Leonard Switzer

Leonard George Switzer

December 21, 1948 – October 10, 2025

It is with the deepest love and sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Leonard George Switzer on October 10, 2025.

Born in Nanaimo, British Columbia, on December 21, 1948, Len grew up in Camrose, Alberta, later residing in Edmonton and Spruce Grove.

Len was the cherished and beloved husband of Rianne Switzer; her best friend, soulmate, golf, art, travel, fishing and fun loving partner.

Len was also a devoted and loving dad to his precious daughter, Katherine (Brad), to his stepchildren Chad (Linnaea), Janna (Aaron), Darla (Mark), and Elan (Noa).

His Grandchildren Levi(Nicole), Kennedy(Ryan), Brynn, Kyle, Presley, Brooklyn, James, Victoria and Ireland were deeply loved by him and were the center of his pride and joy.

Len is survived by his sister Donnalynn (Peter), their children Des, Coralyn and Dion, grandchildren Eve, Promise, James and Ashlynn along with his many treasured cousins whose love and friendship brought him countless moments of joy, happiness and love throughout his life. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Gladys Switzer.

His longtime dear friends many who date back well over 40 years ago and his close knit caring co-workers

‘To Hell With the Bells Gang’ all played significant, meaningful roles that to Len were all knitted into the fabric that created a bond that to his last day was his valued extended family.

Len’s journey through life was marked by kindness, love, compassion, respect, honesty, dignity humour, adventure and trust.

He was a talented football player and a winning track star at Camrose High School.

He earned a BSc and a degree in Education from the UofA and soon began his most rewarding career first as a School Counsellor then following budget cuts began his dedication towards teaching while emphasizing his core based values to his students in Gr 3-9 in Parkland County. He was often quoted each year saying “i have the very best students”.

As an educator for 33 years he inspired countless students, not only through the lessons he taught but through the example he set. His patience, warmth, and genuine care for each and every student left a lasting impact on generations of young people, a fair number of whom credit him directly or indirectly for choosing to become educators.

Following a 2 year ‘longterm disability’ sabbatical he opted to begin his 2nd career by partnering with Rianne in her Real Estate practice for 16 years.

Beyond the classroom, Len found pleasure and excitement in hunting, fishing, golfing, and spending cherished time with his grandchildren. Len was a gifted and talented man, skilled with his hands, a highly creative intellect proving no matter what skill he chose to implement the results were outstanding. Over the years his hobbies included stained glass, carving, woodwork even learning to tie flies for fishing. In later years, he took up painting, for which he had a natural talent despite being colourblind. Len used his talents and skills to help repair, build or renovate at home or to help his loved ones whenever needed.

His wisdom, kindness, dignity, generosity, honesty, dry and entertaining sense of humour and quiet strength will be remembered and treasured by all who knew him.

Len lived his life with gratitude and an open heart. His legacy of love will continue to shine through his family, his many friends, and the many lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Stony Plain Alliance Church, located at 2 Keystone Dr, Stony Plain, AB.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed at:

https://www.youtube.com/live/XBYz_5q35tk