Leon's friends wrote in a book for his parents. Whenever I think of Leon I always think of his big grin - always plotting his next adventure with typical enthusiasm... ' You reckon we could ...'. the OUTC has lost a real character & generous guy with a heart of gold who has done so much for the club. he will be sorely missed. - Claire Leon was the kindest guy I've ever met, he was just Leon, a person whose heart you could see through his eyes. He was a great friend and a huge character in the club. He has left a gap that can't be filled, I will miss him - love Flo I'm not sure what I can say in a book but I hope you know what a wonderful son you had and how much he will be missed by everyone who knew him. I feel like I've lost someone who I should have been doing missions with for years. My deepest sympathy. - Jonathan Sutton Words cannot accurately describe what an amazing person Leon was. Although I only had the opportunity to know him for a brief moment of time, his spirit and enthusiasm was contagious. I have never met anyone that was so positive and so big-hearted. His loss reminds us that life is incredibly precious and fragile, and he will always be with me. - Gus Tolley We had some great trips together, including bonfire and rock climbing the Sunnyside of the Pinnacle at Long Beach, to the Darran Mountains in Fiordland. On one such trip to the Darrans, we could only go there becasue our first plan for a trip was to cross Milford Sound in Aquanauts, then attempt to be the first people to take a photo of the SW face of Terror Peak. Well, after our eventual turn around in the Darrans due to nipple-deep snow, Leon was set on using our aquanauts, so he inflates it in the middle of the trail and paddles around a small pond in a forest. he had so much enthusiasm it was contagious! - Scott Blackford Scheele All men die Not all men really live. Leon lived. he will always be remembered. From the great stories of Leon's character and life ambitions I wish I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting such an amazing person. Deepest condolences to Leon's family and his other family - the OUTC. - Rob Mitchell, FMC president and former member OUTC Although I didn't know Leon well personally, two things about him struck me. Firstly, his incredible childish enthusiasm for anything and everything that he dedicated himself to. Secondly the huge hole in the tramping club community I can see is left by his absence. You should be very proud to have had such a son. - deepest condolences, Tim Muller Leon had so much enthusiasm for life and the hills, he was a dreamer who went out and lived his dreams with enthusiasm and enthused and helped many to join him. I was always envious of his confidence, but it was underlain by thoughtfulness and meticulous planning. He dreams big and went out and lived through many crazy adventures but he was far from gungho. He was always ready to listen to other's cautious concerns, and would send back detailed emails of how he'd cope with risks/hazards and other party members who lacked his ability or fortitude. When I first read the news reports, I had to chekc it was actually Leon - it seemed hard to believe he was only 19 and had only been climbing for a year, he'd climbed so many peaks and was mature beyond his years. Leon's enthusiasm and thoughful ness will live onin the memories of the many peoples who's lives he touched. my thoughts are with you through this difficult time. - LAR I will always remember Leon's beaming grin. - Evan Munks Leon was one of my first friends at Logan Park, I liked him immediately becasue he was just so friendly, and had a huge heart. Every memory I have of him is a good one, and everyone knew how sweet he was. We had a few common interests, soccer, outdoor ed, and I was lucky enough to share some great times with him through that. Right through high school I grew up with him and never found out anything bad about him, so well done for raising such a faultless, wonderful man. I miss him as one of the nicest people I've ever met, and one of my best friends. Peace to you Leon, love ya always. - Michael Crawford There's so much I could write about Leon. I was privileged to meet him when I instructed the 2006 snowcraft course. Leon came along, even though he clearly didn't need to be there, and I'll never forget his excited text message from the summit of Fox Peak back to the group training at Fox Lodge. We shared a great trip up the Sebastopol Ridge in Mt Cook National Park in May 2007, Leon was strong confident and competent. I respected his skill and I appreciated that he asked for advice and listened when I gave it. Despite his disorganised gear room he had a disarming manner that charmed all who knew him. Leon also worked with me, labouring for my father. He was an enthusiastic worker and his help was always appreciated on our busy building site. I know there is nothing I can say to help you at this time but I hope there is some comfort for you that Leon was respected, admired and loved by those who knew him He was one-of-a-kind, and OUTC will miss him my thoughts are with you at this time. - Paul Prinie The first time I met Leon I was drawn to him - he just had this way about him that made me want to get to know him. Over the time we have gotten to know each other I have gathered many good memories. I simply want you to know what a