In Loving Memory
Leif Jørgensen was born on December 23, 1945, in the picturesque town of Vejle, Denmark. As the eldest of three siblings, he led the way for his younger twin siblings, Preben and Magrit, who arrived three years later. From an early age, Leif’s imagination knew no bounds. His favourite tree in his backyard became the masts of a grand pirate ship, embarking on adventures only he could envision. The outdoors was his domain, where his curiosity flourished. Yet, no matter how far his explorations took him, he was always home in time for dinner. His family fondly recalls the saying, “If you can’t finish it, give it to Leif.”
Leif’s love for learning was apparent from an early age. Surprisingly, his first English lessons came from reading Donald Duck comics. Despite his self-deprecating humor, Leif was incredibly sharp and had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. As a child, after bedtime, he would sneak a flashlight under the covers to devour books, absorbing as much knowledge as he could before sleep overtook him. His life-long passion for reading extended to spirited discussions about history, religion, and global events, and his ability to recall dates and details from centuries past was nothing short of remarkable.
At the age of 16, Leif’s adventurous spirit led him to leave home and explore the world. He found work as a Deck Boy on a ship, sailing to distant shores. His dream was to become a ship captain, but fate had different plans. An accident during his training left him with limited vision in his left eye, ending his aspirations of becoming a Coxswain. Despite this setback, Leif’s determination remained unwavering, and he pursued studies in psychology at the University of Copenhagen.
It was in Vejle that Leif met Yvonne, a young woman visiting family from Canada. Their love story blossomed, and they married before immigrating to Canada in 1978, where they settled in Surrey. A year later, they welcomed their son, Erik Leif Jørgensen, into the world. Leif cherished the time spent with Erik, from hiking adventures to soccer games, and sharing his famous homemade soup. However, as time passed, their relationship grew strained, and by the time Leif turned 60, they had drifted apart. It was a deep sorrow for Leif that he never had the chance to reconcile with his son or meet his grandchildren.
In Canada, Leif’s life was enriched by a close-knit group of friends, whom he affectionately called his “adopted Scottish family.” His Danish accent gradually evolved into a charming mix of Danish and Scottish, especially after a whisky or two. Fridays were for the lads, Saturdays for the lads and lassies, with the pub serving as their second home. Robbie Burns Day was a highlight of the year, and Leif’s beautiful rendition of the “Star of Robbie Burns” was always a hit. Leif loved a good party and singing, with many gatherings centered around Les playing the guitar, with Leif and others singing a few Scottish favorites, well into the night.
Leif was a man of many passions. He became a Mason and was proud to be part of the Scottish Rite. He was initiated into Langley Lodge No.184 on November 19, 1987, passed to the Fellowcraft on January 21, 1988, and raised to Master Mason on April 7, 1988. He served as Worshipful Master of Langley Lodge No. 184 in October 1996. In the Scottish Rite, Leif attained the 4th Degree in March 2007, the 18th Degree on March 5, 2008, and the 32nd Degree on October 25, 2008. He served as Thrice Puissant Grand Master of the Fraser Valley Lodge of Perfection on December 6, 2017, and was a member of the Jack Turnbull Scottish Degree Team in 2010. Leif took great pride in memorizing the parts he was given to perform at the Lodge, and he thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of his Brethren, particularly when they visited other lodges and received compliments on their performances. His involvement with the Scottish Rite provided many opportunities for him to don his Highland dress, in which he looked truly impressive.
Leif’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through when he and his friend Karsten, along with Les as a silent partner, opened Viking Deli & Grill. They became famous for their hearty “Berserker sandwiches.” Though the business eventually closed, Leif moved on to a successful career in industrial drafting after completing his studies at Kwantlen College in 1992. He secured a long-term position at Canwest Tanks, where he managed the office and created 3D drawings of fiberglass tanks. Even after retiring at 75, the company asked him to return to assist with a transition, a testament to his valued expertise.
In the early 2000s, Leif and Karsten purchased a house together. Although they eventually went their separate ways, Leif made a wise decision to keep the house, which later yielded a handsome profit. The house, located just 15 minutes from mine, became the backdrop for countless adventures with our dogs. When we first met, I had a dog named Coco. After some time, Leif decided he wanted a Rottweiler. We went to see a litter, and although Leif had planned to choose a boy, a “big girl” puppy made a beeline for him, and they formed an unbreakable bond. We named her Ziva, and she had a morning ritual with Leif where they would sit together, hold hands, and share a quiet moment. She adored him, and their connection was truly special. A few years later, after Coco passed away, we welcomed another dog into our lives, and Leif finally got his “Tor.” We loved our dogs, and spent many memorable times walking in the woods with them. Lief was an excellent trainer and although all our dogs went through puppy school - the real training started and home, where the dogs would learn to obey hand signals and Danish commands.
Leif’s life was a rich tapestry of love, adventure, and resilience. He lived fully, embracing every opportunity and facing every challenge with unwavering determination. His legacy is one of cherished memories, laughter, and the deep bonds he formed with those who knew him. Leif’s story will forever be a part of those who loved him, a reminder of a life well-lived.
August 28th, 2024
I met Leif over 40 years ago, when Ken Finnigan introduced me when they were back on leave from the Brazil oil fields and it was an instant pleasure. His demeanour and constant laughter was a magnet. He drew people to him, We went on our masonic journey together and when business was finished our song master Leif would be in charge and his booming voice started the festivities.( Hold on to your glasses when the Boom ta Boom started) and as for the our Caledonian nights his rendition of the Star O Rabbie Burns was a highlight. In all the years I have known Leif I never knew him to lose his temper . He was respected in life by his friends and Brethren and is sadly regretted in his passing, Like I said it was a great pleasure in knowing him.
