Leonard B. Kancher, M.D. (Lenny) passed away peacefully at home Friday morning
August 11, 2017 with his family at his side after fighting a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in New Orleans on September 6, 1946.

He is survived by his beloved and loving wife Kathy Whitaker-Kancher; and his
beloved brother Allan Kancher (Nancy), two nieces Dori Kancher Cush (Chris) and
Allison Kancher Mock (Charley); great nephew Jack Samuel Mock and great nieces
Ellie Mock and Rosemary Cush; and his beloved constant companion Max.
He is also survived by his mother & father-in-law Ethylene and Roy Whitaker; two
brother-in-laws Don Whitaker (Marcie) and Bruce Whitaker, two nieces Jessica Whitaker Willis (Jamie) and Krystin Whitaker, and nephew Donald Whitaker (Niki). Also great nieces Chloe Willis, Isabella Willis and Lily Whitaker, and great nephew Whit Whitaker. He also leaves behind two aunts and many cousins.

Dr. Kancher received his undergraduate degree in 1968 from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and his medical degree in 1973 from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport, where he had the distinction of being
one of just thirty-two students in the first graduating class of the school. Upon
completion of his internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Houston, TX he served as
Captain in the U.S. Air Force from 1974-1976. He became board certified
in Family Practice in 1979 and in 1981 became board certified in Internal Medicine.

Lenny was on the medical staff at East Jefferson General Hospital from
1981-2017 and served as Chief of Staff in 1987. He was also on the Board of Directors of eQ Health Solutions, formerly the Louisiana Healthcare Review Board,
from 1987-2017 and served as Chairman of that Board from 1993-2011.
Dr. Kancher was also a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine, a member of the American College of Physicians and a member of the American
Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

He was a member of the Quality Council of East Jefferson General Hospital from 2008-2017 and a member of the Quality Committee of Gulf South
Quality Network from 2011-2017. He was part of the East Bank Internal Medicine
Group from 1981-2003.

He was the founder and Medical Director of The Center for Longevity and Wellness (CLW) from 2003-2017. His longtime medical assistant, Donna Dichiara, was also a best friend and confidante. Lenny had a passion for caring for people. He loved his patients and they loved him back. There was something very special about Dr. Kancher whose patients always held him in such high regard. They would describe him as a most devoted doctor, trusted friend and a compassionate
listener.

Lenny was a lifelong active and devoted member of Congregation Gates of Prayer. He enjoyed spending time at the beach – both on Pensacola Beach and at
Ft. Morgan/Gulf Shores. Lenny loved good food and was a familiar face at many of Metairie/New Orleans restaurants. He had a unique sense of humor, a love of laughter and a kind heart.

A special thanks to Rabbi Robert Loewy, Dr. Jayne Gurtler and Jackie Adams, caregiver to him in his final days.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, Samuel and Natalie Kancher, and his beloved
Malfi. And also by his nanny and friend Sarah Lee Johnson.

Funeral services will be at Congregation Gates of Prayer, 4000 W. Esplanade Avenue, Metairie, LA on Sunday, August 13, 2017 at 12 Noon, with visitation beginning at 10:30.
Interment immediately following at Congregation Gates of Prayer Cemetery at 1428 Joseph St, New Orleans. Rabbi Robert Loewy officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations to Congregation Gates of Prayer-Prayer Book Fund.
Tharp-Sontheimer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at www.tharpsontheimerfh.com. Information 504-835-2341.