Ah Leon, my heart is broken. Your beautiful smile lit up the OQH as did your cheeky comments. I loved the weird looks you would give me when I said anything in my Aussie accent... You, Caren and your beautiful children welcomed me with open arms and I will forever cherish the memories we shared during my time in the UK. I only wish I had gotten to see you again before you left this crazy world. I hope we meet again some day in the future - I'll be on the right side of the bar with you this time!!! RIP you bloody beautiful man. Lots of love - the Aussie xxxx

Occasionally in life, we are fortunate enough to meet that very special person with whom it is a privilege to have spent time and have called a ‘friend’. Leon is that person... A friend that created such an impact in our lives, his sudden and unexpected passing has left a hole so large, an empty space that cannot be filled. Our hearts ache and we are lost for words, because in Leon, there was something which was inexpressible and unique to him alone, and therefore irretrievably lost. We give thanks that he came into our lives and filled it with laughter and memories to cherish. Tough yet soft. Disciplined and strong. Funny. His work was impeccable, his food always delicious. Handsome. Oodles of character and a heart of gold. A friend we could always count on, a proud and caring father, an exceptionally protective and loving husband. He was so much more than a friend to us. They say ‘one’s life can be measured by those they leave behind’ and in Caren, Xavier, Tom, Harley and Nancy we will always see and remember you Leon. You connected and brought together our two families. It was your biggest gift to us - your family- who we promise to cherish and look after as our own. One of a kind you were darling Leon. The world is much less vibrant without you in it. You will be so missed.

I walked into my local and met a man who went by the name of Leon. You could safely say that I liked him straight away. Amiss all the confusion of trying to understand him and keep up with his special breed of lingo, I knew he was a keeper. Life is a journey and we need to understand that people come into our lives for reasons, sometimes unbeknown to us . Whether it be for a short period of time or a long one, but the secret is to learn from them. Leon was a big man in character and soul … Fuck knows what he was like when he was younger, but I knew him as the man who took no shit or piffle from anyone and didn’t give a shit about what anyone thought of him - and that takes serious cojones! He was devoted to his kids and absolutely adored the love of his life -Caren. They were a couple based on a kindred connection, rambunctious and feisty, but their relationship was always filled with respect and sealed with a loving kiss. Our times were intense with laughter, love and crying...our families have and will always have a bond. From one man to another - I love you Leon and will miss you and I will fulfill the promise I made to you.