Leo Arfer, z”l, also known as "Leo the Lion," passed away Dec. 31, 2021. He is survived by beloved friends and family including his wife, Patti; daughters, Hannah Fisher and Rory Lindo; his son, Ethan Arfer; his daughter-in-law, Christinia Lively; his three wonderful grandchildren, Sophia, Wilson and Soleil; his sisters, Enid and Laura; stepdaughter, Netanis Waters; and son-in-law, Paljeet Singh.
Leo was born in the Bronx, N.Y., May 9, 1949, to Anne and Leonard Arfer. He grew up on Long Island, graduating Kings Park High School in 1968 and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served in the Vietnam War. Vietnam became the inspiration for his career in photography, and he would often return to the country throughout his life. Upon completion of his service, Leo moved from New York to Portland where he met his wife Kathy Fisher. Together for 40 years, Leo and Kathy raised two beautiful kids, Hannah and Ethan.
As a photographer, Leo was the President the Oregon Chapter of the American Society of Media Photographers and taught business photography at Mt. Hood Community College. His commercial career spanned over four decades specializing in film photography for food, furniture and architecture, although his favorite subject was taking photos of his wife Kathy.
Leo retired in 2012 so he could devote himself to the care of Kathy through an illness that ultimately led to her passing in 2013. Later he met Patti Waters and they married in 2017.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his sister, Gail; and his wife, Kathy.

Memorial services will be held in-person and on Zoom at 10:30 am, Jan. 7, 2022, at Congregation Beth Israel.