Lee (Libero) Soave

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Lee (Libero) Soave, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend and gifted cabinet maker, who departed this world too early on September 27, 2023 at the age of 60. He was a man who loved sports, whiskey, and sandwiches. Lee was always looking for a laugh.

Lee battled heart failure with unwavering courage and resilience. He passed away suddenly due to complications on September 27, 2023 at University Hospital. While he may no longer be with us in person, however, his memory lives on in our hearts.

Beloved husband of Michele Soave (née McGuffin), father to Andrew and Nick Soave, and bonus father to Megan Montgomery and Skylar Franke. Treasured grandfather to Rory Soave. Cherished son of Filomena and predeceased by Mario Soave (1996). Son-in-law to Marilyn McGuffin, brother to Toni Soave-Stewart (Ian) and Giovanni Soave. Uncle to Dean Stewart, Lindsay Francis (Greg), Owen Boyd, Kaleigh Boyd (Jacob) and Paul Town (Olivia). Dear brother-in-law to Kim Boyd (Dan), Dawn Town (Scott) and John David McGuffin.

Lee was born in Italy and grew up in south London where he attended H.B. Beal Secondary School. Lee met the love of his life, Michele McGuffin, at Marian Villa 42 years ago. He went to Fanshawe College, where he became a cabinet maker and loved crafting with wood and creating many treasured pieces. Lee was a very proud father to Nick and Andrew, he cherished his many family vacations with them and often said they were the best moments of his life. They inherited his finest parts, and he was extremely proud of who they had become.

Lee loved many things. Tupelo honey (but not that grocery store stuff), cherries, blueberry tea, and Eminem.  Lee favoured the darkest roasted coffee you’ve ever tasted (paint thinner as it was affectionately known in the Soave house). A devoted fan of The Toronto Maple Leafs, the Edmonton Elks, and the London Knights. Lee loved his comfy chair and a good board game with his family. Lee only shared one regret with his family, he wouldn’t see his grandchildren grow up. He shared a special connection with his grandson Rory. Any time Grandpa Lee walked into a room Rory would smile and make his way over to Grandpa to play. Lee could be a bit of a grump, but most of the time he just wanted to appreciate the small joys of life which is what we all should be striving for.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Lee will be held at Northview Funeral Chapel and Cremation Centre, 1490 Highbury Avenue North on Saturday, September 30, 2023 starting at 1:00 p.m., with remembrances being shared at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his honour to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Rest in peace, Lee. We hope wherever you are, you are listening to music, sitting on a comfy chair, sipping a beer or whiskey and watching hockey. You will be deeply missed by those who were fortunate to know you. Your legacy of determination, hard work and dedication to family live on in our hearts.

Lee loved bright colours, sports and concerts and in keeping with celebrating him, suggested attire are concert t-shirts, sports team jerseys or bright colours.