special son you have as I can't seem to put into words exactly what I want to say - there is so much - from the mountains to the city to his smile and dreams. Thank you. his spirit will remain with me and everyone who he has touched throughout his life. My thoughts are out there for you and everyone during this time. - Emily I won't just remember Leon as the person who introduced me to tramping, or got me over the top of Mt Titirou, but also as the boy I met at primary school, and then became friends with in third form. I'll remember playing seven seasons of cricket with him - From the LPHS third XI into both third and second grade when we played for North east Valley, I'll remember him as an excellent flatmate, which seems to be a rare thing, but most of all, I'll remember him as one of my very best friends. - Timothy Grigg I've known Leon since he joined the university tramping club. I can honestly say I've never met a more kind, enthusiastic, posiitive and open hearted person. He was such a pleasure to spend time with. Very fit and strong - there are a couple of peaks I'd never have reached the top of without his character. Whatever you did to bring him up you were doing something right because he was a wonderful person. Always very happy - if there was the merest glimmer of light in the darkness it was that he would focus on. I cannot express my admiration of him more highly. When looking at a horizon of peaks he'd point out countless names leaving me feeling quite lost. I'm sure he would have gone on to do great things in life. I am filled with sorrow at his parting and I think I cannot begin to comprehend the extent of your grief. You have my deepest sympathy. - Stewart Stevens Leon was one of the most cheerful guys in the club. I'll never forget his large smile which never left his face and his cheerful manner which he brought ot the club. I enjoyed my time with him, talking about the different trips he had done and our different views of who should be in the black caps. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I will always remember Leon as a kind, helpful person who I had a lot of respect for. - Paula Dear Mr and Mrs Phease I would like to express my deepest condolences for the loss of your lovely son Leon. I'll keep this brief because I have only had the pleasure of knowing Leon since the start of the year, and I'm sure everything I say has already ben said dozens of times over. Leon was one of the most good-natured, genuinely decent people I have ever met, without an unkind bone in his body. It is hard to imagine him even thinking an unkind thought. He would go out on a limb for absolutely anyone and not expect anything in returen. It was almost as if he was unable to comprehend that not everyone was as genuine as himself, but he took everything in his stride with good grace. He was a lovely, friendly guy, and it was impossible to walk away after a convesation with him not feeling better than before. the world has lost a person who was a model to us all, both for the way he embraced the one chance at life we all get, and for the respect and decency he unfailingly showed to his fellow man. Although I do not know you, I have a huge respect for you, for the amazing person you have raised and shared with us all. I am truly sorry for your loss. - Yours sincerely, Daniel Wilson I saw Leon almost every day in class. He was a good friend and a good student, we were really close. We would always prepare for the assignments together and we had the same mindset and attitude towards a problem, helping each other along. We managed to get eacvh other through to law school last year, cramming in a study room with hours to go before the final exam! He was 'always' supportive and urging me on to finish that paragraph. He was 'always' accessible and would let me borrow notes if I missed class, which is what happened last Friday... Unfortunately I did not finish copying them, I don't think I ever will. Please know he was 'always' polite, positive and considerate, a GREAT friend who has left a huge whole in my life. If there is 'anything' I can do... If it is any consolation it was a great honour to be in his company because he had great character. a bigger heart and a great mind. I am very proud of him, and to have known him. However, I did not have the honour of accompanying him on a tramp. I wil regret this forever. - Chris Harris I only met Leon this year but immediately knew him well enough to really like him. It is a shame we never got to finish cleaning the gear room - he had such big plans. I think we need new ice axes, a couple of pairs of crampons and some plastics. Snow shoes would be good, and if we got some rock-climbing shoes we could rent them out and make some money. And who ever heard of a tramping club without a set of compasses? - Leon (July '08). I will miss you Leon, and as long as I am in OUTC the ice axes will remain in order like you wanted. - Lots of love, Jaz Morris Leon. What an amazing guy. Every time I think of him I see that huge smile on his face. He never had a harsh word about anyone, but was prepared to stand for what he believed in - his emails to me and the OUTC list often started with 'My opinion: ...' or 'I know some of you will disagree but ... I would often get a text or email from Leon just before a law assignment was due - saying 'please Sarah can you