Leo (Lodewijk) Martin de Haan

November 17, 1931 – January 15, 2022

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Leo de Haan on January 15, 2022 at the age of 90. He passed away peacefully at Inglewood Care Center. Leo is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Carol; children Heidi (David), and Eric (Marcia), grandchildren;

Courtnee (Andrew), Madeline (Antonio), Andrew (Morgan), and Natalia.

Leo was born in Hoensbroek, Limburg, Netherlands and grew up there with his mother, father, three sisters and a brother. After finishing his schooling, he completed two years of service in the Air Force.

In 1954 Leo immigrated to Vancouver where he began his career working in the forest industry. While working at Canfor’s head office in Vancouver, in 1960 he met Carol ‐ the love of his life.

Leo and Carol married soon after and started their family in their new home in North Vancouver.

Leo loved the outdoors, enjoyed sports, and played soccer from a young boy until the age of sixty‐five. He also coached soccer, and refereed for the North Shore Youth Soccer and Women’s Over 30 Soccer Leagues until he was seventy‐five. In 1988‐1989 the Greater Vancouver Senior Soccer League established the “Leo M. de Haan Award” to be presented annually to the team that displayed the highest level of participation, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm that Leo represented.

In addition to his involvement with soccer, Leo was passionate about playing competitive bridge (cards) and chess via correspondence, reaching high levels of achievement in both.

Leo enjoyed a long retirement after working at Canfor for forty years. He spent time working on their house and puttering in the yard, setting up the swimming pool each summer for his grandchildren (and himself!), and feeding the birds – the stellar jays always a favorite.

Leo was resourceful ‐ there was nothing that he couldn’t fix for anyone who asked. Before things went to the repair shop, they went to Leo’s shop first! Family and friends were very important to Leo, and he loved having them visit ‐ especially his grandchildren. Leo will be remembered

for his beautiful smile, laughter, charismatic nature, generosity, kindness, and

hospitality ‐ everyone was always welcome at the de Haan home.

Many thanks to the entire team at Inglewood Care Center.

We hope to be able to celebrate Leo’s life in the near future with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society British Columbia.