Leo "Vati" Meyer Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Leo "Vati" Meyer

December 09, 1951 - September 04, 2020

Obituary For Leo "Vati" Meyer

Leo “Vati” Meyer passed away suddenly, at home, in the heart of his farm, on Friday, September 4, 2020, at the age of 68 years.

Leo was born December 9, 1951 in Muri, Switzerland. From a very young age, Leo always knew that he would be a farmer. In 1976, Leo emigrated from Switzerland to Canada after completing his agricultural education. He first came to Southern Alberta where he was a farm manager. It was there that his farming career began and, through hard work and innovation, Leo built up his family farm to a thriving grain operation and marketing enterprise.

While starting his farm in Canada, Leo would travel to Switzerland to attend his compulsory military training. During one of these trips in 1980, Leo met his beautiful bride Katharina Freund. In his usual decisive manner, that winter he gave Kathy the option to get married either before seeding or after harvest. In April 1981, he brought his new bride to Canada. At this time, Leo had decided to move from Southern Alberta up into the Peace River Region. He fell in love with the region very quickly and saw tremendous potential in it. That winter, while trucking grain to one of his customers, Leo dropped Kathy off in Westlock to give birth, starting their family of six children.

The early 1980s were a difficult time to start farming and, in 1986, Leo and Kathy moved their farm operation from the Peace River area to Woking, where the farm is today. In 1988, Leo, Kathy and their four children moved back to Switzerland during which time Leo ran farms in Switzerland and Canada. In 1992, Leo and Kathy made the decision to move the family back to Canada to commit to the Canadian operation.

Leo was a very passionate man and had many great loves. These loves include: his beautiful wife Kathy Meyer (he recently mentioned that his marriage had never been better); his six children, who are all in some way or another involved in agriculture; John Deere and Kenworth machines – the best; growing food sustainably to meet his customer’s unique needs; seeing his kids and grandkids working and playing together, especially at harvest in the fields; seeing others succeed, as he understood better than anyone what the price of success is; and a good glass of wine.

In his commitment to the industry, Leo helped shape the modern Canadian agriculture landscape by being involved and taking leadership roles in various industry policy groups. Leo’s strength to many of these organizations was his ability to advocate for all perspectives, and he was comfortable challenging the status quo. He was proud to be a voice for the less popular opinion, but was always open to discussion to opposing viewpoints.

Family, agriculture and God were what Leo valued most. Leo was extremely committed to immersing his family into agriculture where he actively incorporated them into the farm and the various industry organizations. Everything he did was done with excellence, passion and hard work. He had a high standard that all his children work hard to live up to with whatever life choices they have made.

Leo is reunited with his son Leo Jr. who passed away in fall 2008.

A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, September 14, 2020, at 1:00pm at Northmark Cemetery near Woking, AB.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorial donations be made to the Hope Mission Centre (PO Box 953, Edmonton, AB, T5J 2L8).

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com

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Condolences

December 18, 2024

Andrew Chow and family

Thought of Leo today. I remember him fondly and only met him once. Imagine living a life in such a way that people write all these kind words and remember you years later. He was a great conversationalist, told interesting stories and left a big impact. Warmest regards to the Meyer family. -Andrew Chow and family
June 24, 2021

Hotte Arden and Joanne

Our deepest condolences to Kathy and family. Leo was always a pleasure to deal with when Arden had to meet with him over oilfield activity on his land. He will be greatly missed in the community.
June 24, 2021

Voegeli Hans

Dear Mrs. Meyer and Family; On behalf of the Edmonton Swiss Menâ??s Choir and myself we would like to extend our deepest condolences and sympathy on the passing of Leo Meyer. We met at a luncheon with the Swiss Ambassador in Edmonton. I also had the pleasure to welcome you both at the Chateau Lacombe Hotel and we were pleased that you attended the Annual Winzerfest Concert/Dinner/Dance with the the Edmonton Swiss Menâ??s choir a few years ago. We wish you strength, confidence and courage through this sad time. Best wishes and warmest regards to everyone. Hans Voegeli
June 24, 2021

Nyachiro Joseph

Hi Kathy, May God's hand comfort you and your family as you grief the loss of your beloved husband, father of your children, grandchildren and best pillar of your life. My wife Doris and I are saddened to learn of the passing of our great friend Leo. We dearly remember the time we visited your farm. The dinner meal we shared. The tours of your farming operations you gave us. I will dearly miss Leo at the PGDC meetings and other agricultural meetings.
June 24, 2021

