Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Malkit Singh Leighl
1944 - 2021
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Dhiraj Jogia lit a candle
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
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Dear Mrs.Singh and family,
My name is Dhiraj Jogia and I was a student at MGM High School from 1965 to 1967.I am currently visiting my son who now lives permanently in Beaches area of Toronto. Mr. Malkit Singh taught me history and Mrs. Singh taught us English, if my memory serves me well. Malkit Singh was a remarkable teacher who was so well respected by the students. It was because of his excellent and encouraging style of teaching that led me to study my BA in History at the Victoria University of Wellington and eventually went on to have a very successful career in the Fijian diplomatic service.Had it not been for Malkit Singh's dedicated style of teaching, I probably would have never pursued a path in studying History. Thank you very much, Sir. I have many fond memories of his teaching and his profound graciousness towards us. My deepest condolences to Mrs. Singh and the family.
Dhiraj Jogia, Toronto
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Natasha Leighl uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
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From Mom and Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary
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Natasha Leighl uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
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Natasha Leighl posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Mal was one of the very first people I met when I joined E&Y for a year back in 2012.
I had just re-joined the human resources department and was supposed to be having a serious first meeting with him. But within a few minutes we were laughing like old friends, which is what we remained for another decade.
Mal was one of the most unique people I have ever met: he dressed like a royal courtier but had the impish humour of a jester.
He was incredibly serious about his responsibilities at work, yet approached everything with the utmost calm and perspective.
And he took more interest in others than anyone I have ever known. He was constantly asking me to look out for someone, to help him coach them, to advise him with mentoring them.
Mal would remain my inspiration as someone who prioritized connection above all those other things in work and life that can distract us. Mal knew that all that mattered in life was people.
Mal reached out; Mal stayed in touch; Mal never let you down. He was the consummate professional and the very best friend anyone could ever have.
I have met and worked with literally thousands of people in my thirty-five years on Bay Street and I can assure you, I have never met, and never will again, anyone quite like him.
Natalie Jenner
Author of the international bestseller The Jane Austen Society (2020) & the forthcoming Bloomsbury Girls (May 2022)
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Natasha on behalf of Heather Kerr posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Reflection on Mal and Funeral Tribute from Ms. Heather Kerr
I remember the first time I really got to know Mal. We worked together at EY. He invited me to a huge Sikh gala.
He was so excited because his beloved daughter, Natasha, was receiving a big award. Mal was just brimming over with pride. He couldn’t contain himself! I realized that for Mal, his work mattered so much, and he was so excellent at it, but his family was at the heart of everything for him.
Kashi, that’s the first time I think we met, and I experienced your tremendous generosity and graciousness. You said you’d invite me over some time for some good Indian food. And so you did! So many times.
A few years later, I was asked to lead a group Mal was part of. On paper, Mal worked for me. In practice, it was the other way around. Mal was constantly in my office , generously sharing advice about what I should do, helping me bridge gaps in my new group, gently asking me to consider some new “perspectives”. I would have been a fool to not listen to Mal. I learned that when I listened to Mal, I always headed in the right direction. He was always, “HERE’s how we can all get along.” “HERE’s how to think about this.” “HERE are some good people you can always trust.” Reya, Mal was one of your biggest fans. And pretty soon I was one of your biggest fans too.
Mal brought a kindness and a humanity and a caring about other people that’s rare on Bay St. He was much loved in the office by so many of us. After I left EY to become an artist, Mal was there at my very first show 8 months later. And Mal and Kashi were the very first people to buy one of my paintings. It was a large piece. And they assigned it a place of pride right in their entrance way! So typical of their support.
Mal wasn’t one of those people who just connected with you because it was useful to be friends with people at work. When you leave a place, it’s interesting to find out who sticks around. After I left EY, Mal and Kashi never forgot about me. They invited me to so many extraordinarily good dinners – amazing food, the most delicious wines, and always the very best company – family and friends. I quickly learned that I was going to love anyone who sat around Mal and Kashi’s table. Because there was always a warm, loving feeling around that table.
I’m extremely grateful that Mal and Kashi made the huge effort to come all the way to Prince Edward County, where I live now, just to have lunch with me in October. True to Mal’s form, he brought me a gift of a bottle of wine. I shared it with a group of girlfriends who visited me the week later. We all agreed. It was one of the finest wines I’ve ever had.
Mal was one of finest humans I’ve ever met. I’m joining in with everyone here to let you know how honoured I was to know you. We will miss you always.
- Heather Kerr
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Julia uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
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I have joined EY, and I was supposed to learn taxation of life insurance corporations in Canada from Mal. I have learned a lot, but I have learned life lessons above all. Mal used to ask for the story behind the numbers, and it was fascinating to hear Mal talking about his clients and his files. During our sessions, we would hear his phone ringing: Kashi. And this was another opportunity to learn about his love and respect for his beautiful family.
Wherever you are, Mal, you will always be in our hearts and minds.
