Peacefully on May 18, 2021 at Humber River Hospital following a brief illness.

Leo would have celebrated his 97th birthday on July 13, 2021. He is survived by his daughter-in-law Sherry Pedersen (Lobsinger) and by his two grandchildren Tor and Avry Pedersen. Leo is predeceased by his wife Aino Pedersen (Madinen) (2007), and by his son Eric Pedersen (2012). He is also predeceased by his parents Lura (Neilson) and Johannes Pedersen, and by his fourteen siblings.

Leo was born in Sjaelland, Denmark. He emigrated from Denmark to Canada in 1949 but remained proudly Danish his entire life. He made his career for 43 years as a landscape gardener in Etobicoke, employing many other young Danes looking to make a new start in Canada. For decades, Leo was a trusted and beloved member of the Danish Lutheran Church. He sat on the Board of Directors, was a member of the folk dancers, was president of the Golden Age Club, and was an enthusiastic member of the Church Cafe where he loved to play cards and cook for the ladies. For the past ten years Leo made his home at Richview Residence in Etobicoke. He will be remembered by all of his friends for his outgoing personality, his amazing skill for storytelling, and his infectious sense of humour.

Cremation has taken place. An interment service at Sunset Villa in Puslinch, Ontario, will be scheduled for a future date, possibly closer to Leo’s birthday, his favourite celebration.

To honour Leo’s memory make someone laugh. It was one of Leo’s greatest gifts.