Beckie Dave

My sincere condolences to you and the family! I had the pleasure to meet all of you and tour the farm with Leo when discussing bank business. We did do business together and later I enjoyed catching up with Leo at various Ag events around the country
June 24, 2021

Fischbuch Leanne

Leo is someone who carried an incredible passion for agriculture, and it is through his passion for the sector that I met him. I will remember his excitement on issues, his drive on opinion and his enthusiasm. Most of all what always came through was his love for his family and farm. Heal together on his loss and know that Leo's contributions did make a difference. My condolences to you and your family.
June 24, 2021

Hilderman Andrea

I must have met Leo shortly after 1994 or 1994 when I worked at the Alberta Barley Commission. It was through my work there I had the opportunity to travel to the Peace and witness for myself its scope and beauty. I had opportunities to talk with Leo about the state of Prairie agriculture. He was always generous with his knowledge and opinions, and taught me a great deal. He was a person who made an impression. I was very sad to hear of his passing. Deepest condolences to the family. May his memory be a blessing.
June 24, 2021

Dietsche Conny ,Rolf

Dear KÃ¤thy and family Holding you close in our prayers During your time of sorrow. Our deepest condolences. We think of you all Conny and Rolf Dietsche
June 24, 2021

Sefton Terry

Our condolences and prayers to Kathy and the family.
June 24, 2021

Villiger Josef and Theresa

Dear Kathy and family Our heartfelt condolence of the sudden passing of Leo You are in our thoughts and prayers Josef and Theresa Villiger
June 24, 2021

Palffy-Muhoray Eunice

Our hearts go out to you and your children concerning the death of Leo. We canâ??t imagine how difficult this must be for all of you! We will be thinking of you tomorrow from Ohio and Connecticut! Eunice, Peter and Nicole
June 24, 2021

Scott Gloria

My deepest sympathy to you all. It is with true love for all of you and trusting in God that will get you all through this time 💕💕💕
June 24, 2021

Wurm Shirley

Iâ??m very saddened to hear of your loss. My Heart goes out to you and your family in your time of loss. From Garry and Shirley Wurm
June 24, 2021

Leslie Mike

While we disagreed on some things we always could sit down over a glass of wine and discuss them. Sorry for your loss.
June 24, 2021

Bagshaw Jim

Very sorry to hear of Leo's passing and my condolences to the entire Meyer family.
June 24, 2021

Woodward/Mayer Ruth/Robert

Our hearts go out to the family for this sudden loss. Words will never be enough.
June 24, 2021

Ross-Packard Stacy

Kathy, I was stunned to hear of Leoâ??s passing. Some people are larger than life and one feels like they should be with us forever. Leo certainly fell into that category. Leo was always so quick to say hello, intelligence and wit sparking from behind those blue eyes of his. I know Al (Dad) is very upset but consoled himself with saying to me that Leo would live on in his children (and grandchildren) whom Dad always has had a soft spot for. May you take solace in the good memories and find comfort in your faith and family. Much love, from our home to yours, Stacy, Matthew, Catherine, Charlotte and Maeve Packard (Ross)
June 24, 2021

Spencer Buck and Doreen

Doreen and I wish to express our sincerest condolences on the sudden passing of Leo. Leo was the most passionate person in everything he did and accomplished much. We often thought about you and Leo and your family. We feel your sorrow and morn with you
June 24, 2021

Watchorn Murray

So sorry to hear of The sudden passing of Leo. His vision, hard work, involvement in the pursuit of improving agriculture are a legacy Leo has left to his family.
June 24, 2021

Henley Evelyn

Paul would speak of Leo ...when he worked at Agricore.in Falher.... Leo will meet him again as Paul also passed away July 5 th!, Our sincere sympathy to the family! The Henleys
June 24, 2021

Boivin Diane

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Leoâ??s sudden passing. My condolences to the whole family. I enjoyed getting to know Leo & Kathy. I knew how hard they all worked, and how important family was. My deepest sympathy, Leo was larger than life his passing will leave a large hole in his family.
June 24, 2021

Charest Carol

I am truly sorry for your loss. Sincere Condolences to all of you for your loss. May your memories bring you peace and comfort.
June 24, 2021

Cole Karly

My deepest condolences for the family, you are all in my thoughts.
June 24, 2021

Dreger Karen

Kathy & family We are so very sorry for your unexpected grief with the passing of Leo. He was an amazing man who loved his family & his farm so very much. He will be gresatly missed Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Karen & Leon Dreger & Family

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