WALK, Leonhard Yehuda (Len, Jay, Judah), longtime resident of Richmond Hill, passed away peacefully in the afternoon of May 6, 2024, at the age of 94. Born in Germany, his family fled to Israel in the Second World War, where he later became a veteran of the 1948 and 1956 wars. Yehuda was also a longtime businessman, owning and operating his own electronic repair shop both in Israel and again in Canada after he moved there in 1966. He opened LJW Electronics in 1968 and operated it as a family business until his retirement.
Yehuda was a lifelong learner and earned university degrees both in 1975 and in 2012 (at the age of 82), along with other certifications in between. He was well-read and enjoyed learning about many topics, especially spirituality and psychology in his later years. Yehuda taught himself how to play the accordion and played in the army in Israel and for a sing-a-long group in Canada. An avid outdoorsman for many decades, he could often be found skiing, bicycling, fishing, swimming, or foraging for mushrooms in the forest. In his retirement, he dedicated himself to volunteering, serving and counseling others in mental and emotional health support groups through Mackenzie Health, Wellspring (Sunnybrook), and Jewish Family Services. He also served in Chaplain Services at Mackenzie Health. He was an active listener in conversation with family and friends, always finding an opportunity to fit in a witty comment or joke.
Yehuda is survived by his children Ami (Perla), Alon (Carol), Sharon (Olivier); grandchildren Gael (Aviram), Gilad, Inbal (Liran), Sivan (Pavel), Joel (Anna), Illana (Elvis), Michelle (Samuel), Michael (Erica); and great-grandchildren Talor, Levi, Judah, Gabriel, and Neri. He is predeceased by his wife, Rosemarie, and his sisters, Chana and Berbel. He will be missed by his extended family and friends.
A graveside funeral will be held at Mount Sinai Memorial Park on Friday, May 10th at 12:00pm in the Toronto Independent Benevolent section. Family, friends, and members of the community are welcome to attend funeral and shiva services.
The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers who have supported Yehuda to be able to remain living at home in his final years.
If desired, donations may be made to Magen David Adom (https://www.cmdai.org/en/) or you may plant a tree in Israel in his memory.