Lev Genshaft

Lev Genshaft, 80 years of age, passed on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 6:20 am at the Rockyview Hospital in Calgary, AB.

Lev was born in Vitebsk, Belarus on February 24, 1941. He was the second youngest of four siblings, whom he is survived by. He grew up in hard times during WWII and after finishing high school, as a young adult, he was recruited into the army where he was trained to fix rockets. Lev was very smart and had a good head on his shoulders. He was also a talented soccer player and athlete; sports had always been a strong part of his identity growing up.

Lev met Yelena through mutual friends and soon after they were married with two beautiful daughters, Angelika (Angela) and Svetlana (Susan). Lev and his family immigrated to Canada in 1980 as he had hopes of building a better life and future for his kids. He was self-employed and worked long hours as a painter to provide for his family.

In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, watching hockey, boxing and soccer.  He enjoyed a good joke and an occasional glass of vodka. Lev loved history and discussing politics. Action movies were his favourite. He loved the French author Alexandre Dumas and would often read through the night. He adored his grandchildren more than anything and spoke very highly of them. He loved making fun of his grandkids too - he was known for his great sense of humor and everyone loved this about him.

Lev was sadly predeceased by his grandson Dennis Burca in 2018, Dennis was the eldest grandson and always had a special place in Lev’s heart, they were very close. Lev will be remembered by his caring and loving wife Yelena, daughters Angela (and her husband Costa) and Susan (and her husband Robert). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Marcel (Samantha), Olivia (Jack), Jaquelyn (Darren), Jessica (Brad), Ella and great grandsons Logan, Austin, William, and Arthur.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday September 9 at 2:00 at Cranston Community Hall.  Following the Celebration of Lev’s Life, relatives and friends are welcomed to enjoy some refreshments and share memories of Lev.

 At 4:15 pm, the family will be going to the river (location point - Cranston Riverstone) to scatter some of Lev’s ashes and do a vodka shot in his honor. 

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