Condolence: Dear Shirley, Valerie and grandchildren, That smile will ever be in our mind's eye...he was always there, on the dock , with his smile! His friendliness to all his friends, employees, and guests will be a lasting legacy! We will miss him when Summer arrives, and the French opens up for another season. His fish restocking efforts were enjoyed by all who fished the waters on the French. Be assured he will not be forgotten by our family. May time ease your sorrow and loss. Most sincerely, Tom and Judy Kurtz

Condolence: It was always so nice to see Leonard's smile, when the cottage season started and we pulled into the Marina. Thanks for all the wonderful things he and the family did for us. Although we no longer are able to come, our memories of Leonard and his generosity he gave to preserve the French will always stay with us. Thanks for all those years, Dick's 50 and mine 20 yrs. His spirit will always be there. You will be in our prayers.

Condolence: Dear Shirley, Valerie and Family Since your call, we’ve been thinking of you all – our summer family. We were so sad to learn of Leonard’s passing. He was a precious person, one we loved dearly. You always greet us with hugs and kisses to welcome us on our return to our summer paradise. We would like you to know how much that is appreciated. From 1971 Leonard was in many ways our life line – keeping our boats and cottage running well. We will miss our “get us out of trouble person”. I know our grandson John, was deeply moved, as you treated him as if he was one of your own children. Jack wishes to extend his deepest sympathies to you all. Many years ago, as a young city doctor new to the North Country, he remembers Leonard picking him up at Crowes Rest and speeding him amongst the islands and rocks, to make a cottage call. Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Condolence: We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Leonard was a delight to know. We enjoyed seeing him when we came down for our (many!) ice cream cones--he always greeted us with a smile. We could always count on him or one of the folks from Riverview to help us out when we had issues at the cottage. We will miss him. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Condolence: Dear Shirley, Val and Extended Family, We were very saddened to hear about Leonard passing away. We remember him for his kind manner, huge smile, and contributions to helping preserve the beauty of the French River. His life certainly made a difference. You are in our thoughts and prayers for comfort and for strength.

Condolence: Shirley, Valarie and family. Our thoughts are with you at this sad and difficult time.

Condolence: Dear Shirley and Family: We were so sad to hear of Leonard's death the other day. He was such a wonderful, gentle man with great wisdom. We will have many memories of our times spent together at the NACAT summer camps at Monetville. However, the most memorable was the blessing of our "Hummingbird". That time will always be precious to us. I emailed Dee W. and she called Paul L., and both of them wanted you to know they are thinking of and praying for you and your family. Even though we didn't see you often enough, you and Leonard will always have a special place in our hearts. You both are loved a great deal.

Condolence: Dear Shirley and Val, My deepest condolences to you and your extended family. I was saddened to hear that Leonard passed away. He has been a steady fixture in my life since I was just a babe in arms. Although my visits to the French were less frequent in recent years, Leonard's welcoming smile was always as warm as ever. He now rejoins an esteemed group of 'River Rats' who, I am sure, received him with open arms and great joy. Until we meet again...

Condolence: I wish to extend my deepest sympathies on behalf of the Greater Nipissing Stewardship Council and myself to the family of Leonard Dokis. Leonard's fervour and quiet, humble wisdom on the Lake Nipissing Stewardship Council was a constant that frequently re-focused discussions to the ultimate welfare of Lake Nipissing. For those of us who continue to struggle for solutions to Lake Nipissing's many challenges Leonard's love and respect for Lake Nipissing will serve as a guiding example.

Condolence: For Shirley, Val and the entire Family, Leonard has meant so much to myself and my family throughout the years. He was the heart and soul of the French River. He became a lifelong friend of my father's and from the time I was a young boy until my father's passing a few years ago I would always marvel about how the two of them would carry on in conversation. Leonard saved my father's life by having the foresight to see to it that a medical helipad be placed nearby for transporting patients quickly to the hospital in Sudbury. But that is merely a small portion of all Leonard has done for his fellow man. I have personally witnessed the improvements made in the village and how it has been transformed to a vibrant community with optimism and hope for the future of its residents. It has been Leonard's hard work and spirit that has made this possible. Leonard was a successful businessman. I remember our first meeting when Riverview was in its beginning, just a few boat docks and a little shack. Look at what Riverview is now. Leonard had vision. He knew instinctively what it would take to improve the community. But Leonard's community extended beyond Dokis. I was and am a part of his community. He had vision and he knew how to get things accomplished. He produced real results. Folks like myself who travel from so far away would likely not have the opportunity to enjoy a place on the French without the value of all the services provided by Riverview. Certainly not with the ease that it is. The first cabin Leonard built on our island was the one our family still occupies. I remember my father and Leonard discussing the simple but lovely design. We would not have those double doors opening up to the deck without Leonard's suggestion. Thank you Leonard! A seemingly short time ago we committed my father's ashes to eternity by casting them into the French River. In Leonard's graciousness he, along with his lovely wife Shirley and daughter Valerie, were there to pay their final respects and participate. It was Leonard who gave the Native prayer and who with such humility and grace helped us all to better understand our place in this world and what is ultimately important. That meant the world to my family and my father would have been so comforted to know his good friend was there with him at the end. And what do we have in the end? Family, friendship, faith, kindness, determination and mostly love. All the things Leonard has embodied to so many of us throughout the years. We will miss you Leonard but find comfort to know that you may now lie in the peaceful waters with the Great Spirit, and with those including my father who have gone before you. Our deepest sympathy and love to Shirley, Val and the entire family and community.

