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Leonard Dear Obituary
Leonard (Leo) Rowe Dear passed away on January 14, 2026, just shy of his 96th birthday.
Born February 3, 1930, Leo was raised on the family farm in Mukinbudin, Western Australia. He carried a lifelong pride in his Australian roots and was rarely happier than when reciting his favorite poem (from memory), The Man from Snowy River, by "Banjo" Paterson.
In 1952, Leo graduated from the University of Western Australia with first-class honours in Mechanical Engineering. He began his career in Broken Hill, NSW, before traveling to Canada, where a planned stop became a permanent home after meeting his wife, Joan née Sachko (1934-2022), in Vancouver.
They married in 1959, spent six years living and working in Sydney, and later settled in North Vancouver, where they raised their two daughters, Laura and Margot.
Leo spent most of his career with BC Hydro, contributing to major hydroelectric projects before retiring in 1988. He remained active throughout his life, enjoying skiing, cycling, bridge, running, tennis, and singing with the West Vancouver Key Notes choir for seventeen years.
He is survived by his daughters, Laura (Arne Bickle) and Margot (Christopher Kilpatrick), and grandson Adam Bruce. By request, there will be no service.
"There was movement at the station, for the word had passed around…"
Born February 3, 1930, Leo was raised on the family farm in Mukinbudin, Western Australia. He carried a lifelong pride in his Australian roots and was rarely happier than when reciting his favorite poem (from memory), The Man from Snowy River, by "Banjo" Paterson.
In 1952, Leo graduated from the University of Western Australia with first-class honours in Mechanical Engineering. He began his career in Broken Hill, NSW, before traveling to Canada, where a planned stop became a permanent home after meeting his wife, Joan née Sachko (1934-2022), in Vancouver.
They married in 1959, spent six years living and working in Sydney, and later settled in North Vancouver, where they raised their two daughters, Laura and Margot.
Leo spent most of his career with BC Hydro, contributing to major hydroelectric projects before retiring in 1988. He remained active throughout his life, enjoying skiing, cycling, bridge, running, tennis, and singing with the West Vancouver Key Notes choir for seventeen years.
He is survived by his daughters, Laura (Arne Bickle) and Margot (Christopher Kilpatrick), and grandson Adam Bruce. By request, there will be no service.
"There was movement at the station, for the word had passed around…"
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by North Shore News from Jan. 21 to Feb. 20, 2026.
Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Dear
2 Entries
Glenna
January 24, 2026
Saddened to hear of Leo´s passing. A real gentleman. Though it was many years since working with him at B.C. Hydro, our friendship continued over the years. Thank you Leo for the fond memories we shall carry. Sincere condolences to his much loved family. Wally and Glenna
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Brenda Embley
January 21, 2026
I am sorry to hear about Leo
I enjoyed working with him
Brenda
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