In Memoriam: Lenard Joseph Cohen

It is with deep sadness that the family of Lenard Joseph Cohen announces his passing on March 22, 2026 in Victoria. Beloved husband of Terri, devoted father of Jeanette (Fred) and David (Naomi) and proud grandfather of Benjamin, Mark, Maayan and Aliyah.

Lenny Cohen was born in 1942 and raised in Chicago, the son of Louis and Fannie Cohen. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois and his PhD at Columbia University. He was a professor of political science at Simon Fraser University for 35 years, and the conceptualizer and a founder of SFU’s School for International Studies. An internationally recognized authority on the former Yugoslavia and the Western Balkan region, he authored numerous books and articles and served as a trusted advisor to countries and agencies around the world. He has been described by those who knew him well as an intellectual giant. But he was best known for explaining complex Balkan political dynamics in clear accessible prose, and was widely regarded as a balanced, empirical and historically grounded analyst. 

In retirement Professor Cohen found enjoyment in his seaside Victoria home, garden and home design, researching, writing, painting, and reading widely. Above all, his greatest joy was spending time with his family. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, and a great teacher, leader, and storyteller. His dry sense of humour was legendary, and he was delighted to have passed on this gift to his children and grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. May his memory be for a blessing.