“Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old aged should burn and rave at close of the day,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

On May 24th at 6:57pm Leo Kostoff was called home after a life of 92 years. He passed away at the Mississauga Trillium Hospital under the wonderful care of the medical staff.

Leo Kostoff, is predeceased by his mother Stella, sister Florence and brother James. All came to this country from the town of Sitaria in Greece, a strong Macedonian family who adopted Canada as the best country in the world. Leo, a lover of education pursued his goals, and was fortunate to study at George Brown and Ryerson University. Music was a passion such that he formed his own band. Also, a lover of languages, he perused his curiosity of new languages right up until his departure from this world. In his business career, he excelled and became a Vice President, beginning as a stock room clerk. It was a professional life of many accomplishments and accolades.

But nothing brought him more joy than his love of his two grandchildren, Jonathan and Christopher, though Buttons and Zipper were also up there. He was a dotting grandfather, teaching the boys about big bands and Jazz singers, fashion, Greek mythology, nature, philosophy, politics, science but most importantly, cards, golf and the deep meaning of life. Even when physical infirmities attacked him, he refused to give in, but lived a life of great courage, dignity and strength.

As a father, he was a man who lived according to his principles and expected others to as well. He tried to be the best he could be, in the many roles he assumed in life, and we are all proud as a family to have had the opportunity to share our life with him. He is such a strong thread of vibrant colour in our tapestry of life.

He now dwells in another sphere but has left us a rich legacy to remember him. He will be missed by his son John, his Daughter-in-Law, Mary Jane, his grandchildren Jonathan and his wife, Jill and Christopher and his fiancée, Robyn.

In the words of the Greek writer, Nicolas Kazantzakis, quoting Zorba the Greek, “Guys like me should live forever;” you will in our hearts, and the Lord will raise you up.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Peel Chapel 2180 Hurontario Street, Mississauga (Hwy 10 N. of QEW) from 2-5 and 6-9 p.m. on Monday, May 28, 2018. Online condolences may be made through www.turnerporter.ca