LEONARD IAN KAPLAN

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LEONARD IAN KAPLAN
November 13, 1955- February 18, 2022

On February 18, 2022 at 6:48 pm, we lost our father, son, brother, uncle and friend, Leonard Ian Kaplan.
Leonard was predeceased by his father, Jack Kaplan. He is survived by his mother, Leah Kaplan; loving daughters, Blair Kaplan Venables (Shayne) and Alana Kaplan; sister Susan (Neil); brother Alan (Janice); nieces and nephews, Matthew (Yaffa), Shaun (Amanda), Paige and Ayla.
Leonard was raised in the North End and attended Collicut school, Jefferson Junior High and Garden City Collegiate. A charismatic friend, Leonard was elected the school president in grade nine at Jefferson Junior High. A man of many careers, Leonard had his recreational pilot's license, helped with his father-in-law's produce import business, was involved in the taxi industry, and most importantly, his true passion, was being a graduate gemologist. Leonard took pride in being the first person in Canada to appraise diamonds with a computer, travelling to appraise jewelry, eventually starting Western Gem Lab.
Leonard's multiple decade battle with addiction eventually led to various health challenges. After proving his resilience time and time again, he eventually succumbed to COPD and lung cancer.
Leonard was laid to rest at the Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery on February 21. Pallbearers were Alan Kaplan, Neil Rykiss, Matthew Rykiss, Stuart Slayen, Les Rykiss and Jaron Rykiss.
The family extends their gratitude to the staff who cared for Leonard on 2W at Riverview Health Centre, his roommate Garry, Rabbi Kliel Rose, and the team at Jewish Child and Family Services.
Donations can be made in Leonard's memory to Jewish Child and Family Services or to Riverview Health Centre.

Publish Date: Mar 12, 2022

LEONARD IAN KAPLAN
November 13, 1955 - February 18, 2022

On February 18, 2022 at 6:48 pm, we lost our father, son, brother, uncle and friend, Leonard Ian Kaplan.
Leonard was predeceased by his father, Jack Kaplan. He is survived by his loving daughters, Blair Kaplan Venables (Shayne) and Alana Kaplan; sister Susan (Neil); brother Alan (Janice); nieces and nephews, Matthew (Yaffa), Shaun (Amanda), Paige and Ayla.
Leonard was raised in the North End and attended Collicut school, Jefferson Junior High and Garden City Collegiate. A charismatic friend, Leonard was elected the school president in grade nine at Jefferson Junior High. A man of many careers, Leonard had his recreational pilot's license, helped with his father-in-law's produce import business, was involved in the taxi industry, and most importantly, his true passion, was being a graduate gemologist. Leonard took pride in being the first person in Canada to appraise diamonds with a computer, travelling to appraise jewelry, eventually starting Western Gem Lab.
Leonard's multiple decade battle with addiction eventually led to various health challenges. After proving his resilience time and time again, he eventually succumbed to COPD and lung cancer.
Leonard was laid to rest at the Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery on February 21. Pallbearers were Alan Kaplan, Neil Rykiss, Matthew Rykiss, Stuart Slayen, Les Rykiss and Jaron Rykiss.
The family extends their gratitude to the staff who cared for Leonard on 2W at Riverview Health Centre, his roommate Garry, Rabbi Kliel Rose, and the team at Jewish Child and Family Services.
Donations can be made in Leonard's memory to Jewish Child and Family Services or to Riverview Health Centre.

Publish Date: Mar 5, 2022

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 05, 2022, Mar 12, 2022