Leon Brandolini

BRANDOLINI Leon It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Leon Brandolini, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend on July 3, 2009 at home. Leon put family and friends first and embraced family and friends to the end. You couldn't resist his charm and energy that welcomed you into his world. The adventures of "Vinnie" began in Vancouver on April 28, 1934 in the Italian neighbourhood of his grandparents' home on Prior Street, and ended at St. Andrews on the North Shore seventy-five years later. Time between was ablaze with escapades shared in stories by all who would listen. Close friends, from his earliest school days and Vancouver College, to his many business alliances, from his baseball and hockey teammates at the North Shore Winter Club, to his family and extended family, all participated in the creating and the telling of the stories. As a speedy 5'6'' quarterback and punt returner for the Fighting Irish, he was never one to go north/south down the field without some thrilling adventurous zigzags on the way to scoring a touchdown - a skill he played out through the rest of his years. For Leon, his touchdown became coming home every night to his family. Proud of his Italian heritage, he cherished his recent trips to Italy, was an ardent supporter of Azzurri, and sang along to Michael Buble CDs while preparing hand-made gnocchi for whoever landed at the doorstep for dinner. Leon had a flair for telling stories, a passion for singing and an undying love of life and everyone who shared in his. His signature version of Frank Sinatra's "My Way" is held dear in the hearts of the privileged he sang it to. How well he lived that song. Leon is survived by his wife Evelyn, daughter Molly Evanshen and husband Frank, son Cory and wife Marlo, son Cal, son Dean and wife Paisley, and daughter Dena Pickup and husband Kyle, grandchildren, Oliver, Calayna, Desiree and Spencer Evanshen, Paden, Dino, Lucca, and Riley Brandolini, Cole, Sarah (and soon to be another) Pickup, sister Charlene Hibbard and husband Jim and brother Harry Brandolini and partner Lesley, nieces and nephews Gianna and Jason Hibbard, and Nicole Brandolini, brother and sister-in-law Ian and Betty Gibb, nieces and nephew-in-law Tammy, Mallory, Allison, and Kevin. In lieu of flowers, donations to Lions Gate Hospital Palliative Care Unit would be appreciated. There will be no service as per request. A Celebration of Life will be held for family and close friends at a later date.