Dr. Leon Koen

Leon Koen, M.D.
Virginia Beach - Dr. Leon Koen departed this world on February 17, 2013. He was born in Thesaloniki, Greece on January 21, 1930 and grew up in Valencia, Spain. He studied medicine there and came to this country in 1957 to train in surgery.

During that time he met his future wife, Thelma, and together they have two sons, Joseph and Benjamin.

He practiced general surgery for 14 years then emergency medicine for another 20 before retiring here to be close to his family. His local family includes Thelma, Joseph and his wife, Natalie, with their two children, Jenna and Benjamin. His son, Benjamin, lives in China with his wife, Saba, and their two daughters, Serene and Solya. Leon has an older brother, Jaime, with wife Caty, living in Barcelona and a younger sister, Denise, who has passed on to the next world. His nephew, José, lives in Portugal.

Leon was a pure-hearted and passionate soul, who combined a depth of knowledge and fearlessness with humility and integrity. He loved to make people laugh and took great joy in the happiness of others. Having been raised in the Jewish tradition he later discovered the Baha'i Faith and has been a Baha'i the majority of his life. In his earlier years he was an avid photographer, cyclist, and chess player. He spoke five languages, wrote elegant calligraphy, and delighted in making origami models, especially for children, who always held a special place in his heart.

Funeral and burial services will be held at Princess Anne Memorial Park on Monday, February 25, 2013 at 11 a.m. Family and friends will be welcomed at Joseph and Natalie's home immediately following.