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Leon Korbee Obituary
Leon Korbee, a proud and doting father and much-loved friend to many in the world of Ontario journalism and politics, passed away at Toronto General Hospital on March 23 at age 54, leaving family, friends and colleagues with heavy hearts. Leon was the loving husband of Brenda, fiercely proud father of Hannah and Lanny, beloved son of Karin de Man, and cherished brother of Hedy (Bob Weiers) and Greg (Roelof Coertze). Leon was a hockey dad, avid gardener, fanatic golfer, one of the few good players on the Queen's Park Press Gallery hockey team in his prime, and general all-round great guy. He worked as a TV journalist from 1983 to 2003 at CJOH, CKCO and CFTO, spending most of his news career covering politics at Queen's Park. He developed a sharp political acumen and in 2005 made the move to politics where his proudest achievement was working as a senior communications advisor to Premiers Kathleen Wynne and Dalton McGuinty. Leon was a humble man. If he could read what people were saying about him on social media after his death he probably wouldn't believe they were talking about him.
"You'd be hard pressed to find a kinder,
more decent and generous man."
"He was always the most cheerful and optimistic guy in the room."
"One of the best and nicest guys in the business."
"He was the best part of everyone's day."
Leon was all that and more. He was genuinely sweet-tempered, friendly, supportive, loyal, ethical and generous. For a decade he was one of the favourite readers of A Christmas Carol at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church to raise money for the community food bank and he helped get his media friends to join in. "People walk away with a good feeling," he said. Just as most people did whenever they encountered Leon around Queen's Park. In a field often given to animosity, his good nature, humour and spirit will be greatly missed. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 29 from 3pm - 5pm and 7pm - 9pm at Pine Hills Cemetery and Visitation Centre, 625 Birchmount Road, Scarborough. Please join us for a celebration of Leon's life on Wednesday, March 30 from 2pm - 6pm at The Toronto Hunt at 1355 Kingston Rd, Scarborough. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Churches by the Bluffs Food Bank where Leon was an active volunteer. 33 East Road, Scarborough, ON M1N 1Z9. [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leon Korbee
59 Entries
Joan Crea
March 21, 2019
He was taken from us too soon. He was a super guy and great to work with.
Aileen Pollock
March 20, 2019
Every time I pass by a baseball diamond, my thoughts turn to you Leon and remember all the good times we shared. Missing you my friend.
Cathy Molinnus
April 6, 2016
Dear Brenda, Lanny, Hannah and family
We are shocked and so terribly sorry to hear of Leon's passing. A nicer,kinder,more friendly dad you will not find around any hockey arena in any area. He was one in a million and will be sadly missed by many. Our thoughts are with you .
Gary,Cathy,Kyle,Brandon Molinnus.
Phil and Loretto Robinson
April 5, 2016
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Deborah Brown
April 4, 2016
I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Leon at the WSIB - he was wonderful to work with, always upbeat. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.
Linda Cahill
April 3, 2016
A number of us worked with Leon at WSIB. He was a real pro, kind, thoughtful and fun to be around. Our sympathies are with the family, you must miss him so much.
Joan Crea
April 2, 2016
I was shocked to hear that Leon had passed away. I worked with him at CJOH and I always thought highly of him. He was a great guy and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
April 2, 2016
Aileen Pollock (AP) (Friend)
Entered March 27, 2016 from Toronto
I'm still in shock at the news of Leon's passing. So very sad.
As I walk the beach each morning here in Panama, I think of the sands of time and how insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things. I think of friends and family who are gone from this earth. Now, sadly, I add Leon to this list, much too soon.
I am remembering the fun times when we played baseball together in the East End Pub League and always celebrated afterwards, win or lose, with a pint at the home team's pub. Golf season will also not be the same without the "Comish".
Unfortunately, I am unable to attend the visitations and celebration as I will still be in Panama, but want to pass along my sincere condolences to Brenda, Hannah and Lanny,
Leon, you were always there with a high five for your friend AP, now we all share one with you.
Peter Durrant
March 31, 2016
Dear Hedy and Family, I am deeply shocked and saddned, Leon was just such a great guy, very funny, outgoing,friendly and of course talented. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Peter Durrant
Roger Brice
March 31, 2016
Brenda, so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of playing with and against Leon in the Beach slow pitch league. He always wore a smile and had kind words for all. We will miss him.
