Leo Vanderzyde
Vanderzyde, Leonard (Leo)
March 19, 1934 – October 9, 2024
It is with saddened hearts, that after a long struggle with dementia, Leo’s family announces that he passed away peacefully at his home in Edmonton at the age of 90 years. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, two siblings and many nieces and nephews.
Leonardus Petrus Jozef van der Zijde was born on the 19th of March, 1934 in Rijswijk, Holland. Leo emigrated to Canada in 1954, settling in Calgary. He became a proud Canadian Citizen on the 7th of January, 1960.
Leo began working in the construction industry, eventually becoming a project manager and inspector for Cohos, Evamy and Partners, where he worked until his retirement in 1996. During his time in the industry, Leo participated in the construction of many iconic buildings across western Canada.
Leo’s life took a wonderful turn when he met Betty, and their life together was special. They enjoyed many hours of golfing, wine making (and drinking), and entertaining friends and family at their home in Calgary, as well as their second home in Canmore. There was nothing better than an evening of eating Betty’s amazing cooking and laughing at Leo’s jokes. Unfortunately, Leo lost Betty, the love of his life, in 2015.
Leo moved to the Edmonton area in 2018 to be closer to family, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which will be cherished by them for years to come. Even as dementia robbed Leo of his faculties, he was still fun to be with and could still find a joke in every situation.
Leo was a great Husband, Father, Opa, Great-Opa, Uncle and friend. His kind spirit, great sense of humor, and vintage wine from the Windmill Winery will be missed but will remain forever in our hearts.
At Leo’s request, there will be no service. A family gathering will be held at a future date. Special thanks to the staff at Capital Care Kipnes Centre for Veterans for their compassionate and kind care of Leo during his last days. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a dementia related charity of your choice.
So sorry to hear of Leo’s passing. Thoughts & prayers are with the entire family.
To all of Leo’s children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews and extended family, my condolences.
Leo and Betty were newly together when I first met them and joined the family. I loved seeing how much fun they had together, how they loved and liked each other. They welcomed all their grandchildren into the world and into their combined family and always remembered birthdays. Savouring the memories, sharing your loss, grateful that Betty & Leo kept me in the family as their daughter-in-law always.
May your memories of Leo wrap their arms around you, and bring you peace.
We extend our deepest sympathies to all of you. Leo was a great guy and he was easy to spend time with. We enjoyed our visits with Leo and Betty when we lived in Calgary. They were such gracious hosts with great stories to share. We hope the memories you shared will ease your loss. Praying for all of you. Gwen & Bill.
Saddened to hear this. Trudy, thinking of you and your family and sending strength to get you through this difficult time.