OBITUARY
Leonardus "Leo" Boomgaars
4 March, 1949 – 18 February, 2021
Leonardus "Leo" Boomgaars, March 4 1949 - February 18, 2021, passed away at the age of 71 in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital with family by his side.
Leo was the oldest son of John Boomgaars and Aleida (Visser) Boomgaars, both of Holland.
Leo came to Canada at an early age and was to spend the rest of his life living in Mabou Ridge. He had a great love for anything that had a motor in it; which led him to first work on the family farm and later driving trucks of every kind for Van Zutphen Construction and later for John Cameron Trucking. Working 16 plus hours a day was nothing new for Leo. His dedicated work ethic led him to meet many people all over this province as well as make many friends at truck stops, especially Vi's in Whycocomagh and his ever favorite, The Big Stop in Aulds Cove. A heart attack, diabetes and leg amputation forced him to give up the job he so loved. In December of 2020 the heart-breaking news of lung cancer lead him to spend the rest of his days in hospital.
Leo was predeceased by his parents; nephew, Jeff Boomgaars; and a brother-in-law, Bill Lewis. He is survived by his sisters, Wilhelmina Lewis, Lower Sackville; Pauline (Dougie) MacDonald, Port Hood; Agnes Van Buuren, Troy; brothers, Johnny (Liz), Kentville; Joe (Karen) Dartmouth and Stephen (Jocelyn) NL. He also leaves to mourn, a niece, Natasha (Rob) Ingram and nephews, David Lewis; Mark MacDonald; Trevor (Kelly) MacDonald; Scott MacDonald; Curtis (Cindy) Boomgaars; and Chad (Kim) Van Buuren.
Visitation will be held in St. Mary's Church, Mabou on Tuesday, February 23rd from 9-10:45 a.m. with Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Father Danny MacLennan and Father Bernie MacDonald officiating. Burial at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to Central Inverness Palliative Care Society or to St Mary's Church Restoration Fund, Mabou.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
"It's not the last 20 days that matter but the last 20 years" Rest in Peace Leo.
DONATIONS
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Central Inverness Palliative Care Society
P.O Box 610, Inverness, Nova Scotia B0E 1N0
- St. Mary's Church Restoration Fund
Services
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Visitation, St. Mary's Church, Mabou
Tuesday, 23 February , 2021
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Funeral Mass, St. Mary's Church, Mabou
Tuesday, 23 February , 2021
Memories
Leonardus "Leo" Boomgaars
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYLeigh Smith
28 February 2021
My condolences from Leigh Smith {B.A Fraser Lumber}
Ann Ryan
24 February 2021
Sending condolences to my former neighbours. Take care of yourselves. RIP Leo.
Augustina and Peter Poirier/Beaton
24 February 2021
To all Leo's family and close friends,
Leo was a legend in his time! We will miss his wit and humour.
Just before Christmas he went on the big truck with Peter for a run to Truro Mill and back, probably his last run. I bet John Cameron has a brand new Volvo waiting for him up there.
With many good memories and prayers.
Augustina and Peter
Janie van den Heuvel
23 February 2021
Garry and I went to Leo's funeral this morning and we just want to say a few words about it. It was a wonderful send off.
My family and yours grew up together and I remember going to your place to visit .Your mom always gave us tea. as with many old family friends we all grow up and go our separate ways and then loose touch. We were in contact with leo from time to time. He use to deliver fertilizer at times. Because stevie was on the farm we knew him the most. Anyway when Father Bernie gave his homily and eulogy we were very moved. It is so great when someone pours their heart out like he did ,it lets you know the real person ! What Leo stood for and the kind of man he was was so touching. It was clear Leo meanth a great deal to Father Bernie and to anyone who knew him personally.
Our condolances to you all and may God bless you with strengh to go on.
Garry and Janie (van de Ven ) van den Heuvel
Janie van den Heuvel
23 February 2021
Garry and I went to Leo's funeral this morning and we just want to say a few words about it. It was a wonderful send off.
My family and yours grew up together and I remember going to your place to visit .Your mom always gave us tea. as with many old family friends we all grow up and go our separate ways and then loose touch. We were in contact with leo from time to time. He use to deliver fertilizer at times. Because stevie was on the farm we knew him the most. Anyway when Father Bernie gave his homily and eulogy we were very moved. It is so great when someone pours their heart out like he did ,it lets you know the real person ! What Leo stood for and the kind of man he was was so touching. It was clear Leo meanth a great deal to Father Bernie and to anyone who knew him personally.
Our condolances to you all and may God bless you with strengh to go on.
Garry and Janie (van de Ven ) van den Heuvel
John Day
23 February 2021
My deepest sympathy to the Boomgaar family,I have a lot of good memories of Leo from the 33 years I worked at the Stora Scale House in Port Hawhesbury.
Paul Gavin
23 February 2021
My deepest condolences, have great memories of good times at the PHP scale house, Paul
Rosa Van den Hoogen
23 February 2021
My sympathies to the Boomgaars family.RIP Leo
Garry and Janie Van den heuvel
22 February 2021
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you,Leo's brothers ,sisters and families. Leo was a dedicated strong hard working man ! Rest in peace Leo
Craig Green
22 February 2021
Used to see Leo at the big stop in aulds cove as well as work on the highway with him, sorry to hear of his passing, may he Rest In Peace. Condolences to his family and the many friends he made over the years.
Nellie Van den Hoogen smallbones
22 February 2021
To the Boomgaars Family
Our condolences to each of you , with the loss of Leo, brother, father, uncle, Opa ,and friend .
It is never easy to let go of a loved one .
May each of you find some comfort knowing that we are praying, and wishing you peace in your heart .
Nellie van den Hoogen Smallbones
Marion Beaton
22 February 2021
It seems I have known Leo all my life from the country school on the ridge onward. A kind, good natured, spiritual and gentle soul has been taken from our midst. Every set back to do with health was faced and viewed with acceptance and humility. Blessings come in many ways and Leo was a blessing to so many friends, neighbors, loved ones, and family. difficulties were met with courage and wit . Rest in Peace Leo, we could all learn a lot from your ways here on earth
Marion and Neil Beaton
Jackie & Jeanette Campbell
21 February 2021
To all the Boomgarrs family, Sorry to hear of Leo's passing. Leo was a hard worker and great fellow to work with. A trucker all his life, he will be driving straight to Heaven. Rest In Peace Leo.
Rosie & Sandy Mac Neil
21 February 2021
RIP Leo you were a kind gentle man.Our sympathy to all Boomgaars family ....