With great sadness we announce the sudden passing of our father and grandfather Leon Savels as he wished, in his home, on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at the age of 92 years.

Leon was born in Latvia and was raised by his grandparents. As a young man, he loved the discipline he learned in the Latvian Army. In the war years he won many dance competitions for his creative costumes. He and his childhood sweetheart Nina and their daughter Silvija immigrated to Canada in 1947, having escaped Russian and German occupations of their homeland. They secured jobs with the Salvation Army Eventide Home in Gleichen, AB. Leon's upbringing on his grandfather's farm enabled him to run a mixed farming operation which fed hundreds of people. His days were long but he took pride in his work for the Lord and his family. Sundays were spent singing in the choir. Together, Leon and Nina sponsored many Latvian families immigration to Canada. After the birth of their son Robert, they moved to Calgary where Leon started his very successful decorating business retiring at the age of sixty-eight. Leon was a perfectionist, builder, and creator full of determination and drive. Leon loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, gardening and weekends at his cottage at the lake. He was a man who needed to accomplish something every day. Leon's retirement years brought him joy spending time with his grandsons.

Leon was predeceased by his beloved wife of sixty-three years, Nina, his brother Mihail and his sister Taiga. Left to mourn are his daughter Silvija; his son Robert; daughter-in-law Evelyn; his grandsons, Christopher and Andrew; and his brother-in-law Leo Borovskis.

Celebration of Leon's Life held at McInnis & Holloway's Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Saturday, February 28, 2009.

From obituary published in the Calgary Herald on 2/27/2009.