Rocky Bay, NS
We are saddened to announce the passing of our brother, Leo, on Tuesday, December 26, 2023.
Leo came into the world during an unexpected March blizzard in 1963, and he was a force to be reckoned with from day one. He was lucky to have his best friend, Ronnie next door who seemed to be always sporting a Band-Aid on the same side of the head as Leo did. Together they enjoyed many hours of their form of “demolition work” and once, they accidentally set the neighborhood on fire. He was a hard worker and liked to keep himself in top physical condition, loved to tease and tell you when you weren’t.
After high school, Leo was accepted at the Surveying Institute in Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia. He excelled in the course, but his illness prevented him from completing the program. Leo struggled with schizophrenia most of his adult life, but he never failed to ask how the family was when they visited. He had an uncanny memory and enjoyed having endearing nicknames for people.
Leo is survived by his sisters, Maria Mury (Francis), Lower Sackville, Gail Hearn (Tommy), Rocky Bay, Alice Fraser (Mike), Calgary, and Ellen Hall, Rocky Bay; brothers, Paul Hearn (Rosalie), Frankville, Michael Hearn (Michelle), Rocky Bay; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Leo will be fondly remembered by everyone. As his nephew, Jonathan said, “He had a warm heart and generous nature.”
A Celebration of Life for the late Leo Hearn will be held at a later date, when the family can be together.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Evy Landry and Pier Community Funeral Home.
Leo, you will always be in our hearts and we will miss you dearly.
Online Condolences
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I only just learned that Leo James went home to be with the Lord this past Boxing Day (2023). Seven years my junior, he truly was “a force to be reckoned with.” I remember one day when Leo wasn’t much more than 5 and had a score to settle with me. His approach to reconciling the grievance included brandishing an axe over his head. I was never a match for Leo, axe or no axe, so I legged it as quickly as I could to the only safe place in all of Rocky Bay. And that involved positioning myself directly behind my hero, Aunt Edith, in her the middle of her kitchen. Everyone knew, Edith was the boss in her kitchen and I stayed next to her until it was time to jump in the car for the trip home. Leo grew up to be a fine soul who Jonathan describes as having “a warm heart and generous nature.” RIP Cousin.
Condolences to all his siblings and extended family.
Paul Fraser