Leo van Dam

Leo van Dam

September 3, 1956 – June 12, 2021

On Saturday morning Leo suddenly but peacefully passed away at home in his sleep most likely of another heart attack. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Kathryn. Leo was kind, passionate, the reliable, strong person who was always ready to help his community, neighbours, the volleyball association, and his family. His enthusiasm was inspirational.

Leo was born September 3, 1956 to Henri and Theresia van Dam. Mourning his passing are his wife, Kathryn, his mother, Theresia, daughters Robyn (Zane Okaja) Arinze and Jay-Jay, Randi (Ryan Pilon) Ainsley and Bastian, as well as his brothers Henri (Jane), Jack (Lydia) and Wilmy’s husband, Glen Letwin and their families along with many aunts, uncles and cousins in Canada and Holland, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, friends and colleagues.

He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Mary Froese, sister and brother-in-law Karen Lilly, Ken (Irene) Froese, their families and close family friend, Sam Loewen.

Leo was predeceased by his father, Henri, father-in-law, Ben, his beloved sister Wilmy, and Theresia’s partner, Mick.

Leo and Kathryn were married November 18, 2006. They told each other often how happy they were to have each other and said, “We’ve got a good life”. They enjoyed working together in their various home based businesses. They did a lot of travelling and made a list of the countries and destinations that they’d like to see. They visited nearly every place on the list. Leo was so looking forward to their next adventure to learn about the history and the people. He had a way of making total strangers into friends in a very short time, many of whom he still kept in contact with. However, the most memorable times were spent in Europe getting to know and developing strong bonds with family.

Twenty years ago Leo started DIGGiT, a volleyball camp for kids wanting to upgrade their court skills. He flew in coaches from as far away as Brazil and kids came from across the prairie provinces. If they didn’t have the means to pay, he sponsored them himself, not wanting anyone to miss out on the opportunity. He was passionate about creating the best volleyball experience. Over the years that added up to over 4,000 kids who attended his camp. He was consistently upbeat and had such a positive attitude and when things didn’t go according to plan, he’d say, “That’s okay. Plan B is always better than Plan A”. Leo was not a procrastinator. He was an innovator, and an organizer, a big picture kind of guy. He had a way of inspiring people to do their best. He didn’t look for praise or acknowledgement. His motto in life was, “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit”.

Leo loved kids and was especially proud of his grandchildren. Nothing gave him more pleasure than to find a cool, new toy or game for Arinze and Jay-Jay.

Leo enjoyed cooking and entertaining. He had a wealth of information on a variety of topics, especially music and didn’t hesitate to share that with everyone.

While serving on the condo board, Leo had many ideas and innovations to improve the complex, but more importantly, he created friendships. The appreciation of the Gables community was evident on Saturday when they gathered outside to pray for Leo and then formed an honour guard when Leo left for the last time.

Leo touched so many lives and he will be dearly missed as he begins his life with our Heavenly Father.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.     Matthew 5:16

 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.      2 Timothy 4:7

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2021 – 1:00 p.m. at Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, SK. Followed by interment at Hanley Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Lawson Heights Alliance Church, 159 Pinehouse Dr, Saskatoon, SK S7K 4T4 and Forest Grove Community Church, 502 Webster St, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3P9. Leo touched so many lives and will be missed as he begins his life with our Heavenly Father. Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.