We Remember
LEON, Dr. Roberto
October 24, 1955 — December 21, 2024
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see” – Mark Twain
Roberto Leon: the kindest, most loving man we have ever known.
Roberto spent the last several months of his life doing what he loved – gardening, building, and spending time with his loved ones, including his beloved Paraguayan family. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with liver cancer in July and despite the best efforts of his medical team, he passed away peacefully on December 21, 2024, surrounded by his wife, daughter, son, and daughter-in-law. In a poetic coincidence, he exited the world in a palliative care room that was once a labour and delivery room, where in his years as an obstetrician at KGH, he had brought so many new lives into the world.
Born to Pablo Roberto Leon and Celia Eleuteria Sosa de Leon, Roberto grew up in Asunción, Paraguay, with his older siblings Francisco Enrique (Enri) and Juana Maria (Juani), and younger sister Celia Victorina (Kitty). There were many stories of mischief growing up, but the siblings loved each other dearly and all became independently successful despite humble upbringings. Roberto was always the top of the class and interested in every subject – he ultimately decided to pursue medicine at Universidad Nacional de Asuncion Facultad de Medicina. During his medical degree, he met so many beloved friends and was always the center of the social circle. It was here he met his best friend Cesar (Ike), a wonderful, larger-than-life personality who would ultimately marry his sister Celia and become his brother-in-law.
His curiosity and excellence across many areas of medicine continued throughout his degree. He ultimately chose obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN), with plans to join his older brother Enrique, also an OBGYN. He had initially planned to complete his residency in the USA, but in an unlucky visa mix-up and lucky twist of fate, he ended up at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. It was in the following years that he would meet his wife, Alison. They were first introduced to each other in Cape Town but began dating after they both ended up working on a rotation at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, near her hometown of East London.
They finished their respective training and decided to travel the world, working locums to finance their next trip. They travelled to South America and all over Europe – the plan was to work and live in as many places as possible to find their next home. It was a locum in Saskatchewan that ultimately set their sights on Canada, based on how kind and welcoming the people were. They moved to Prince George, where Alison worked as a GP and Roberto began his practice as an OBGYN. This is where their children, Benjamin and Gabriela, would be born. Prince George was a special place, where they met so many families who would be friends for years to come. This was where he met his friend Peter, an anesthesiologist, and the anesthesia versus surgeon jokes would continue for the rest of their careers, across the province to Kelowna, where they both would settle and continue working.
He so greatly loved his career as an OBGYN. Though you would never know due to his incredible humility, he was highly distinguished in his career – he had qualifications to practice as a specialist in Canada, the UK, South Africa, and America. He held many positions, including Medical Director for Interior Health Perinatal Services, Northern Health Medical Director Quality Assurance Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Associate Head, Southern Medical Program for the UBC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He also served as the president of the Kelowna Medical Society for many years. Beyond this, he had a love of computers and received an undergraduate diploma in computing from the University of Oxford.
It was his patients that kept him working for so many years after swearing up and down this was his final year. He was known to all his patients as a kind, funny, generous man, who always made it his priority to have patients feel comfortable and respected. So many of his patients travelled from so far to see him and refused to see anyone closer to them. He also had many “repeat customers”, as he would call them – so many of his patients would not dream of another provider to care for their pregnancy.
After retiring, Roberto was eager to find a new way to spend his time. He took up gardening with his neighbours, turning his backyard into a vegetable oasis, frequently sending neighbours, friends, and family home with large packages of vegetables. His most beloved was his potato patch. He was also frequently known to package up as many vegetables as possible and send these to his daughter in Toronto. He also loved woodworking, and he spent many mornings and afternoons with his friend Jannie in the workshop. He loved to make pieces of furniture and other wood creations for anyone and everyone. He was also known to be always cooking prime cuts of meat and chicken for his granddog, Moo.
