It is with heavy hearts that we the family of Leo Curry announce his passing on March 23, 2021 at his residence. Born in Sydney on April 12, 1930 he was the son of Thomas William Curry and Mary MacLellan. He is survived by his wife Anne (Jasinski), sons; Bill (Trina), Dr. Philip (Wendy), Dan (Michele), Dr. Stephen (Debbie), and daughters; Paula, Mary (Stewart) and Patti (Collin). He is also survived by his grandchildren Dr. Lauren, Dr. Katherine, Roanan, Lauchlan, Nicole, Leo and Will. He was predeceased by two sisters; Elizabeth and Avita and two brothers; Bill and Tommy.
Leo attended St. Joseph school and Sydney Academy where he played English rugby and hockey for the school team. He started work at an early age and worked for seven summers on road construction sites in Cape Breton as a laborer, truck driver and heavy equipment operator.
Leo graduated from St. FX in 1951 with a BSc and Pre-Med. He then decided to take a year off and work at the family Funeral home. At that time it was basically a store front operation and all wakes were held in family homes. Beginning in 1923 the staff still continued to transport people to hospital in the ‘combination’ funeral coach and ambulance.
What was intended to be a one year stint became 46 years. Leo had found his true vocation and looked upon himself as being a lucky man. He retired in 1997, and at that time the funeral business had grown to include T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel Ltd, Inverness Funeral Home Ltd, Fillmore & Whitman Ltd and Patten Funeral Home Ltd. He was known as an innovator and a fine Funeral Director by his peers. It was on his watch as President of the N.S. Funeral Directors Association, that they were transferred to the jurisdiction of Dept. Of Health from the Dept. of Social Services.
Leo was dedicated to improving pre-hospital care and raising ambulance service standards, with advance training, vehicles and equipment. He was very proud of the fact that his family had continuously provided 24 hour Ambulance protection to Sydney and area since 1923. He was instrumental in forming the NS Ambulance Operators Association and was elected annually as Vice-President for 27 consecutive years.
Leo was a strong supporter of community causes and is one of the original shareholders who brought the Screaming Eagles to Cape Breton. He was a longtime member of St. Joseph Parish and more recently St. Mary’s Parish in East Bay. A former Rotarian, he was a member of Council 1060 K.O.C. He also served for several years as Chairman of the Property Management Committee with the Sydney School Board.
Leo was a fly fisherman and spent all the time he could at the ‘farm’ in Margaree. During his retirement he put together a little book recording he days spent in the Highlands of Inverness, he also researched the genealogy of the Currys from Stilligary in South Uist and the MacLellans from Morar in Scotland.
He had the utmost respect for everyone, He worked hard, lived a long active life and did a lot of good things for a lot of people.
Due to Covid restrictions, a private family service will be held with Father Bill Burke officiating, Interment will be at a later date in East Bay. To leave memories and condolences for the family please visit www.twcurry.com
