With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden yet peaceful passing of Leif Nordahl in the early morning hours of Friday April 7, 2023.
Leif is survived by his loving family including his wife Olga, his daughters Karen, Janet (Ron), Kristine and Jennifer (Ryan), and his much loved grandchildren, Claire, Emily, Holden and Anya. Leif was pre-deceased by his parents Leif Sr and Marie, and his brother Len (Rita).
Leif was a dedicated and consummate Chartered Accountant and entrepreneur. At a young age he left a big accounting firm to start on his own, a feat of great courage when he had a young family. Leif accomplished that with great success, with clients that gravitated to him as he grew a strong business focusing on families and communities close to his heart. Nordahl, Craig, Cummings & Gares was a long standing well-known firm in Vancouver for almost 40 years.
With his success Leif was able to pursue his passions, which included involvement in the Fishing industry in BC. Taking after his father, Leif met and began friendships with several members of the Fishing and Indigenous communities, forging both business and friendships that lasted over 50 years. Through these relationships Leif became a strong and highly regarded advocate for Indigenous Fisherman and their tax exemption rights, winning multiple disputes with the Canada Revenue Agency leading to advocacy and change. His commitment and dedication to the Indigenous community led to several of them anointing him as their brother or uncle, he was family.
Leif was also a dedicated and passionate horseman, purchasing his first racehorse when he was in his 30’s. Following his fishing framework, he owned, raced and bred several race horses over a 30 year career, including multiple Stakes winners both locally and in other North American race tracks, award winning Horses of the Year and Breeders awards. Using his business expertise, his contribution continued off the track where he donated his time, business acumen and level-headedness to an industry he truly loved. Leif was president and long standing member of the Canadian Thoroughbreds Horse Society, and was a founding vice-president and treasurer of the BC Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association plus many other boards and committees. Referred to as a leader in the industry, Leif was anointed into the BC Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2019.
And his passion and love towards working with others continued in community sports. With his long-standing friends involved in the Coquitlam Senior Adanacs Lacrosse team, Leif volunteered his time to become the organizations Treasurer, eventually becoming the Team General Manager and then President. He won the Executive of the Year award in 1981 - 83 and championed the team to many achievements, including a competition in Australia.
Beyond his tireless career and achievements Leif, aka Dad, was a family man. He loved his four daughters dearly, and encouraged them to be hard working, educated and successful members of society. We are forever thankful for the home he provided to us, the many trips and adventures and the countless opportunities that came our way. His four grandchildren were the apple of his eye. Dedicated to their activities, at the sidelines of virtually every soccer game and other sport – he was consumed with how they were doing in school, sports and many activities.
In his latter years Dad suffered some health setbacks, but fought back to continue to lead an active life. He walked regularly, was at the racetrack every weekend until Covid, and enjoyed his many friends. One of the most endearing qualities he shared with others was his uncanny ability to reach out to many that were important in his life, regardless of how long they had been apart. From regular calls over the holidays to check in and reaching out to others just to say hello. He never forgot.
His loss is profound to his family and friends. We will miss him dearly, but also know that it was his time. His life ended exactly how we all would have wanted it to, in a very peaceful yet quick way. His own way.
Abiding by his humble nature, Leif did not want a service. Donations in memoriam may be made to the War Amps, a charity he regularly supported.
We will love and miss you forever.