His greatest love was his family – he is survived by his wife and best friend Alison, who he had just celebrated his 32nd wedding anniversary with in December, as well as his children, Gabriela and Benjamin. He is also survived by his beloved Paraguayan family, including his sister Kitty, his niece Maria, and his nephews Ariel and Ruben. He was the greatest supporter for all of us, always the proudest of our accomplishments, and always loved us more than life itself. We will always be a family with him at the core, holding hands tightly.
Roberto’s greatest strength was making everyone he met feel like family. His warmth, humour, and incredible kindness were the hallmark of who he was. He was always creating a song to sing (that would feature a play on words), making a video of the neighbourhood dogs, crafting the perfect homemade sticker to send via text, or writing a thoughtful text with an excessive number of emojis. To be on the receiving end of this was to feel incredibly, irrevocably loved by him.
To know him was to love him. The world has lost an extraordinary man.
Prayers will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 6:30 pm, at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend Prayers in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the prayers (see below).
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 10:30 am, at St. Charles Garnier Parish, 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC. A reception will follow at the church. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below).
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the Kelowna Women’s Shelter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM FOR SERVICE:
LIVESTREAM FOR PRAYERS:
Prayer Service
Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 6:30 pm, at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC
Service
Friday, January 3, 2025, at 10:30 am
Location
St. Charles Garnier Parish, 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC
Share with Others:
Kelowna Women’s Shelter Link: www.kelownawomensshelter.com
Service Information
Service Details
The prayer service for LEON, Dr. Roberto is scheduled for Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 6:30 pm, at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC at located at 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC, .
The service for LEON, Dr. Roberto is scheduled for Friday, January 3, 2025, at 10:30 am. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
St. Charles Garnier Parish, 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC
3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Sincerest condolences to the Leon family. Roberto was an extraordinary human being and a great Obsetrician/Gynaecologist and professional colleague.
We are so sorry to hear of Roberto’s passing Alison & send our best to you, Benjamin & Gabriela. Roberto was an amazing person, MD, friend and family man who will be so truly missed.
My condolences to the family. I worked with Roberto in Prince George before he moved to Kelowna. He was a highly respected obstetrician, and brought joy to all who worked with him. In addition he and Allison provided a warm welcome to my family when we moved from Ontario to BC. He will be missed
I was heartbroken to hear of Dr Leon’s passing. He was not only an extraordinary physician but also a source of profound kindness and strength during one of the most challenging moments of my life. In 2009, during the traumatic birth of my son, Dr. Leon saved both of our lives and became a confidant and advocate when I had no one else to lean on.
Dr Leon’s compassion, professionalism, and unwavering support went far beyond the duties of a doctor. He stood up for me when I needed it most and made me feel valued and protected in ways I will never forget.
The world has lost a truly remarkable soul, but Dr. Leon’s impact will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched, including mine. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who loved him. May Dr. Leon’s memory always be a blessing.
My sincere condolences to the Leon family. Dr. Leon had the biggest, most compassionate, kind heart of any OBGYN I have ever known. I worked many night shifts in the recovery room caring for his patients, and he was always cheerful, kind, respectful, no matter what time of the night he had to come in to delivery a baby. I have witnessed his shedding many tears because of fate and circumstances beyond his control on one very sad occasion. He was a genuine caring loving soul. My heart breaks for this family. I haven’t seen him in years, but the impact he had on my life as nurse will always be remembered and cherished. Sincere sympathies to the Leon family.
Our hearts go out to you Alison, Ben, and Gabby, as well as to your extended families on the passing of our dear friend Roberto. There are so many memories we share in large part because we were all involved in each other’s lives raising children and enjoying the community of friends who became surrogate uncles/aunts, and even at times, parents!. Roberto was always such a gentleman with an inner calm, and always with a glint in his eye as he was about to comment on a story or share one of his “dad-type” jokes. Many an evening would end with a host of a party assigned the task of tracking down Roberto who would have found a quiet spot to start into his REM sleep towards the end of the night. He very rarely got mad and loved to talk about his kids, life in S. America, and travels with his partner Alison. He had a hand in making our life complete not only by his friendship, but also by delivering our second child; Marc. Although we both moved to opposite sides of the country, on the rare occasion we managed to get together Roberto was family. We only wish we could’ve spent more time together. We send you all our love and deepest sympathies at losing such a character, such a truly “nice” guy.
