Leopold Heinrichs Tukums

Leopold Tukums, age 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Sunnyside Home.

Beloved husband of the late Ursula "Uschi", née Ott, (2006). Cherished father of Leo (Kristen) and the late Sabine (1980). Adored Opa of Ellie and Emily. Dear brother of the late Dr. Zig Tukums. Treasured uncle of Ralph (Sue), Karin (Brad), Kai (Joanna), and John (Tiffany).

Leo was the son of Janis Tukums, a colonel surgeon in the Latvian Army, who died on July 4, 1941. Shortly after Janis’s death, Leo, his mother, Edith Ehrglis “Omi,” and his brother learned they were marked for a camp in Serbia. In October 1944, the family fled Latvia, finding refuge in the Tirol Mountains and eventually settling in Kufstein, Austria. In November 1948, they immigrated to Canada, arriving in Halifax and spending a brief time in Ajax before making Kitchener their home.

Leo attended KCI in the early 1950s and pursued a career in drafting and home design, later transitioning to real estate.

In 1960, Leo met Ursula at the Bethel Church Jugendbund. Together, they formed lifelong friendships within the German community and were active members of the Concordia Club. Married in 1964, Leo and Ursula had two children, Sabine (1967) and Leo Jr. (1971).

Leo was deeply involved with the Concordia Club, singing in the mixed and men’s choirs, serving as an archivist, and welcoming members as a doorman during his retirement.

He loved traveling, especially to the Caribbean. He enjoyed sailing trips with friends, vacations with Ursula, and, after her passing, annual holidays with his son Leo Jr., Kristen, and his granddaughters.

Leo was an avid gardener and a constant “putter,” always keeping busy with projects. He also had a passion for stamp collecting, photography, and creating detailed family photo albums that preserved his family’s rich history. As a classical music enthusiast, his extensive record collection brought him great comfort in his final years.

Cremation has taken place. Leo's family will receive relatives and friends at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, 1001 Ottawa St. S., Kitchener, (519-743-8900), on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 12:00 - 1:45 p.m., where the memorial service will be held in the chapel at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Sunbeam Community & Developmental Services (2749 Kingsway Dr., Kitchener, ON N2C 2J8) would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be shared at www.westmountfuneralchapel.com.