Julia
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Gordon Dowsley posted a condolence
Friday, December 31, 2021
Mal was a fine person. We had good times together at Crown life and after when we occasionally could get together. One Hallowe'en we wore costumes at work and Mal came as a with with black cape and tall hat, a large scary witch. I recall fondly the night he and his wonderful wife hosted half a dozen of us at their home and their daughter, a young medical student, joined us. A nice family, a good person
Gordon Dowsley
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magdalene winterhoff pledged to donate to Leighl Family Endowed Merit Award at the American Society of Clinical Oncology
Sunday, December 26, 2021
Our sincere condolences on the death of your father.
Ron and Magdalene
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scott scheuermann lit a candle
Thursday, December 23, 2021
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Kashi and family,
I was so sorry to hear the news. I met Mal many years ago at the CICA Tax Course and considered him to be a good friend, My wife and I have been to your house and you and Mal have been to ours. our deepest sympathies are with you all during this time of loss.
Scott Scheuermann
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Prakash Leighl Posted Apr 20, 2022 at 10:45 AM
Thank you, Scott. I do remember you and your lovely family. I remember his deep concern for you and the well-being of your young family when you were unwell a decade (or more)ago. How time flies.
I do hope and pray that you and your family are well and very happy.
Fond memories,
Kashi Leighl
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The family of Malkit Singh Leighl uploaded a photo
Monday, December 20, 2021
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Virendra Singh pledged to donate to Leighl Family Endowed Merit Award at the American Society of Clinical Oncology
Monday, December 20, 2021
In Memory of Professor Malkit Singh Leighl.
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Virendra Singh lit a candle
Sunday, December 19, 2021
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MGM High School Class of 1967 extend their deepest condolences to the entire family. We remember the first day he was introduced by Mr. Gopal Bhai Patel , in the middle of the school year, to our form 3 class as our new Algebra teacher. Mr. Malkit taught us history as well. He helped me personally with my love for track and field, helping me perfect my high jumps! He will be well remembered and missed by everyone. RIP, Professor Malkit.
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S. Van Alstyne posted a condolence
Saturday, December 18, 2021
I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Mal. Many years ago I worked for Mal at Crown Life and then at M &G. He took a chance to hire me and I was very fortunate to call him a friend. He left a lasting impression on me and I admired him. Just wanted to send my condolences to his lovely wife, Kashi, and family. Sandra Van Alstyne
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Genia Vanderkruk posted a condolence
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Kashi, I was so sorry to read of Mal's passing in today's paper. As Ed and I pass your home on our bike rides, we often wonder whether you still live there.
Just a few days ago we were reminiscing about Mal with some friends from Ed's Crown Life days.
Please accept our deepest condolences.
Genia and Ed Vanderkruk
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Dina Cohen lit a candle
Thursday, December 16, 2021
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I’ve been recently reliving some of the Mal moments in my life…he so adored Natasha and when he spoke of his healing while fighting cancer, I recall him saying, “you know Dina if you are feeling unwell all Natasha has to do is lay her hands on you and you will immediately feel better.” And I thought to myself… in the same way Mal has touched all our lives and helped heal us – and has taught us to help heal each other.
Mal you are in my head – every major decision I have to make, I think of you and ask myself what would Mal do? We miss you. Dina
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Brenda Didyk posted a condolence
Thursday, December 16, 2021
From the EY Team: Our deepest sympathies to Kashi and all the Leighl family on the passing of our dear friend and colleague Mal. In all the difficulty of these days, one bright spot has been to share our memories of Mal together. The team asked me to summarize some of our favourite Mal moments:
- Mal’s role as a teacher and mentor to us all. He had an incredible knowledge of the insurance business and tax rules and was happy to share with us all (with infinite patience!)
- Mal’s special and secret way of making tea
- The mustache (we missed it dearly when it left!)
- His ability to read people and cut through any façade or brave face we tried to present, usually done with a kindly joke
- Hiding chocolate in his office closet at work and remembering that closet code!
- Keeping Mal on speed dial after his retirement “just in case” (and we did call for help!)
- Mal slipping us cash at Christmas time to buy presents for our kids from “Uncle Mal”
- Lunches at Jump and Epicurion and morning chats over coffee
- Getting a reassuring nod at meetings to tell us we were on the right track
- Laughing while everyone else is losing their head over some work matter – Mal knew what was really important and kept perspective always! Always the calmest person in the room.
- Listening to long Mal and Reya stories about getting stuck on airplanes, drinking wine, forgetting wallets, braving snow storms (not all at once)
- The special twinkle in his eye when talking about his family.
So many more! We will treasure our time with Mal always. We will miss him for the rest of our lives.
With love,
Mal’s EY team (a.k.a. the Mal Leighl Fan Club) (a.k.a. Andrea, Cornelia, Dina, Julia, Tahmid, Jennifer, and Brenda)
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Jamie Golombek pledged to donate to Bladder Cancer Canada
Thursday, December 16, 2021
Mal was truly larger than life - he will be missed by the entire tax community...
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Taline Kavoukian posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Dear Prakash,
I am deeply saddened at the loss of your dear husband. I did not have the good fortune of knowing him, but was moved by the wonderful words and stories that others have shared about the wonderful human being that he was. It is clear that he lived his life fully and with love, conviction, integrity and courage. You are blessed to have had him in your life, and I know that the wonderful memories of him will in turn give you strength as you go forward.