Roger Brice and Edie Regnerus
March 31, 2016
Dear Hedy and family
Rob and I send you our deepest condolences on the passing of Leon. May the beautiful memories you have bring you some joy.
Linda and Rob Devenyi
Debbie,Kelly and Jack Ryan
March 30, 2016
Brenda,Hannah and Lanny
Words can't express how sorry we are for your loss. Leon was a kind,funny and caring man. Our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time.
Greg Higgins
March 30, 2016
Dear Brenda, Karin, Hedy, Greg, and family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on Leon's passing. Leon and I were on student council together at DMCI in the 70s and at Carleton journalism in the 80s. I have nothing but positive memories of Leon and gratitude for the joy and laughter he brought to others. I last saw him at the DMCI 50th reunion in 2009, which he helped organize with typical energy and enthusiasm. Generous, kind, compassionate and thoughtful. Leon was all of these things and so much more! A true gentleman. RIP, my friend.
Rekha Chetlur
March 30, 2016
Brenda, I am very sorry to hear about your loss. My condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Rekha
Jackie Roach
March 30, 2016
Such a pleasure having known Leon as a Queen's Park and campaign colleague. West Wing quizzes on the white board. Everyone's buddy gone far too soon. Hoping he has found some peace. So very sorry for your loss. RIP bud.
Alexis (Jackie S)
March 30, 2016
Brenda, so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father of your children. You are in my prayers and may you find solace in the memories of yesterday.
March 30, 2016
Hedy, Karin, Brenda and family. My sisters and I were shocked to hear of Leon's passing. We knew Leon from our DMCI days, he was always smiling. We send our deepest condolences.
Martha, Jennie and Sarah MacIntosh.
Dwight Duncan
March 30, 2016
Leon was one of those wonderful people who could always brighten the most difficult days. I had the honour of knowing him for over 20 years and the great pleasure of working with him for almost eight years. Leon will be sorely missed by all who knew him. My deepest sympathies to his entire family.
Ron Raaflaub
March 30, 2016
Dear Brenda and family. I am so very deeply sorry for your loss. It's hard to believe that it was over 30 years ago that I met Leon at Carleton University. I will always remember that Leon treated people with honesty and respect. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
March 30, 2016
Brenda, Lanny and Hannah:
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers coming to you and your family.
Leon was a wonderful person!!
Love Sharon & Dave Ketchell (Chris's in-laws)
March 29, 2016
Leon
Sparkling eyes,ever present engaging smile ,are what I remember of Leon at 10 years old . I was his teacher for a few years at Overland Public School in the early 70's.
I never doubted he would be "someone" someday.
My sincere condolences to Leon's family.
Cynthia Torokvei (nee Hamilton)
March 29, 2016
Dear Brenda, Hannah and Lanny:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of grief.
Krys Potapczyk, Bob and Sophie Pomerantz
81 Lockerby Stage Band
scott maudsley
March 29, 2016
Hey Brenda:
Just wanted to include photo so you knew who was thinking about you.
March 29, 2016
Bob and family so sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Leon will be missed greatly at the Pike Lake golf tournament.
Dave and Dixie Howie
March 29, 2016
Dear Hedy, Karin, Greg, and all the Korbee Family - Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Leon; a shining star, taken from us far too soon. Prayers and love - Patty Meredith and family
Pat Turcotte
March 29, 2016
Brenda, we were so sorry to hear about Leon's passing. We did not know Leon, but from what we're hearing he was a wonderful man married to a very special lady that we knew quite well not too many years go. We had hoped to attend the Visitation tonight but the distance involved made it all but impossible to get there. Do look for something from us in the next few days......and we certainly are thinking of you, your children and the rest of your family. You will have many wonderful memories to help sustain you at this difficult time.
Pat and Bernard Turcotte
scott maudsley
March 29, 2016
Brenda - Kevin Kane has terrible cold but sends his condolences. Thank you for taking time today. I could see that Leon was surrounded by good friends and family today and it was obvious that they were bringing you, Lanny and Hannah much comfort. Hoping to eventually include a photo of many of the people from Sudbury who are thinking of you today.