August 26th, 2024
I met Leif in the early 1980s, we where both working for Can Ocean Resources on a dive ship in the south Atlantic Ocean which meant we commuted between Vancouver to Rio de Janeiro once a month. We soon became good friends and of course we soon had tales to tell from our travels, lots of tales. It was around this time that I bought a house in North Delta and Leif was my housemate and of course more tales.
As we all know Leif was the life and soul of the party pretty much wherever he went and we all know that he loved to sing, he could on his day sing anything but his go to song had to be the rabedy boom de boom and he sang it loud and proud.
I have personally witnessed and joined in with Leif singing his anthem in the Pan Am clipper club in Rio, United airlines red carpet club, the Northwest Orients vip lounge in New York and many many establishments, in fact one time we were flying from New York to Seattle when without warning Leif started singing, so catchy was the tune that 50 or so Japanese tourists were boom de booming their tray tables, if that happened today we would have been banned from flying.
We all have great memories of our time with Leif it’s hard to remember them all however one of the tales from Brazil that makes me chuckle and yes it concerns singing and libations.
We were in Rio for an umbilical change out, long story, anyway we had a day off and we decided to go exploring, we checked out Leblon, Ipanema and onto Copacabana Beach, we decide to stop at a little sidewalk cafe called the Meia Pataca and it had about 30 or so tables on the sidewalk. The tables resembled cocktail umbrellas complete with a welded shelf that held the drinks and food, anyway, we’d taken on sustenance when Leif was fed up with listening to samba music and burst into song, everything was going well we had the first boom de boom no problem unfortunately the second chorus of the boom de boom the entire Umbrella crumpled dumping food an beverage all over the sidewalk, as you can imagine we had a lot of irate waiters milling around speaking a language we didn’t understand and we had Leif speaking to them in a language no one could understand. We ended up agreeing compensation and we where shown to another umbrella, however before the manager left he said no more boom de boom.
And now as we move forward, there will be no more boom de boom, because let’s face it, Leif was the only one that knew the words and we all were his back up singers.
The song, so synonymous with Leif and everyone who knew him, will not be lost though it will remain a cherished memory along with the memory of Leif, gone, but never forgotten.
Thank you for being a part of our lives.
YNWA
August 23rd, 2024
I remember back to when I would come home and dad was having a party, the unmistakable sound of kitchen cabinets slamming as Leif and my dad belted out their favorite tunes. His voice resonated with joy, and the warmth he brought into our lives was truly special.
I’ll always remember that poignant moment when he sang "Wild River" at Dad’s wake, a beautiful tribute that captured the essence of both their spirits.
He knew what YNWA meant to me and was always there at Burns dinner to dance with me.
He was a cool kinda Viking Scot. I find solace in imagining Leif in the pub in the sky, singing heartily and banging on the tables with the rest of them. Cheers to you, Leif. Your memory will forever echo in our hearts.
August 23rd, 2024
My dearest brother Leif pasted away 18th August early in the morning.
It is a very hard time and not easy to accept that this was the end.
We grew up in Vejle together with Margit. Leif was always by my side when I was bullied by the bigger boys and couldn’t handle them myself as well as he was very protective towards our sister Margit.
Leifs intellect was incredible, a wandering lexicon. He loved life and was always very keen to learn new stuff, very much like our father.
We will miss you so much dearest brother.
Rest in peace Leif.
August 22nd, 2024
I met Leif during the early eighties in Surrey (The Wheelhouse House of Worship ) Leif was a newcomer to the British corner and soon developed many friends. He could talk Scottish better than the Scots, and soon became one of the Scottish Mafia. Leif was always fun to be around , especially when Guinness and Scotch was being served. We developed a wonderful friendship from then until now. He was like a brother to me and I am going to miss him so! so! much. We annointed him an Honourary Scotsman on his birthday at Beth and Geoff's and he assumed the role with great dignity. We are going to miss him, but life (LEIF) goes on and we will remember him with Love and Fondness in our hearts, while he is running amuck somewhere in Valhalla. See you later brother. SKAL and SLANJ
August 21st, 2024
My dearest most precious brother-in-law.
You and I only got to know each other by phone calls back in the early 80’s, after I married your brother. Later, when you visited us in Denmark, we became very close friends a friendship I will always carry with me.
I especially remember and cherish all the good talks we had when we cooked, shared a bottle of wine, told all kinds of stories, sang and listened to music.
Thank you for letting me hold your hands when you needed love and care the most.
You will always be missed and kept close to my heart where ever you go my dear Leif.
August 21st, 2024
We will remember Leif as a good friend to all. He was always smiling and we all loved his songs and entertaining us at the parties. Especially the “Boom,de boom,de boom” How can we ever forget that,
Thankyou for being a friend to us all, we will all miss you, and remember you with a smile.
May you RIP ❤️🙏
August 21st, 2024
Leif was a friend for more than 40 years. More like a brother actually. He was always there when you needed him and I will miss him.
So sad that there will be an empty place at the Xmas dinner this year. I am happy that he found Eroca, she made the last years of his life so much happier.
August 21st, 2024
It was through my first dog. Coco, that I met Sharon and her dog, Hoagie. We became good friends and walked together almost every day. Eventually Sharon introduced me to Leif, and that was that (about 2008), we were never apart after that. First we had our separate houses 10 minutes apart, then we lived together in mine. We shared a love of our dogs, the outdoors and more importantly, each other. There will never be another like him!
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