Louis, Kathy, Claire, Marc, and Remy
(Upon a visit to Halifax)
We fondly remember our fellow South African and staunch Springbok supporter!
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Alison and her family
Oh Roberto, how my heart sank when I heard this news. Roberto delivered all three of my girls and cared for not only myself but my family for many years afterwards beyond the role of an OBGYN. I will send a card to you Alison, explaining what he meant to me specifically. God Bless your family and Rest In Peace Roberto. You were and are one of the best I’ve ever met in life 💜
Sending love and prayers to you Ally and your special children . Wish I could be there to comfort you . Love and prayers from East London , SA
A light has gone out in our world with the passing of Roberto – this big man, husband , father , friend and colleague will always be remembered for his twinkle in his eye, big heart and sense of humour – we will continue to propose a toast to Roberto Leon/ Enjoy your meal and remember his very humourous story about the toast!!!! Our heartfelt condolences to Ali, Ben and Gabby and his extended family – he has left large footprints on our hearts – lots of love from your cousins Malcolm, Lindy, Kate and Marie
I was saddened to hear of Dr Leon’s passing. I worked with him as a family physician in the maternity ward and I appreciated his kind, unfailing support, his humour, and his integrity, I remember fondly calling him for help with a c-section and he called me back saying his car had been stolen so could I come and get him. Of course I did and the baby was born well and then he turned his attention back to his missing car. It was towed, not stolen, and rescued the next day. There are many other anecdotes and kind remembrances and shared miracles in l&d. With love. Sarah
My sincere and deepest condolences to Alison, Ben, Gabbi and to the whole extended Leon family and friends. The world is a much better place because of Roberto – for his kindness, compassion and love for his family, friends and for all the lives he gently touched in his distinguished career. May all the love coming your way envelope you and may your beautiful memories help carry you through. My love to you all. Xoxo Lauren
Warmest thoughts go out to you, Allison, Ben and Gabby on the passing of dear Roberto.
We remember him here in Prince George for his remarkable kindness and dedication to his patients.
He had a great sense of humor. and was never shy to participate in hospital skits where he was known to bring tears of laughter to his colleagues and the maternity nursing staff alike.
He will be remembered fondly by all.. He will be greatly missed.
My heartfelt condolences to Alison, Gabriela and Benjamin on the passing of their loving husband and father whom I had the pleasure of meeting long ago in Ireland and again in Kelowna some years ago. May he rest in peace,
I would like to offer my whole hearted condolences to the family of Dr Leon. He stands out as THE MOST knowledgeable kind, professional and humorous specialists I’ve ever seen. You are right …he made everyone feel like a friend, and as a patient he made you feel seen, heard and respected!!!! His humour to offset your patient nerves was sooooooo appreciated. Rest well Dr Leon…..I hope you are doing your gardening and woodwork in the heavens ❤️
Allison, our sincerest condolences to you, Ben and Gaby. We were dismayed to hear of Roberto’s passing. I remember Roberto being so full of life and easy to be around. I’ll be thinking of you as you navigate this difficult time.
My condolences Alison to you and your family. I fondly remember Roberto as a supportive and skilled colleague during the years he helped me care for many mutual patients. .
Jana
Condolences to Alison , Gabi and Benny
Roberto was a great colleague in Prince George, particularly in leading the MOREOB programme and helping all of the GPs with their obstetrical skills . He was a kind man , a supportive colleague and a great friend.
Dear Ali, Gabbi and Ben, We are very sad for your loss and feel it deeply. Berto is remembered fondly by us, as are you. We spent so many moments together that will be engraved in our hearts and minds forever (and in the photos we have!). You were the best neighbours – and it was so special to watch all the kids come into this world and grow. Thoughts of Berto warm our hearts – his kindness, laughter and big loving heart. He certainly touched many lives, in his humble way, and made them better.
