BINNING, Leonard

BINNING Leonard Arnold Binning, beloved husband of Debra, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on December 14, 2025, at the age of 60.
Leonard was born on May 13, 1965, in Lethbridge, the youngest of four children born to Bill and Rita Binning. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Greg Binning. He is lovingly survived by his wife, Debra; his three children, Brooke Binning, Macaul (Travis) Johnson, and Clarke (Mackenzie) Binning; and his four cherished grandchildren, Ruby, Lucy, Molly, and Cooper. He is also survived by his siblings, Kent (Lesia) Binning and Jackie (Don) Mehalko.
Leonard was born and raised in Lethbridge. As a youth, he spent countless hours camping with his grandparents, playing sports and causing mischief. He worked at a video store in his younger years, where his lifelong passion for movies was born. After high school, Leonard served a mission in the Netherlands-Belgium Mission. Upon returning home, he attended NAIT briefly before settling back in Lethbridge.
Leonard met Debra at a church dance down in the river bottom. He pursued her for some time before she finally agreed to go out with him. Their first date was watching Monty Python and the Holy Grail-which Leonard quoted in its entirety. Amazingly, she stuck around. They were married in the Cardston Temple on January 23, 1988.
Leonard graduated from the University of Lethbridge in 1991 with a Bachelor of Management (Accounting). That same year, they welcomed their first daughter, Brooke. After graduation, the family moved to Edmonton, where Leonard worked for the government – and absolutely hated it. Their second daughter, Macaul, was born in December 1992. Soon after, Leonard and Debra had the wild idea to open a discount movie theatre back in Lethbridge. Many thought they were crazy, but together they made it happen. In August 1994, The Movie Mill opened its doors and quickly became an integral part of the Lethbridge community. Leonard was blown away by the support they received and became something of a local celebrity, with many people relying on his movie recommendations through newspapers, TV, and radio. To add to their busy lives, their only son, Clarke, was born in June 1995. Leonard, Debra, and their children poured their hearts into The Movie Mill until it was sold in 2023.
Leonard was passionate about many things: his family, movies, ’80s music, Las Vegas, playing cards, concerts, good food, shopping on Amazon, Fox News, and striking up conversations with absolutely everyone he met.
Leonard had a larger-than-life personality and could light up a room with his positivity and quick humour. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren. Though he faced many health challenges over the years, Leonard met each one head-on, always with his beloved wife by his side. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many doctors and nurses who cared for him along the way and who patiently endured his sense of humour and strong opinions. His impact was far-reaching, and his passing leaves a tremendous hole in the lives of all who knew and loved him. For those who wish to honour Leonard’s memory, consider becoming an organ donor and enjoy a night at the movies with a friend.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, December 19th at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2410 28 Street South.
You are invited to meet the family on Thursday, December 18th, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Salmon & Sons Funeral Home, or on Friday, December 19th, from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the church.
The service will be livestreamed – the link will be available at www.salmonandsons.ca
To send a condolence, please visit www.salmonandsons.ca