With love, Taline
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Jennifer Witzel pledged to donate to Bladder Cancer Canada
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Mal was a lovely person. I benefitted greatly from his deep tax knowledge and his kind manner.
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Brenda Meyer planted a tree in memory of Malkit Leighl
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
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With heartfelt condolences,
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Rob Dhillon posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
I could not possibly count the number of times I burst out laughing at the dinner table after my father-in-law would tell us a unique joke, or make a witty comment. He always enjoyed putting a smile on the face of others and making them feel welcome in his home. From the first day I met my father-in-law 20 years ago, not once did I feel as though I was in someone else’s house or with someone else’s family, because he went so out of his way to make us feel welcome. Looking back, those dinners, were some of the most memorable moments of my life, because of him and his loving family.
Malkit Leighl was a great man who lived a great life.
Sincerely,
Rob Dhillon & family.
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Noeline Simon posted a condolence
Monday, December 13, 2021
To the family of Mal Leighl, condolences on the untimely passing of Mal, may he rest in peace.
I have known Mal for at least a couple of decades or more, being a in the Life insurance industry and a tax person, one could not have carried on without knowing Mal. He was quite well known to many in the industry and many will be saddened by his passing.
Mal and Kashi were regular attendees of the annual CLHIA Tax conference, had shared many glasses on wine and meals over the years.
The family can take comfort in knowing how very much he was known and liked in the industry.
Noeline Simon,
VP Taxation, Pensions and Reporting
Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association
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Jennifer Chandrawinata pledged to donate to Leighl Family Endowed Merit Award at the American Society of Clinical Oncology
Monday, December 13, 2021
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Nadia Homem uploaded photo(s)
Monday, December 13, 2021
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In loving memory of Nana, some fond memories of our time in 2016 together.
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Bidya Singh and family posted a condolence
Monday, December 13, 2021
As I sat down with a very heavy heart to write a few words to remember our Jija (Mal), and fufa of my children, it was very difficult decision as to where I must start. All these years that I have known jija, he was a very dedicated husband, father, grandfather and a great family member to all of us. He led by example with utmost dignity and pride. I cannot find words to express my profound gratitude to the man I respected and admired for all these years. After completing all your duties so diligently, you have finally embarked on this journey where there’s no return. You received a call, a sort of an offer you can’t refuse. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family and friends which we all can see happening.
I always loved your and bibi’s company and whenever you visited, me and Mataji cooked up a feast. We were so excited to see both of you and will always remember all the time that we spent together.
When I met Jija three months ago in August, I had never imagined that it was our last get-together. He made me save his phone number and to make a promise that I will be in touch with him. I took that promise very seriously and did as I was requested. On September 1st I texted him saying; “Good morning JIja, hope you all arrived safely at home. It was a pleasure to see you all after a long while, I felt so blessed. Will keep in touch and hope we will see you all again soon”. And after this I kept sending good morning messages for two weeks and did not receive any response from him. I was wondering why. Then on 14th September I received a reply from Jija, and here’s what he wrote:
“Hi Bidya, Good morning
For life of me I couldn’t figure out it was you with those wonderful messages. In frustration I read them to Bibi and enlisted her help in figuring out who the strange new phone number was. Just as we figured out it was you Bibi ran to her phone to tell you she saw the messages. Sorry I was too dense as I met at least 8 people who call me jija and were at the event meeting after a very long time. My apologies for not catching on that it was you. Thank you ever so much for sending the messages I appreciate it. Also it was so very wonderful to see you and your lovely children. You’ve done a wonderful job. Looks like I am writing a book. Thanks and best regards.”
Jija, I will keep this note as a piece of memory and blessings that came from your pure heart. You were a true inspiration.
Thank you jija for showing us that respect is always deserved, never commanded or forced. Words can neither qualify nor quantify how helpful your guidance and advice has been to me through the years. I am forever grateful for all your support. Thank you for your kindness and understanding. You will live in our hearts forever. Rest in peace beautiful soul. Bidya, Shanya and Simran
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Philip Fortier posted a condolence
Sunday, December 12, 2021
I was very sorry to learn of Mal’s passing. He was a great colleague and teacher, imparting to me some of his knowledge of the somewhat mysterious subject of insurance taxation. I also learned much about Sikhism from Mal. My wife and I still talk about the Sikh Gala at the ROM we attended several years ago as Mal and Kashi’s guest. I regret that COVID kept us from enjoying that catch up lunch we had been planning.
I am very sorry for your loss.
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Terry Ling pledged to donate to Leighl Family Endowed Merit Award at the American Society of Clinical Oncology
Sunday, December 12, 2021
Mal is a great mentor and I have learned a lot from him over the years when we worked together.
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Quynh Do pledged to donate to Bladder Cancer Canada
Sunday, December 12, 2021
Please send our condolences to your family. Mal is great partner to work with
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T. Sher Singh posted a condolence
Saturday, December 11, 2021
Deeply saddened by this tragically sudden and premature loss of a wonderful man and a dear friend. Lots of love to his family ... we are here for you. And our thoughts and prayers are with you.
T. Sher Singh
