Vincent Edward Leitner

On Monday, 28th January 2019, Vincent Edward Leitner passed away peacefully surrounded by his children Brian and Sarah, their partners Rita and Julien, and his grandson Mahe Vincent. His death marked the final step of a long journey defined by humour, courage, curiosity, and a spirit of adventure. Even to the end, his generosity and kindness touched those around him, and his sense of humour persisted. In hindsight, there appears a certain providence in how his remarkable voyage came to an end. In August 2018, Vince cast anchor, selling his house in Oregon, and headed south, spending several weeks visiting his dearest friends and family in California. In October he relocated to Hawaii to support Sarah and Julien in raising Mahe. He spent the weeks caring for Mahe and enjoying the breezes and rolling swell on Oahu. However, in November, after feeling abdominal pain, Vince collapsed and was rushed to the ER, where he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastasized Melanoma. The prognosis was grim, with a life expectancy of 3 months or less. Treatment was a remote possibility, but given the progression of the cancer, he chose to enter hospice care. Vince met this change of fortune with calm and fortitude. Brian and Rita, already planning to move to the US Mainland, arrived in Hawaii to be at his side. Together with his family, his hours were spent playing the guitar, drawing and sharing stories. Following the New Year, a period of tranquility had persisted, marked by still air and warm temperatures. Near the end of January, the wind changed, carrying the smell of the sea, and Vince’s condition deteriorated abruptly. On Monday morning, he was visited by the hospice physician, who was immediately touched by Vince's sincere and genuine kindness. It was clear to them that he had been fighting hard. However, he articulated his final wishes; to be sedated until he passed. Sarah, Brian, Julien, Rita and Mahe gathered together shortly after noon. Vince’s room was filled with candles and he was made comfortable. The sedative was given, and as he slowly drifted to sleep, fond memories and a few beers were shared. Several hours later, Brian and Sarah slipped into the room to check on him and to say good bye. Shortly after, at approximately 8PM, Vince chose to pass, and his spirit departed. The process of dying does not spare the living, and we felt a physical and emotional toll taken on us. We often responded by turning inwards to spend every waking moment with Vince, often to the exclusion of other loved ones in our lives. Now, by sharing this story, we hope to help those close to Vince understand the challenges and triumphs of his final months, and to mark the end of his voyage with celebration and joy, rather than mourning and grief. We believe his final legacy should be to fill us with his humour and swashbuckling spirit, and to inspire us on our own voyages, wherever they may lead us.