Pamela-Ann Larmondin
March 29, 2016
Dearest Brenda, Hannah and Lanny,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Leon was such a bright light in life. I feel for each of you in all that you have lost. Leon will be kindly remembered for loving Brenda beyond measure and adoring his children in all that they are. Sending you hugs and much love.
March 29, 2016
My brothers and I knew Leon while attending Don Mills Collegiate. I can still hear him giving those first morning announcements over the P.A. system. He was always so cheerful. Such a shock to see his obituary in the paper. He knew my brother Doug Flute (also deceased). Rest in peace Leon. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Sincerely, Carole M. (nee Flute)
Harriet Woo
March 29, 2016
Dear Brenda, Hannah and Lanny,
My condolences to you and the rest of the family. Leon was a kind and wonderful person and he had a smile that could light up any room. He was a coach to all three of my kids. I will remember him always, especially on my birthday Feb 6th. RIP my friend, you will be missed!
Vince Borg
March 29, 2016
I was out of town when I caught Matt Maychak's Facebook posting and could not believe what I was reading. It was shocking and still is! What an endearing human being and first class individual. My memories of playing video golf with him on the campaign bus back in the 1980's seem like yesterday. What a sad sad loss for his family and friends.
Pam Galloway
March 29, 2016
I was shocked to hear of Leon's passing. He lived across the street from me when we were younger and then he worked at the WSIB with me. He also had a smile on his face. A life taken too young, RIP Leon
Leslie Simmons
March 29, 2016
Dear Brenda, Hannah and Lanny,
Heartfelt condolences on the devastating loss of sweet Leon. He was an incredible person and he will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. We are only a heartbeat away if you need anything at all.
With love and sympathy,
Leslie,Malcolm,Jake,Rachel,Sam, Max and Luke xoxo
Leslie Helston
March 28, 2016
I worked for Leon at the WSIB. He put humour and humanity in a crazy pressure work environment. Truly a lovely guy. So sad to hear he's gone. He'll be sorely missed. RIP Leon. MY best to his whole family. Take care of each other.
Lee Graves
March 28, 2016
Dear Hedy
I was stunned to hear of the passing of Leon. My most sincere condolences to you and the family. He was far too young to leave us. Can't believe we won't be able to enjoy his wonderful humour this winter in the Christmas Carol at BCUC.
Martin O'Grady
March 28, 2016
Dear Brenda and Family, Please accept my most sincere condolences on Leon's passing. So very sad to hear this news. I have the fondest memories of our time at Carleton University. He was a very special guy and will be dearly missed.
Cheryl Duffy
March 28, 2016
Dearest Hedy and Family:
Your brother Leon will be remembered for the great man that he was. I know you will miss him very much as will all that knew him. Please extend our deepest sympathy to your entire family.
Brian and Cheryl Duffy and family <3
Kevin Cheu
March 28, 2016
My deepest sympathies to the Korbee family. I knew Leon as an avid golfer and caring family man. He will be missed.
Pat Marten-Daniel
March 28, 2016
Brenda, Hannah and Lanny
Its so hard to find the right words at a time like this when hugs can say so much more. Leon was a rare gem of friendship in my life and I am so sorry he has left this world for another.
When I think of Leon and Brenda I recall stories of what Leon referred to as "Lee and Lou adventures"; the road to the final four .....Blue Devils vs the Tarheels and when I think of Leon, Brenda , Hannah and Lanny I remember the good times at Belmont Lake and the proud grin on Leon's face as Brenda and Hannah created a crown for Queen Pat and Lanny asked questions like he had a deadline to meet. Leon, Brenda, Hannah and Lanny I have always had a special place in my heart for all of you for so many reasons.
Love to you all during this very difficult time in your life.
Pat Marten-Daniel
March 28, 2016
Our sympathies to Brenda and family. Leon was a bright light that touched us all.
Brian Pagan and Shannon Wintle
Monica Kim
March 28, 2016
My deepest condolences to your family. I am shocked and saddened to hear of Leon's passing. I knew Leon when we were both reporting from Queen's Park. He was truly the nicest guy with the biggest smile and the kindest heart. Brightest blessings to you.
