Leonard "Len" Salvatori

It is with profound sadness that the family of Len Salvatori announce his peaceful passing, surrounded by family, on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the age of 96. Born on November 6, 1929, in the Township of Dysart, Len was the eldest of 6 children born to Armando Salvatori and Mary Biagi.

Loving husband of 43 years to Betty Rae Bush (predeceased 2001). Beloved father of Andy (Cathy), Lisa Shankman (Bernie), and Laurie (Kevin). Dearest Grandpa to Natalia (Brad), Andrea, Jonathan, Melissa (Daniel), Nikko, and Morgan. Step Grandpa to Drew (Briana), Vanessa (Jason), Lisa, and Nicole. Step Great (Super) Grandpa to Benjamin, Lyla, Jackson, and Crosby. Loving brother to Tony and Brother-in-law, Bill Halpenny. Also lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews and extended family. Predeceased by his siblings, Nilda, Eileen, Edith and David, as well as his brothers-in-law, Peter Grolman and Bob Adams, and his sister-in-law, Linda Salvatori.

Len attended a one-room schoolhouse in Eagle Lake by walking 4 miles each way to and from school. He then attended Haliburton High School, where in grade 13, he also drove the school bus. Len’s career for 44 years was with Curry Motors. He began by changing oil, became auto body shop manager, and eventually became shareholder and co-owner.

Len loved his community, serving as a Wolf Cubs leader for 30 years, being involved with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association for 41 years, serving on the Haliburton County Board of Education for 35 years as trustee, volunteering on the Haliburton Highland Health Services Hospital Board for nine years, and at the Fish Hatchery for more than 20 years. Len was named Highlander of the Year in 1978 and Haliburton Citizen of the Year in 1993. In 2017, the Haliburton Alternate Education Centre was renamed to ‘The Leonard Salvatori Alternate Education Centre’ in his honour. In 2022, Len was an inaugural inductee into the Haliburton Highland Sports Hall of Fame in the builder category for a lifetime of involvement in the sports culture of Haliburton.

Len enjoyed spending quality time with his family and many friends. Len’s passions and hobbies were golfing (many times, shooting a score below his age and a hole in one at Pinestone in 2006), softball, hockey, curling, oil painting local landscapes, and reading. Kosy Korner was a gathering spot for a circle of friends known as the Liars Club for many years.

Len will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and the entire community of Haliburton. We are so very grateful for his extraordinary life.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, August 11th, 2026, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the HALIBURTON COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME, 13523 Hwy. #118, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0 (705) 457-9209. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Len’s memory can be made to the Fish Hatchery or the Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation – Highland Wood.

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