Leonard Wall

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Leonard Joseph Wall on January 2, 2022 at the age of 86.  It was sudden, but peaceful with loved ones surrounding him.

Leonard will be remembered as a man of integrity with a genuine heart and a strong intellect.  An affable man, Len was known for his infectious laugh and the sincerity with which he would listen and engage with others -- he could walk into a room of strangers and soon know everyone.  As a father, he was a role model to his children in countless ways and imparted strong values of working hard, caring for family, and showing how to rise above adversity to serve others.

Len grew up in Arnprior with his parents DJ and Emma and his five younger brothers.  Although he moved on from Arnprior, he was always a “Prior Boy” at heart.  Len started his career at Dun and Bradstreet where he made a life changing decision by hiring a new secretary, Gillian Moses, whom he later married. Len and Gillian raised children Tracey and David and were very happily married for 51 years.

His career continued at IAC and Ford Motor Credit, but these positions required many relocations to Kirkland Lake, Moose Jaw, Oakville, Moncton and Ottawa.  In 1976 Len decided it was time to settle in Ottawa, so he established Comfort King Ltd, which he ran until he sold the successful company in 1989.

After schizophrenia touched his own family, Len recognized the great need for family and caregiver support in the mental health arena.   As volunteer, he served as President of the Schizophrenia Society Ottawa Chapter and then the Ontario Schizophrenia Society.  He also served as a Board of Trustee at the Royal Ottawa Hospital and a Psychiatric Program Advisory Board Member for the Queensway Carleton Hospital, as well as on numerous other mental health and family advisory councils. Through his leadership, he advocated for mental health reform, particularly for greater involvement of the family. Through his calm temperament, he provided comfort and strength to many families in the Ottawa area.  In recognition of his significant contribution, achievement and dedication, he was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2003 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013.

As a dedicated husband, Leonard spent several years caring selflessly for Gillian during her illness until her passing in 2013.  He later relocated to Russell.  He found a wonderful partner, Elke Bielz, to share the remaining journey of his life, which included many new friends, lots of outdoor activities and world travel.  He quickly engaged with the Russell community by becoming involved and supporting local events.  He also found enjoyment avidly reading in his beautiful backyard garden and spending evenings solving Sudoku puzzles.

He will be missed by many; in particular by his daughter Tracey (Eric Veine), son David, beloved partner Elke Bielz and her sons Simon and Christian (daughter Penelope), as well as his brothers Bob (Lynn), Doug (Nancy), Ken (Linda), Daryl (Penny) and Percy (Pat), as well as his nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a celebration of life in the spring when the restrictions are eased, date and time will be announced then.  For those wishing, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Ottawa Hospital Foundation, https://www.theroyal.ca/donate .  You may select Schizophrenia Recovery or the area you prefer to route your donation.