Steve Mahoney
March 28, 2016
Truly sorry for your loss. Leon always had a smile when I met him and made you feel he was genuinely interested in you. A special guy. RIP.
Fiona Menzies
March 28, 2016
So hard to believe we have lost such a bright light. With that wonderful bounce in his step, you couldn't help but smile as soon as you saw him coming! Brenda and family, so very sad for your loss and right here if there is anything that you need.
Peter Varley
March 28, 2016
So sorry to learn of Leon's passing, far too soon. He was a great guy and made Queen's Park a fun place to be.
Susan (Whynot) Hanko
March 27, 2016
I attended DMCI with Leon and met up connected again with him during the school reunion. His smile. I will always remember his smile. Such a personable guy. In recent years we connected via Facebook and you could instantly see what a proud father he was. My heart aches for all of his family and friends.
Jane Courtemanche
March 27, 2016
I was so sorry to hear of your loss Brenda and family. Tim Cahill said that " A journey should be measured in friends, not miles." Well Leon has left behind many, many friends. He will be missed.
Dan Cowan
March 27, 2016
Loved Leon from the first time Hedy introduced us, over thirty years ago. This is the first and only time that knowing him was anything other than a complete and utter joy. Such a good guy, and so much fun. Rest in peace, Leon. Dillo. xo
Thomas Bernard
March 27, 2016
Our Prayers to the family for a tough and saddened loss. Till we meet again Leon...
Antonino (Tony) Zito
March 27, 2016
My sincerest condolscenses to all of Leon's family. I am out of the country and I just heard the saddest news and my heart goes out to all of you.
I worked with Leon at CJOH - CTV and what has been said and what could be said of him, as a person, as a co-worker, has and will always be positive.... he had a BIG heart!
Chris Arbuckle
March 27, 2016
Brenda, so sorry for you and your family's loss.
George Bryson
March 27, 2016
Dear Brenda and family.
So shocked to hear the news. I had the great pleasure of working with Leon many years ago at CFTO. No matter what the situation, how stressful or how tight the deadline, Leon always had a smile on his face. I always enjoyed the opportunity to chit chat about any topic whether it was work related or not.
So saddened to hear the news and my thoughts are with you.
V. C.
March 27, 2016
We would like to send our prayers to Leon's family during this time. I attended the same high school in Don Mills. He didn't know me, I was one of the quiet students, I just remember how very nice he was, always with a smile on his face. I never forgot this. Rest in peace, Leon. Our deepest and most sincere condolences to your family.
Erin LeCocq
March 26, 2016
Wishing you all love and light at this most difficult time. Leon was an inspiration to all whom his life touched
Anne Boody Horwood
March 26, 2016
Dear Brenda and family. I am so sorry for the loss of a great husband, father and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult days. God Bless and Rest in Peace Leon.
Kim Craitor MPP
March 26, 2016
During my time as the MPP for Niagara Falls 2003 to 2013 I had the honour of meeting Leon when he provided me with advice and guidance on behalf of the Premier Office. From the first I met him I was so impressed with his knowledge his sincerity and the wonderful direction he provided to me. A true gentleman. My sincerest condolences to his family
Steven Bryce
March 26, 2016
To my dear Friend . . .from Univeristy, Hockey, Golf & Families . . .Gone way too early . . .But still near and looking over all those who care
David McPherson
March 26, 2016
Saddened & shocked to hear of Leon's passing. He was my boss at WSIB for a couple of years. His smile & spirit was infectious. Always a spring in his step & a heartfelt greeting. My thoughts to the Korbee family as you grieve over this loss & a life taken far too soon.
Earl Gordon
March 26, 2016
Great knowing you Leon. You truly were a gentleman. Miss those golf games and watching you lay on your stomach on the greens lining up your putts. RIP.
David Cross
March 26, 2016
Such a terrible loss. My condolences to Bob and Hedy and all who loved him.
Showing 1 - 59 of 59 results
Memorial Events
for Leon Korbee
Funeral services provided by:
Pine Hills Cemetery and Visitation Centre625 Birchmount Road, Scarborough, ON M1K 1R1