LEONARD BOOKBINDER (LEN)

Condolences & Memories (8 entries)

• My family met the Bookbinders in 1974, in Kitwe, Zambia. Our family was part of the CIDA collection of teachers and their families, and we ended up living next door to the Bookbinders on the ZIT campus (Zambia Institute of Technology, Kitwe Campus). I was 15 at the time, and became friends with the teenagers of other Canadian families on-campus, which included Sue, Rory and "Ernie" (Jeff). My strongest memory is of myself and Jeff staying up till 4:00 am to watch the satellite telecast of Mohammed Ali fighting with some other boxer (the Thrilla in Manilla, I believe) and Jeff killed a huge spider stalking across our living room floor. He "splatted" the thing with his army boot. Oh, we had lots of charming insects and spiders and snakes to learn about and deal with, in those days. I have many memories of those times, and have friendships that lasted for over 40 years. The Bookbinders may remember Peter Arends. He and his wife Suniti were a major part of my life, to this very day. My whole Zambia experience was a delightful memory, and the Bookbinder family was a big part of that. So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. - Posted by: Nancy Van Kessel (Fellow Zambian visitor) on: Jan 22, 2022

• Sending sincere condolences and love to Leonard’s wife, Shirley and beautiful-brilliant children! Sadly our friendship began at the Grace hospital with Leonard and my late mother as his roommate. On the first day I wheeled into the room “papa” L said, are you visiting your daughter in the other bed? I laughed so hard and told him that was my mother!! From that day forward our fun-loving friendship began. I could tell what an intellectual man “papa L” was. He would question me on current events. (I didn’t have the heart to admit the newspaper didn’t interest self. He had probably figured that out. Hahaha!) I feel so blessed and honoured to have met Sue, Bruce, David and Rory. (Hi to Sara and Jeffrey). Holding all in my prayers, be blessed. - Posted by: Stefphany ET Cholakis (family friend) on: Oct 21, 2019 - Posted by: Stefphany ET Cholakis (Family Friend) on: Oct 22, 2019

• I have known and respected Len since he joined Number Ten in 1965, where his personality, training, and skills made him a valuable member of the firm. I also greatly enjoyed the odd round of golf with Lenny. My sincere condolences to Shirley and family. He was a good man. - Posted by: Alan Hanna (colleague) on: Sep 24, 2019

• I met Len when I was living in the Crts. of St. James, he was always smiling and friendly. We swam most mornings and even though I moved, we still kept in touch, I know he will be missed by many. My deepest condolences to you Shirley and family. We'll see you soon. - Posted by: Freda Van Niekerk (friend) on: Sep 01, 2019

• I met Len when I was living in the Crts. of St. James, he was always smiling and friendly. We swam most mornings and even though I moved, we still kept in touch, I know he will be missed by many. My deepest condolences to you Shirley and family. We'll see you soon. - Posted by: Freda Van Niekerk (friend) on: Sep 01, 2019

• To Lenny's family--My Dad, Gordie Walterson, always spoke so fondly of your Dad. They shared many memories and friends in Selkirk, and they both were Navy Veterans in WW2. My Dad would tell me of the exciting life your Dad lived in Zambia and Botzwana--never forgetting his Selkirk roots. They always enjoyed an annual game of golf. How lucky your family has been to have your parents for so long. A long happy legacy for them. From my family to yours I extend our thoughts of sympathy and know your memories will sustain you evermore. Marlea Ann Amirault (Walterson) Gordie and Annabel's daughter. - Posted by: Marlea Ann Amirault (Walterson) (Father's friend) on: Aug 25, 2019

• Leonard was one of my many first cousins, as we were a large Clan. My husband, Isadore Coop, one of the founders of the Number Ten Architectural Group met Leonard and in due course, offered him a job at Number Ten. Len was soft-spoken, intelligent, and an enduring asset to the Firm, and to all who had the pleasure to work with him. He will be sadly missed by his large family, the engineering community, and all his remaining Bookbinder first Cousins Cynthia Bookbinder Coop - Posted by: CYNTHIA BOOKBINDER COOP (FIRST COUSIN) on: Aug 24, 2019

• I am the son of Sam Bookbinder, son of Max Bookbinder. I met Len several years ago with my cousin Michael Pinx. I didn't know him well but he was a very nice man. My deepest condolences. - Posted by: Michael Bookbinder (Cousin) on: Aug 24, 2019