Westport, CT –The Westport community and all who knew Slava Leykind are mourning the heartbreaking and untimely loss of a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and leader. Slava passed away on July 2, 2025, at the age of 43, following complications from a demanding mountain endurance event earlier in the week. His death has left a deep and painful void in the lives of his family, friends, and colleagues, and in the broader community that admired his integrity, drive, and warmth.
Born in Minsk, USSR, in 1982, Slava emigrated with his family to Minneapolis in 1988, in search of a better life and greater opportunity. That spirit of determination would become a defining trait throughout his life.
A graduate of The Blake School in Minneapolis (Class of 2000), Slava went on to earn his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, graduating in 2004 with a dual focus through the Tauber Manufacturing Institute. His academic and leadership excellence set the stage for a career marked by innovation, excellence, and an unrelenting work ethic.
Slava began his professional journey at General Mills, but soon found his calling in investment banking. In 2006, he joined Sawaya Segalas, a boutique investment bank specializing in consumer M&A. Through his unmatched work ethic, strategic insight, and deep integrity, he rose to become one of the firm’s three seniormost partners. After Sawaya Partners was acquired by Canaccord Genuity in 2021, Slava was appointed Co-Head of U.S. Consumer Investment Banking, where he continued to lead with distinction and humility, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and clients alike.
Yet, for all of his professional accomplishments, it was his family that brought him the greatest pride and fulfillment. Slava shared more than 20 years of unwavering partnership and love with his wife, Amy Keller Leykind, building a beautiful life together filled with joy, laughter, and shared dreams. He was the devoted and loving father of Charlotte, Eloise, and Jonah, whose lives he filled with care, presence, and adventure. He was their rock, their teacher, and their greatest champion.
Slava was the treasured son of Art and Nelly Leykind, and a proud brother to Gene and Max Leykind. He deeply valued his extended family, including his parents-in-law Bonnie and Alex Keller, sister-in-law Nina Leykind, and his adored nieces and nephews — Deia, Coby, Jackson, Esme, and Blake.
Those closest to Slava remember a man of immense character — calm, generous, brilliant, and grounded. He carried himself with humility, approached life with gratitude, and impacted others through quiet strength and compassionate leadership. Whether in the boardroom, on the trails, or at home with his family, Slava led by example, showing those around him how to live with courage and heart.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 8 at 11:00 a.m. at Temple Israel in Westport, CT. A private burial will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.
Though his life ended far too soon, Slava Leykind’s legacy will endure — in the lives of his children, in the love of his family, and in the countless people he inspired along the way. His life was a testament to the power of purpose, perseverance, and love.
May his memory be a blessing.
