Obituary of Leon Gonsalves

January 22, 1964 – Toronto, Ontario

December 14, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Leon (Lee) Gonsalves, aged 59, passed away December 14th, 2023, of a respiratory infection. He was surrounded by his family.

Lee is survived by his devoted wife Karin and their children:  his son Alexander (Jenna) and his daughter Leah who were the unequivocal joy of his life.  He is also survived by his loving mother Thirza (Robert) and sister Jeannine (Barry).

Lee was deeply connected with his extended family: sisters-in-law Linda (Ron), Sabine, and Lori (Joe); brother-in-law Doug, nieces Samantha (Wade), Rachel (John), Erika, Yasmeena, Emilia, Hannah, nephew Joey, great nephew and niece James and Olivia, and aunts, uncles, and cousins from around the world. His many, many close friends were also like family to him.

He is predeceased by his father Michael, father-in-law Herbert, mother-in-law Hildegard, and nephew Brian.

Lee lived life to the fullest, working hard on his recovery in the 7 1/2 years since his first brain tumour surgery.

Lee grew up in his father’s restaurant, and pursued a career in the restaurant industry, where he met the love of his life Karin in their early twenties. He quickly moved up in the hospitality world, becoming recognized for his outstanding leadership. His career culminated in a fulfilling role as Vice President Human Resources at Calgary CO-OP.

Restaurants, hockey, and music were also a part of Lee’s entire life, and he shared these big passions with family and friends.

It is impossible to overstate the impact Lee had on everyone around him. He will be greatly missed, yet his legacy of being the steady, passionate, and big-hearted man will continue to impact those lucky enough to have entered his life. He would want us to listen and offer support to each other and our communities.

His familiar sign off said so much about this humble great man:

Think good thoughts

Say good words

Do good deeds

There will be two Funeral Services held in honour of Lee. The first will be held in Mississauga, Ontario at Hansa Haus (6650 Hurontario St, Mississauga, ON L5W 1N3) Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 2:00PM. The second will be held in Calgary, Alberta at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 2:00PM. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Leon’s family here.

Donations may be made in Lee’s name in support of Ogden Hub:29 Telephone: 1-833-448-4673 or online at https://bit.ly/489LA7l, please specify for Leon Gonsalves. More information can be found at https://muchmorethanahome.ca/.

Donations may also be made to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada (205 Horton St E, Suite 203, London, ON N6B 1K7) Telephone: 1-800-265-5106 or online at Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

In living memory of Leon Gonsalves, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.