Arnold Leonard VARAH

ARNOLD LEONARD VARAH Arnold Leonard Varah of Toronto, Ontario, passed away on December 25, 2022 at the age of 89 peacefully in his sleep after a brief illness. Leonard was born in Montreal, Quebec. He was the son of Jewish Ukrainian and Russian immigrants, Harry and Ida. From his youth, Leonard owned every room he entered. He was incredibly charismatic and fiercely intelligent. He began his career as a chartered accountant after graduating from Sir George Williams College in Montreal with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in the mid-1950's. He quickly became enamored by the world of business and throughout his lifetime was always working on various ventures that stoked his passions. He was a classic entrepreneur who refused to ever give up. His immense drive and competitive spirit took him all over the globe and he called numerous Canadian and American cities 'home' before settling down in Toronto in 1997 with his wife, Margaret. Leonard adored sports, particularly baseball. He not only could talk intelligently about all things sports, he took every opportunity to take in live games with his children throughout his life. Over the past few decades, he seemed to have vied to be named the Blue Jays top fan never losing hope that the team could find their former glory. Talking sports with Leonard brought everyone, no one more so than Leonard himself, so much joy and happiness. Leonard loved his family dearly and was always fiercely loyal to his friends. He especially cherished his relationship with his five children and worked hard to be the best father he could. Leonard always sought to use his wealth of life experience to advise his children in any way he could to help them thrive. The loss of that advice is quite simply devastating and irreplaceable. Leonard touched the lives of so many people always leaving a mark. He will truly be missed and will never be forgotten. Leonard was predeceased by his sister, Bernice Epstein. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; his sons, Jeff (wife Anita), Harold (wife Kathryn) and Allan (partner Gioanna); his daughters, Randi (husband Michael) and Dena (husband Jed); and his eight grandchildren, Sam, Rachel, Nina, Alexei, Alaia, Annie, Sasha and Isabella. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 6, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel, 2401 Steeles Avenue, West (3 lights west of Dufferin). Donations in his honor may be made to the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto 416-635-2883 https://www.jewishtoronto.com/donate