Leonard Ernest Poetschke passed away peacefully, on August 1, 2024, at the age of 91, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Audrey (d 2009). He is survived by a blend of families:
Devoted son Blair and daughter-in-law, Jana, grandchildren Alexandra (Geoff Curtis), Julia, and Lem.
Rheta Jeffery, beloved partner of 13 years, and her children Theresa D’Ornellas (John), Robert (Tammy DeAmicis), Michele Peacock (Rob, d 2024), Rick (d 2021), Daniel (d 1989).
Leonard will be missed by his brothers, Kenneth (Alice, d 2021), Robert (Margaret), Thomas (Yvette), as well as many nieces and nephews whom he admired and loved, beaming with pride when talking about them.
Leonard lived a wonderful, fulfilling life moving frequently with family between Toronto, Ottawa, and Halifax for his work. He and Audrey always considered Nova Scotia home after building a house near Chester, N.S., where Leonard could enjoy his passion for sailing and share it with his son. Leonard’s other passions were square dancing, scuba diving, and travel, having visited many countries around the world. Later in life, he settled in St. Thomas, Ontario with his partner Rheta.
Leonard’s career in policy development and economic planning was dedicated to helping communities grow and prosper. After graduating with a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics (UK) in 1959, he spent a decade working for the Canadian government in Agriculture, Finance and Rural Development in a role that took him to Ottawa for several years and then to Halifax. In 1969, he decided to set out on his own as an Economic Development Consultant, with a few years intermission as the General Manager of Toronto Harbourfront during its formative years, starting a few companies along the way. His focus was always on helping people to grow and prosper at both regional and community levels. His passion for politics was instrumental in helping him to shape government policy to become more effective and responsive to economic and social opportunities.
The family wishes to extend their special thanks to the nurses and staff at the Long Term Care Unit of LHSC Victoria Hospital for their gentle and kind care of our father.
Visitation will be held on August 8, 2024 from 10:00am until the time of the memorial service at 11:00am at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Chapel, 303 Riverside Drive, London, Ontario. The service will be live streamed for those who are unable to attend at https://fweb.tv/152027
Online condolences and the live stream may be found at: Leonard Poetschke Obituary - London, ON
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