Tobi, Leo Vello, January 25, 1953 – June 25, 2019
Leo will be forever missed by his loving wife Kathleen and their precious son David Vello.
Survived by sister Karina (Luft) and brother-in-law Barry Luft, nephew Tyler and wife Adrienne and their children Issac and Mya, niece Kelly and her husband Ryan and their daughter Charlie, brothers-in-law Roger and Stephen and their wives Jackie and Lee niece and great-niece Samantha and Madison and loving mother-in-law Barbara Hamblen. Born in Sault St Marie, Leo was the first child of proud immigrant parents Inese (Latvia) and Vello Tobi (Estonia). After some time in Wawa, northern Ontario, which included living with grandparents Paul and Elsa, they all then moved to Kitchener where the whole family lived in Forest Hill for over 20 years.
Leo had many long lasting friends and was a dear member of the fab five, Ati, Valdi, Jeffy, Pauly and Leo. They played basketball and tabernacled together for 50 years going back to 1969 playing with the Latvian team in Toronto in the Baltic league.
Business opportunities took Leo to Halifax in 1979, where he met and married Kathleen. Son David was born in 1983. Leo’s family was number one in his life but it seemed that the families of everyone else were too. It was with open arms that you got to know him as the kind hearted gregarious social icon that he was.
Solidly grounded in Christian faith, Leo met life’s challenges with each new sunrise. His community connectedness enabled him to be a welcomed contributor to those in leadership in K-W and to many organizations such as Rotarians, Brentwood Livery, Historic St Paul’s Lutheran Church and the KW Titans just to name a few. Didn’t think that heaven could be tweaked but things just got a little better up there. Will see you again Leo.
Donations to Historic St. Paul’s Community Cupboard or to Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region or to a charity of your choice in honour of Leo are welcome (cards available at the funeral home).
Visitation will take place from 5 until 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th, at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467 with a funeral service to follow on Friday at 1:00 p.m. at Historic St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 137 Queen St. S., Kitchener. Light reception to follow. Visit www.henrywalser.com to view Leo's memorial.