A great man will surely be missed by thousands a light to the world has gone rest in peace Leonard

Our sincerest condolences to the family, extended family, and all the Tsleil-waututh Nation for the loss of Chief Leonard George. We were very priviledged and honoured to meet him in September despite his illness to speak with him about our upcoming opera production of The Ecstasy of Rita Joe, and shared many of his wonderful early memories, participation and insights about the play with him. May the legacy of this kind and gracious soul continue to thrive.

Sincere condolences to Leonard's Family and all of His Nation!
I was fortunate to have Leonard as a friend and classmate at Notre Dame high school. Even then Leonard had a presence and I knew He was special. Certainly ( a life well lived ) describes Leonard. Rest In Peace my Brother,

 My condolences to The George family.
 I sold flowers at a outdoor flower stand and I met Leonard there he was such a well spoken and such a nice man. It was always nice chatting with him.

My condolence to the family fron Jane Charlie  from Kwawkwawapilt Kawa Aplilt

My sincere condolence to the George family with the passing of Chief Leonard George.
I had the privilege & honour to have been the George family and other members of the Tsleil Waututh Band. The George family legacy will be carried on by the generations present and coming.
Sincerely Dr George Sakata

Our sincerest condolences to the family, extended family, and all the Tsleil-waututh Nation for the loss of Chief Leonard George.  We never had the privilege of meeting him in person, but we, like so many others, have benefited from all the work he did for all of us and our planet. 
JD Cottier & T. Gama-Pinto
Raven Woods, on Tsleil-waututh Land,
British Columbia

Condolences to the family, community and nation.  Rest in sweet peace Leonard.

Our thoughts and prayers to family of Leonard George. 

Kevin Harkey and Tracy Healy

Mother Earth truly lost a real land and cultural protector. I was lucky to work under Leonard when he was the ED at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre in the early 80's. Leonard inspired me, treated me like I was special each time we ran into one another. A kind man with a kind heart. He was a great teacher, and will be missed by so many of our Indigenous and non-Indigenous brothers and sisters. The spirit world just got a gem.

Sincerest condolences.  Leonard's legacy will live on as he has touched and inspired so many, near and far.  So many current and former staff of INAC are remembering him fondly and feel your loss.

Catherine Lappe, RDG, BC Region, INAC

                 LEONARD'S SONG
       (A Tribute to Chief 
          Leonard George)

Beloved Chief of the Tsleil-waututh
Was born of forest, sky and sea.
Inside the longhouse of the wolf,
He's left this song for you and me.

My life has passed and time has fled, 
And yet the moon and stars remain. 
Dog salmon spawn amongst the dead, 
Red backsides ripe beneath hard rain. 

Crab shallows beckon dark and green,
By mingling waters, bending reeds,
A log canoe slips past unseen,
Lone paddle dripping silver beads.

And far ahead blue herons wing 
To roost atop tall maple trees. 
There my spirit yearns to sing, 
While feathers dance upon the breeze. 

I've heard the wind roar up the sound. 
Seen white tail leap a dappled glade. 
I've dug where butter clams abound, 
Felt cedar curl against a blade. 

And spring has birthed upon my cheek. 
I've watched the autumn foliage fall. 
I've prayed beside a sacred creek, 
Then danced inside the village hall. 

My ancestors are calling me. 
I won't be of this world again. 
Born of the forest, sky and sea, 
I'm but a feather on the wind.

      BY: Steve Carter
          Dec 08/17

         LEONARD'S SONG
 (A Tribute to Chief Leonard George)

Beloved Chief of the Tsleil-waututh
Was born of forest, sky and sea.
Inside the longhouse of the wolf,
He's left this song for you and me.

My life has passed and time has fled, 
And yet the moon and stars remain. 
Dog salmon spawn amongst their dead, 
Red backsides ripe beneath hard rain.

Crab shallows beckon dark and green.
By mingling waters, bending reeds,
A log canoe slips by unseen,
Lone paddle dripping silver beads.

And far ahead blue herons wing 
To roost atop tall maple trees. 
There my spirit yearns to sing, 
While feathers dance upon the breeze. 

I've heard the wind roar up the sound. 
Seen white tail leap a dappled glade. 
I've dug where butter clams abound, 
Felt cedar curl against a blade. 

And spring has birthed upon my cheek. 
I've watched the autumn foliage fall. 
I've prayed beside a sacred creek, 
Then danced inside the village hall. 

My ancestors are calling me. 
I won't be of this world again. 
Born of the forest, sky and sea, 
I'm but a feather on the wind.

After my brother died of suicide in 2004, Leonard and his family help us move through our grief by hosting a ceremony at their home. I will always remember Leonard's humour and compassion, and I am forever grateful for the gift that he gave to me and my family.  

Susan and family - I am so very sorry for your loss. I know that nothing I could say can damped your grief at this time, but I hope that you take solace knowing that you were truly gifted by having someone so amazing in your life.

What an inspirational man! I'm glad I had the chance,  a few times through the decades, to tell Len this, face-to-face. Gone much too soon -- We shall remember him, and the feelings and lessons he shared.
Much love to Len's entire family, from this girl from Nanaimo & Oxford Street, and Templeton School, who often cycled over the bridge to your Dollarton Street home where I listened and found peace. May these words help you all, even if only just a little bit, to feel some peace as well. Xo

OBITUARY

Leonard Henry George

August 18, 1946 – December 6, 2017

Glenhaven Memorial Chapel

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