Leon Laurie Babineau

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Leon Laurie Babineau announce his passing on Saturday, March 11 in the QE II hospital at the age of 79, with his family by his side.

Born in Halifax on November 4, 1943, son of beloved parents, the late Leonard and Florence (Yorke) Babineau, he is survived by his daughter Cindy (Andrew) and son Kirk (Adrienne), sister Janet (Ron) Chabassol, granddaughters Sloan and Ellie and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Carol (Tobin).

Leon grew up on Melody Drive in Rockingham where he enjoyed pickup baseball games in the neighbourhood and many adventures with the Phelan and Hatfield boys. Visiting his grandparents’ farm in Parrsboro was a constant in his growing up years, where he fished for flounder, dug clams, scooped blueberries, started his joy of hunting and spent time hanging out in town with his Babineau and Yorke cousins.

Leon attended Halifax West High School and was the owner of Knowlton Motors for many years. He moved on to work at the NSLC from where he retired.

Many a night was enjoyed at the Babineau gatherings, for cards, laughter, and music with Leon singing and strumming his guitar.

Leon took great pleasure in hunting with his Dad and uncles in Parrsboro and with his buddy Mike Meisner for deer, partridge and rabbit. Later in life he loved hunting with Kirk. He relished Mom’s home cooking and baking, especially her homemade bread.

He took delight in socializing and checking out all the cars with Kirk at the antique car nights at the Chickenburger in Bedford and the A&W Woodside.

His long time renter and best friend Dave, was a constant presence who helped Leon with groceries, doctor visits when needed, taking him for drives while his wife Barb provided daily meals.

Family was his life, as he cherished his daily calls from Cindy, Kirk dropping in after work on his way home and the shenanigans of his adored granddaughters Sloan and Ellie brought him great joy.

He had a lifelong passion for the Montreal Canadians. He played hockey with enthusiasm and often shared his fond memories as a Rockingham Eagle.

Leon will be missed, but not forgotten, he will always be in our hearts.

We invite you to celebrate the life of Leon at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 142, 50 Hillcrest St., Halifax, on Saturday May 20, 2023 1-5 pm.