proof-read this, I'm going tramping this weekend'. He knew where his priorities were! I will always remember Leon as a quietly confident, ever-cheerful guy who I could talk to at any time whether it be at an OUTC event, a meeting, or just randomly on campus. He was never in a rush - always had time for you. That is one thing I admire so much. Leon was incredibly caring - I will miss him so much. - Sarah White Leon, The companionships that we formed in the mountains are so deep and strong. They cut straight to the essence of a man's character. And what an honour it was to have known you in that way. I share with you the best memories of my life. Never again will the mountains thrum and gleam like they did when we started off down the path of adventure. I never told you how much I admire your passion and boldness. In adversity you were always smiling and together we relished our victories. I imagined we would continue our fine partnership in the hills for many years to come. I don't know what more to say - it would be impossible to tell you how sorely you will be missed. And though you may be gone, you'll never be forgotten, God bless your soul. Perge et Parage - Alexis I've never known anyone as honest, warm and vibrant as you were. You're an inspiration. Hey Leon I have no idea what to say, the experiences we had together, the times we spent together were the best of my life. You were always so cheery, enthusiastic and lovable that any time together I always cherished. I will always remember you as what every person should be, brave, enthusiastic, open-hearted, ambitious (at least with mountains), clever, solid, funny, dependable and best of all willing to see the best in people with no pretences whatsoever. I could never have imagined having a better companion through both hard and easy times. Sorry about the spelling. We will never ever forget you. - Jono Leon and I never once went tramping together in the Matukituki valley or Mt Aspiring, so when I see all those messages relating to his time with the OUTC I cannot help but feel a deep sense of regret that I was not a part of that aspect of his life. My experiences with Leon were different. We'd been friends for 10 years nigh, and one of my best, pretty much since then. At primary school we were in different classes, however, on my first day at Logan park I fatefully sat at his table in Mr Wallace's English class. We were both young for our year, being born in 1989, whereas most were from '87 or '88 and as a result felt like outcasts. strange for a dude who was warm and open to everyone. As I have mentioned, we never climbed peaks (save Signal Hill) but it was in our conversation and ability to read each other's minds that certainly reached paramount heights. we would talk about our dreams, hopes, girls, frustrations until the early hours of the morning, or while playing indoor cricket or chatting with Tim, Don and Jonathan. Tthere are a 1000 more things I want to say but I am not sure I could ever do justice the time we spent on this earth in which I thought we'd grow old together. You were pretty much a brother to me man! - Manu 29/07/08 Dear Leon, I regret never having a rematch with you in minesweeper because I know you'd beat me if you had another chance :) You've always been an extreme bright kid ever since we've known each other at George St., you were one of the only boys I could actually tolerate, even during that awkward stage when girls and boys don't hang out as such. That was a long time ago, but you've never grown out being such a lovely boy. I never had a chance to tell you, but you and the boys are like little brothers to me. All the time you guys hiked up to my place, watch movies and have a laugh... never missing my parties, which I really do appreciate. I know the boys will miss you immensely and so will I, they simply won't be the same without you. But you should be glad that they are still full of life, remembering the best times and keeping on laughing, with you in their hearts. - love Jacqui 29/07/08 Dear Leon, You were an amazing friend. I really appreciate you inviting me to stay with you. I feel that we really bonded that year. I remember all the crazy stuff we used to get up to. I remember playing cricket in the lounge. It was great fun. Thanks for putting up with my terrible bowling. I remember you scored about four-hundred runs off of me before I finally managed to get you out. I remember all the other games we used to play - turning all the lights of and playing hide and seek, our crazy monopoly and scrabble games, spending hours throwing bottle caps into that beer mug. I remember all the crazy competitions we used to get into, like when we started arguing over who was better at playing Pokemon, and ended up playing it for other six hours straight. Or the time we wanted to prove that we could eat the most, and went to Pizza Hut and ate so much that we felt like throwing up. I'll always remember and appreciate all the concern you showed for me, and all the advice you gave me. You will be greatly missed. - Jonathan Leon, brother, I don't even know where to begin. I've been completely devastated ever since I heard what happened. I went to see you this morning and you looked to be at peace. I hope you are. I've been praying for you as well, and I'll go and light a candle for you later in the week Go gently. You were