Obituary for Leigh (Herbert) Speakman
Herbert Leigh Speakman, age 81, passed away peacefully on September 10 after a short stay at Sunnybrook. Born in Toronto on December 11, 1939 to Leigh and Jean Speakman. He was the oldest of three children, brother to Lynne (predeceased) and Larry. Leigh came to study interior design at the then named Ontario College of Arts in Toronto. While at school, Leigh met his wife Carole (predeceased). Together they had two children: Derrick (Joanne) and Sean. Through his work at Cranfield Stephens, Design International, Cadillac Fairview and his own company, Speakman Design, Leigh’s ability to innovatively meld form and function is showcased in retail developments throughout the world. Half jokingly, Leigh felt that every city in the world should boast a stylish shopping mall and he did his part to make this happen!
Leigh appreciated the gift of art in its many forms, from the innovative trumpet playing of Miles Davis to the angular passion embodied in Picasso’s work and from the guttural rumbling of an F1 car awaiting “”Lights Out” to the velvety texture of a dark Syrah. Most important to Leigh was to share these things with family and friends.
Over the past 16 years Leigh spent most of his time living In Antwerp, Belgium with his partner, Greet Claesswinnen. Lovely walks through this historic city and an espresso at a sidewalk cafe brought joy to Leigh in his later years. Leigh enjoyed introducing his Belgian family (Greet, her daughters An (Patrick) and Els (Marc) and his grandchildren Benjamin and Koen) to Canadian traditions, for example sourcing a turkey at the local market for a Thanksgiving feast.
When in back in Canada, he could be seen relishing his time on the dock at picturesque Jack Lake surrounded by his family and grandchildren Chanel (Blake), Ryan (Courtney) and his beloved Lauren. Proud Grandfather and fondly remembered by Justin. Leigh also proudly recently became a Great Grandfather to Myles Leigh McMacken.
A family Celebration of Life will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers please feel free to support Sick Kids or Covenant House with a donation to their cause.
Leigh appreciated the gift of art in its many forms, from the innovative trumpet playing of Miles Davis to the angular passion embodied in Picasso’s work and from the guttural rumbling of an F1 car awaiting “”Lights Out” to the velvety texture of a dark Syrah. Most important to Leigh was to share these things with family and friends.
Over the past 16 years Leigh spent most of his time living In Antwerp, Belgium with his partner, Greet Claesswinnen. Lovely walks through this historic city and an espresso at a sidewalk cafe brought joy to Leigh in his later years. Leigh enjoyed introducing his Belgian family (Greet, her daughters An (Patrick) and Els (Marc) and his grandchildren Benjamin and Koen) to Canadian traditions, for example sourcing a turkey at the local market for a Thanksgiving feast.
When in back in Canada, he could be seen relishing his time on the dock at picturesque Jack Lake surrounded by his family and grandchildren Chanel (Blake), Ryan (Courtney) and his beloved Lauren. Proud Grandfather and fondly remembered by Justin. Leigh also proudly recently became a Great Grandfather to Myles Leigh McMacken.
A family Celebration of Life will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers please feel free to support Sick Kids or Covenant House with a donation to their cause.