Slava Leykind, 43, of Westport, passed away on July 2 from complications sustained while participating in a mountain endurance event earlier that week.

A perfect soulmate for over two decades to Amy Keller Leykind, and superhuman father to Charlotte, Eloise and Jonah Leykind.

Born in Minsk, USSR, in 1982, Slava emigrated with his family to Minneapolis in 1988.  

A 2000 graduate of the Blake School in Minneapolis, Slava then attended the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, earning a Bachelors of Business Administration with a dual concentration in the Tauber Manufacturing Institute, in 2004. 

Upon graduation, he joined General Mills, and, in 2006, began the job that would distinguish him as a leader in the banking industry, at the boutique investment banking firm Sawaya Segalas, later Sawaya Partners.  At Sawaya Partners, Slava rose to become one of the firm’s three most senior partners. When Sawaya Partners was acquired by Canaccord Genuity in 2021, Slava became Co-Head of US Consumer Investment Banking of Canaccord. 

Despite his significant professional success at a young age, Slava’s role as a husband and father was his greatest achievement, passion and pride. He fervently supported his children, bringing love and a sense of calm to the wonderful chaos of a full house.

Slava was the pride and joy of his parents, Art and Nelly Leykind, and of his two older brothers, Gene and Max.  He was also the devoted son-in-law of Bonnie and Alex Keller, beloved brother-in-law of Nina Leykind, Laura and Alan Isenberg, and Rachel Leykind, and adored uncle of Deia Leykind, Coby Leykind, Jackson Isenberg, Esme Isenberg and Blake Leykind. 

Funeral services will be held at Temple Israel, 14 Coleytown Rd, Westport, at 11am on Tuesday, July 8.

A private burial will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.

Donations in Slava’s memory can be directed toward the University of Michigan Ross School of Business by clicking here.