my friend and I'll always be thinking of you. You'll still be there for all the big events in my life. I hope there are good mountains where you are now. Thanks so much for last week. I couldn't have asked for a better final week with you. I'll remember Signal Hill, and that weird guy we laughed at in the Burns lab... you remember. And I always will too. I could never have hoped for a better friend than you. You were like family to me and I'll always be grateful for that. Don't worry about anything on our side. I'll take care of the guys. I wish you a lot of peace. Farewell friend - Don You beat my ass in so many cross-countries, up every mountain, in most tests - but I got you with a ruler in fourth form. Remember Lex's avalanche? Your snowcave window? Throwing ourselves down 'that' stream - so many holes in so many pairs of shorts. Well, I still can't use a gas cooker, but at least I can cook rice now. - leon, Bless. Kitty Leon made many fine contributions to Logan Park during the five years he was there, in lots of areas. However, the most vivid picture in my mind was the exuberant way he played with the younger students at group time, throwing a fabric soft ball around the room. the group teacher approved of this game as it encouraged the bonding within the group, and was an outlet between classes for their physical energy. Leon was in the forefront of the fun. - Barbara Fitzsimons, Toroa house dean Our thoughts are with you. - Love, Jen Hancox I remember your determination and commitment to a cause from the young fella's soccer league where you would always lead your team to victory over mine, your spark shone brightly, so unfortunately short. Will miss you, we all will. - Sandrub Dawa Dear Leon, Even though we didn't hang out all that much, we remember a lot of good things about you. For one trying to climb the walls and onto the ceiling in Alexis's flat after one keg stand on your part. we all wish we had gotten to know you better, we'll miss you all the same. - Love, Fiona, Heather, Niamh, Brooke Thank you for helping me learn to climb... and put on my harness, will miss you - Briary Leon, your short life is an inspiration to what is possible when we passionately set goals. You were a great student and a poential adult friend. You will be remembered. - Paul Fielding Hey Leon, Sorry I haven't really kept in touch since high school, but I have seen you around. I still remember soccer, freezing Saturday mornings. Everything everyone said today holds true for me. It was a privilege to know you. I won't forget you. - Wei Victoria and I are so happy to have known Leon. He was a joy to live with and we are going to miss him so much. Leon: You are more than a flatmate, you are a great friend, and family. To me, you are like my little brother. I will miss hanging out with you. Playing foosball with you, talking about and in chinese with you. I miss the times I have to fight for showers in the morning with you. Finally you get so comfortable with us, you run with only you boxers on. I'm also going to miss you cooking mi goreng noodles for me when I'm running late for work. I also miss playing on the computer with you, e.g.g minsweepers. (P.S. I still hold the title for winner of that). It's so quiet around the house without your singing, whistling, laughing. Who's going to push the shopping trolley when we go grocery shopping now. It's too early for me to say goodbye and I don't want to say goodbye. thanks for wonderful memory you give us. You'll always live in our heart. - Vic and Jono Leon, I loved hearing what all your friends had to say about you. I will make sure that every moment in my life counts form now on and have loads of adventures. Will always think about you when I'm in the hills. you were amazing the way you always made time to do something with me when I came to Duendin, even cutting lectures. I will miss that Leon. Love you heaps - Pam Having Leon staying over 5-8 at Easther Cres, Leon helping cook tea, but at that stage not too keen on doing dishes. Pillow fights, Leon loved playing with the dogs. Even at that age he would climb the fence, even onto the roof of the sleepout and garage. I'm sorry and always will be that I lost touch with Leon, and I must keep in touch with Yucong, Barry and the boys. - Leigh Thank you Leon for sharing with Jono, the best time of his life. I will never forget the shine in all of your eyes as you set off on tramping trips. Thank you Barry and Yucong for the great job you have done in raising Leon to be positive and self-sufficient and such a great companion. Thank you for the enormous support you have given Jono and Alexis. - Pat (Jono's mum) From the endless stories and anecdotes that Jono would retell after spending a few days in the mountains with Leon, I can honestly say that Leon was much loved and that my brother was very proud to be a part of his life. Thank you Leon for being such a good friend to my brother. You will be missed very much. - Dougie (Jono's brother) Dear Barry, Yucong, Edwin and Tristan. It has been a privilege to meet you. I admire you. In your distress and grief may you find the support and love of family and friends. My life has been enriched through hearing about Leon's life and character, but I know this is something really hard to accept. I will continue to think of you. Keep in touch. - Greg Hughson, University Chaplain.