Condolence: To Shirley, Valerie and Family - We would like to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. We looked forward to seeing his contagious smile every summer and we will never forget him. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Condolence: Dear Valarie and Shirley, On behalf of the entire membership of the Upper French River Cottagers Association, our deep condolences. It was a privilege to have known Leonard not only through the UFRCA but also on the French River Park Advisory Committee, where Leonard spoke with deep passion and commitment to the River. I posted the following on the UFRCA web site and I'm sure it sums up what we are all feeling. "Longtime cottager and UFRCA Board member Bill Goodwin writes, 'Leonard was one of the great elders and gatekeepers of the river and was for our family (and many others) one of the highlights of our experiences on the French. His friendship, support and unwavering commitment to his family, his community, the environment, and his friends and customers will always be remembered and missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shirley, Valarie, and all of his family.'" Dave and Jane Minden

Condolence: In 44 years of going up to the French, Leonard's beaming smile was often the first and last thing I saw. His quiet, warm and generous spirit is intertwined entirely with the most special place in the world to me. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences. Mark, Jenny, Levin and Jack Allison

Condolence: Val, Shirley and the Dokis family - Our sincerest condolence at this difficult time. We will greatly miss Leonard and his big friendly smile this, and every summer to come.

Condolence: Our heartfelt sympathy to Shirley and Valarie and all the members of the Dokis First Nation who Leonard meant so much to. We'll think of Leonard whenever we are on the French River and know he is somewhere above looking down on us all. We've all lost a wonderful friend and man that commanded the respect of everyone.

Condolence: Dear Shirley,Valarie-Richard,Gerry-Anne,Shelley-Jeff and grandchildren. Wendy and I would like to extend our sympathy to you all. Dokis nor The French will be quite the same without Leonards presence. He gave a good part of his life towards the betterment of his heritage as well as that of the region. He has been so kind and helpful to me and I will always be grateful to have known him. I wish that I was able to attend his memorial service. Highest Regards, Chris

Condolence: Leonard has always made us feel like part of the Dokis family, and as difficult as his passing has been for us - we can't imagine how hard it must be for you. Leonard provided great leadership and an understanding on how the past is a part of the future. His presence will be felt for generations to come in the people he inspired, in the places he helped build and in the ideas he has helped understand. We are deeply saddened ...

Condolence: Leonard had a tremendous impact on my French River life over the years. I have learned so much from him and have always appreciated his warmth, support, and guidance. He made the world a better place and I was made better just by knowing him. The landscape has changed forever and for that I am truly sorry. My sympathy to Shirley and Val as you adjust to this new reality. He will be missed.

Condolence: Peace and love to the whole Dokis family from the Lavery/LaBranche family. I was so sorry to hear the news on the weekend. For fourty years, one of the clear signs of summer was pulling into Riverview Marina and being greeted by that open and welcoming smile. It was an honour to know him.

Condolence: We can't express our sorrow at Leonard's passing. Such a great person who always made us feel welcome and always had the brightest smile. We will miss him and extend our sincerest sympathies to the entire family.

Condolence: To Shirley and Val and to your extended family in Dokis, please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. Leonard was highly respected and always so welcoming and helpful. He will be missed.

Condolence: Our sincerest condolences to Shirley, Valerie, and the Dokis family. We were shocked and saddened to learn of Leonard's passing. He was a great man and we will miss his broad smile and sense of humor he always had when we arrived at Riverview. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Condolence: To Shirley, Val and all the Riverview staff, my deepest sympathies during this sad time. Leonard will be missed by many as he had so many friends. I know I will miss him.

Condolence: Shirley,Valerie and family, We send our deepest sympathy to you at this very sad time. Leonard greeted us every summer with a great big hug and warm smile and was always happy to help us out in every possible way. Leonard was such a part of our river life and we will miss him so much. Our thoughts are with you.

Condolence: My deepest condolences, Leonard was a man of great character, he will truly be missed