Don Leo Heaton
October 13th, 2018
Don Leo Heaton, died peacefully at the Irene Thomas Hospice in Ladner BC on October 13th, 2018 at the age of 87.
Don Leo was predeceased by his parents Jonathan DeLaun and Leona, his brothers Sharon and Gene, and sister Tonya. Don Leo is survived by his wife Rosalie, daughter Rodonna (Darrell), sons Don Michael (Sonja) and Jeffery Leo (Jill), and 8 grandchildren.
Don Leo was born in 1931 in Hurricane, Utah. After graduating from High School in Cedar City Utah, Don Leo joined the US Navy, playing football and undergoing basic training at Treasure Island in San Francisco. Don Leo went on to have a celebrated career as a professional wrestler, first as a tag team with his father, then solo, working under the name “Don Leo Jonathan”. Don Leo also worked extensively as a commercial deep sea diver, making some of the first deep gas dives on the west coast before diving the oil fields in the North Atlantic.
Don Leo and Rose moved to Canada in the mid 1960’s, finally settling in Tsawwassen BC where they raised their family. Don Leo was an avid sportsman, spending his spare time hunting and fishing. Don Leo will be sadly missed by his family, friends, and fans. His gentle demeanor, clever wit, and ability to hold anyone’s attention with his stories of complex practical jokes was legendary.
A private celebration of life will be held for friends and family. For those wishing to offer condolences, please go to www.myalternatives.ca.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Delta Kidsport at kidsport.ca/donleojonathan or the BC Cancer Foundation at http:/donate.bccancerfoundation.com/goto/donleoheaton
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
We think about you often and hold you dear in our hearts. We are honored to know both of you and although we don't communicate very often, consider you our friends. Don Leo's passing marks an end to an era. Our hearts ache for your loss. You are a strong woman, Rose. May you find more strength with the love of family and friends.
SO SORRY ROSE TO READ DON LEO PASSING, I OFTEN THINK OF DO LEO AND YOU, DID DON LEO EVER HAVE BIOGRAPHY PUT INTO BOOK? AS LAST TIME WE MET AT SURREY HOSPITAL THERE WAS A CHANCE. SO SORRY TO YOU AND FAMILY OF YOUR LOSS. JIM CANADAY
Dear Rose & family:Just wanted to let you know we were sorry to read in today’s paper of Leo passing away.Our thoughts are with you and family at this difficult time.Both you and Leo were very good neighbors to my parents, The Kinney’s, in Tsawwassen for many years. With Love and Sympathy
As a 7 year old my grandfather George Crump ran the Memorial Arena in Victoria and I had the pleasure of sitting with Rosalie in the front row while Don Leo wrestled. I can remember after his many victories Don Leo coming out of the ring kissing his wife grabbing my hand and taking me back to the dressing room to talk to all the wrestlers! A “ magic” man and he will be sorely missed.
Hello, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of a great man. I used to watch him wrestle in cloverdale with Roy McClarty and family. Met Don Leo many time at Roy’s home. Mike sorry to hear about your dad. We went to school together ( Shelley Woods ) Peace and strength to you and your family.
To the family of Don Leo- Very sorry to hear of the passing of Don Leo. Had the privilege to watch him wrestle in Sudbury, Ontario a number of times and will not forget him. He has left us all with good memories. John Monaghan Garson, Ontario