Leonard Kaye

Leonard Kaye of Calabasas, California passed away peacefully on February 4th, 2021 after a courageous battle with bladder cancer. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on September 29th, 1941 to Joseph and Ida Kaye, he was a true polymath and accomplished man who pursued widely diverse disciplines throughout his life. He earned an undergraduate degree in philosophy, a Master’s of Health, and a Master’s of Business Administration. He was a certified public accountant, in addition to having held a Juris Doctorate from the UCLA and was a member in good standing with California Bar. Leonard was also a talented violinist and studied music at Boston University for over a year.

Leonard had a soft heart for the underprivileged and those in need. During his tenure as the Director of Healthcare Services for Beaufort-Jasper Comprehensive Health Services, he fought to install running water and bathrooms in poverty-stricken areas in South Carolina. When the task became too complex to complete with the county alone, he enlisted the US Marine Corps to help airlift the bathrooms to the destitute populations. This endeavor was recognized by the American Rural Health Association as the most outstanding initiative in the Southeastern United States in June 1980. Throughout his life, he routinely volunteered with the Southern Poverty Law Center, committed to fighting against hatred and intolerance. Leonard also obtained funding for many social health and justice programs in Los Angeles, including the LA county women’s shelter and the LA County animal shelter. Additionally, he was instrumental to guaranteeing funding for the defense for those on death row, an issue for which he was passionate.

Leonard spent the last 30 years of his life with his loving partner Nancy Smith, who preceded him in death on June 25th, 2018. They traveled to all parts of the world, including Russia, Europe, Alaska, and Tahiti, and when at home, could be counted on to throw a fun party. Leonard’s hobbies included paddle tennis, running, listening to classical music, dancing, writing short stories, attending and participating with his synagogue, and participating in his local radio club. He was very proud of his Amateur Radio License and stood ready to assist with emergency communications within Calabasas.

Indeed in his element when he was helping others, Leonard always had an encouraging word for anyone who sought his counsel. He was a witty joke teller with a unique sense of humor. When asked if he wanted to be buried or cremated, he stated, “Surprise Me!”.

Leonard is survived by his children Joe and Ben Kaye, whose mother, Barbara is predeceased; his children Amy Boland, Dr. Marti Kaye, Victoria Reeve, and their mother, Janice. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Serenity Murray and Zachary Stoltz, in addition his brother Charlie Kaye. His two brothers, Harvey and Sidney Kaye preceded him in death.

A private burial will be held at Harbor Lawn-Mount Olive Memorial Park on Thursday, February 11th, 2021. A memorial service for friends and family will be held on Saturday, February 13th at 6PM (PST) via Zoom. Please contact Victoria Reeve at [email protected] if you would like to join the Zoom Memorial service. For those who feel compelled to honor his memory, please consider a donation to the Southern Poverty Law Center or Kol Tikvah synagogue.