It is comforting to know he died in a place where he brought so many new lives into this world; a place filled with happy memories and joy to comfort him as he left.
We feel very lucky to have crossed paths with you and miss him dearly. We will treasure our memories.
This poem, by Tagore , feels like something Berto may have said: “I leave my songs behind me to the bloom of the ever-returning honey suckles and the joy of the wind from the south”.
Our thoughts and love are with you all at this difficult time. Much love and air hugs Angeli, Zoë, Ari and Ryan xxoo
Dear Alison and Family, Please accept our sincere condolences on Roberto’s passing. We are going to miss him, especially his smile and laugh. We feel very fortunate to have met such a special man. If you need any help around your yard or home, please let us know. Ed and Karrie Alder . Ed’s cell number is 604-815-8222.
Abrazo al cielo Roberto Lilet
Dearest family, we are all still heartbroken and will be for a long time. Uncle Berto was the best uncle and godfather I could have had. Amaia and Ito are so sad to not share videos and funny messages with him anymore. He was like another grandfather for them. We love him so much and will miss him everyday. We were so unlucky to have two tremendous losses in one year.. We can only hope they’re together now looking out for us. Love you all🤍🤍🤍
I was very lucky to have been looked after by the very caring Dr. Leon during one of my journeys with cancer. Dr. Leon’s passing is a huge loss to the world around him, especially his family and friends. My sincerest condolences to all of them.
Deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Leon’s passing. I was a nurse in L&D in Prince George and worked for many years with him. Always a team player, knowledgeable and a happy disposition. Loved working with him. Kind care going to his wife and children. I feel so sad at this loss.
Dr. Leon helped us conceive and deliver our first child in 2002. What a special doctor and man
We are sad to hear of Roberto’s passing, gone too soon. His positive outlook on life was an inspiration to anyone who knew him.
Tami and Patrick Rowe of Prince George, BC
Dr. Leon was my hero, after many losses, he helped me carry two beautiful children and cried with me when they were born. He was the kindest most caring medical professional I’ve ever met. Rest easy Roberto, you are one of a kind. 💕
I am so saddened to hear about Roberto’s passing. I have such fond memories of Roberto starting from when I was a resident and then staff in Prince George. He was a supportive colleague and a compassionate gentle man. May happy memories help you all through this time.
Michelle Sutter , general surgeon
Was sorry to hear of the passing of Dr Leon He did many surgeries; was a very caring Obstetrician. May he rest in peace.
I had the pleasure of working in L&D with Dr Leon in Prince George. He was a gifted storyteller- I remember one in particular- he started in person weight watchers and would do a weigh in at the meetings. Him and some other doctors had gone on an adventure ( I think cycling from Jasper to Lake Louise) and had plentiful meals and fun! At his weigh in he had only gained a few pounds and was verbally very excited that he had not gained more! The weight watchers leader asked to talk to him at the end of the meeting to explain to him that WW was not about gaining weight but loosing it! He was a kind, gentle and caring person who has touched the lives of more people than we could even imagine! He should have diamond studded gold wings! My sincere condolences to the family.
Roberto was a great colleague during my early days in Prince George. His office was on the same floor as mine
that is the third floor in the Victoria medical building. He was always available for corridor consults and was great to have as a back up for the delivery suite. We shared an interest in soccer with him being from Paraguay and I always remember watching the world cup final in July 1994 ( between Italy and Brazil ) with himself and Derek Moore. Unfortunately I did not meet him often after he left Prince George. However I will always remember as a very kind personable man. Deepest sympathy to Allison and the rest of his family.
I was so sorry to hear about Roberto. We worked together for years in the OR. He told the best jokes while doing ablations.
He also delivered our first daughter by c section and was correct when he told my husband not to go hunting that weekend. Thank you for being wonderful Roberto. You will be greatly missed.