Obituary of Norbert (Buddy) Francis Leyes

Norbert Francis (Buddy) Leyes passed away peacefully at Sunnyside Home (Shantz Hill) on April 11, 2018, at the age of 80 years. He was born in Kitchener on August 1, 1937, and was predeceased by his parents, Norbert Leyes (1979) and Elizabeth (Battler) Leyes (2002), as well as a sister Janine Loth in 2011.

He will be sadly missed by his brother John (Esther) Leyes, of Atlanta, GA, Joanne (Ian) Pirie, Joyce Leyes and Jane Vetero, all of Kitchener. He will also be lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews, Michael Leyes (Jennifer), Matthew Leyes (Jean), Tara Chapman (Joel), Michelle Lehmann (Jason), Lindsay Pifer (Andrew), Stephanie Vetero, and great nieces and nephews, Ryan and Daniel Leyes, Presley Leyes, Sydney and Lexi Chapman, Darby and Troy Lehmann and Charlotte Pifer, and by his brother-in-law Bill Loth.

Buddy lived a very happy life in spite of his physical and mental disabilities and left a lasting impression on all whom he met. He was one of the first “employees” at the Kinsmen Training Centre in the early 1960’s. After a number of years at the Training Centre (subsequently K-W Habilitation Services), he began working at Warren Greenhouses, where he remained until he retired. He remained active until he had a series of health problems beginning about three years ago.

Buddy lived at Millwood Manor for sixteen years until his move to Sunnyside Home in December 2017.

Buddy was an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan for more than 70 years and was also a devoted Kitchener Rangers fan.

Special thanks to the caregivers at Millwood Manor and Sunnyside Home for the care and compassion shown to Buddy over the last several years and, in particular, the last six months.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Buddy with his family during a memorial visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Friday, April 20, 2018 from 1 – 1:45 p.m. A Memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Reception to follow. A private family interment will take place.

Condolences for the family and donations to the Optimists International may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.