to all his family. After a long struggle, may he rest in peace and be free again.

  5. I only wish that our friend Herr Leeb had been able to enjoy the retirement years he so richly deserved and was so tragically prevented from enjoying. He spent decades caring for his family and many friends but our excitement (on his behalf) as he looked towards dedicated weeks or perhaps even months on a finely tuned motorcycle exploring corners of the landscape he had been excluded from pre-retirement was a beautiful dream denied to a beautiful human. I hope you are travelling with a knee just occasionally grazing a well banked corner somewhere David. Safe travels.

  6. Very saddened to hear, May you RIP my frend Dave. Condolences to all his family and frends.

  7. Some people are special and David was an exceptional one. Many of my cherished memories were with Herr Leeb from Ottawa to the Rockies. Crazy will miss you and hope to meet up on the other side. Peace be with you my old friend.

  8. Dave was very remarkable & was a wonderful person to me throughout the many years I had known him. When I approached him with the idea of a travelling zoo he didn’t dismiss it, just said that “leave it with me.” He then followed through spectacularly & he made many children happy. I am sure they remember the travelling zoo to this day. When Sharon first spoke of this incredible guy she met a long time ago, she most surely meant it. I will truly miss him, his compliments & jokes.

  9. My sincere condolences to Dave’s family and all the people that loved and cared for this kind, wonderful man. Dave was such a passionate and gentle soul and his family was his world.
    I am so thankful that a few of us had the opportunity to take Dave on a number of hiking trips to the mountains while he was still able. He loved the mountains and hiking and it was wonderful to share those times with him. I feel so fortunate to have had him as my friend for over 50 years; so many great memories. I was able to see Dave to say my goodbyes for the last time a few days before he left this world. l will always miss you, my dear friend. Rest In Peace

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