Leonard A. Wilson

Leonard A. Wilson, "Len" CLU, Ch.F.C., 85, of Halifax, loving husband, father, grandfather and trusted friend passed away peacefully at home on April 23, 2015. Len was born in Springhill to immigrant parents, William and Mary Wilson of Athol Road (Vincas and Marijona Vilkauskas from Lithuania). He was predeceased by his parents, siblings Alvina (Clyde) Murray of Springhill, Kathleen "Kay" (Charlie) Burton of Halifax, Felix (Ruby) Wilson, Frank Wilson, and young Ona Wilson, all of Springhill. He was greatly affected by the loss of his beloved son Barry (age 5 in 1959) and granddaughter Taylor (newborn in 1996). After serving in the Springhill Reserves and graduating high school, Len moved to Halifax at the age of 18. After exploring many sales jobs, he spent his career in life insurance with Dominion Life, later building his own business as one of the first Ch.F.C. (Chartered Financial Consultant) in Halifax, closing his practice at age 83. Len was the first appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the (old) Halifax Infirmary serving two challenging terms when the Province took over management in the mid 1970s. Len was an active Knight of Columbus for many years; an ardent golfer and member of Ashburn Golf Club for over 50 years. He spent countless hours with his Gasper buddies playing the game he loved and working selflessly to improve the seniors' program at Ashburn. He even made his first hole-in-one last summer at age 84. Len was a natural born instructor; an honest and determined man with a great entrepreneurial spirit who was involved in many endeavours. Together with his wife, they travelled the globe extensively. Len was always completely focused on his family – who were his whole reason of being. He was a skillful problem-solver, willing to help others with a generous heart, always wanting to leave people and things better off than when he found them. Len is survived by the love of his life and best friend of 65 years, Gwendolyn "Gwen" (Adams), children: Karen, grandchildren Barry and Emily of Lower Sackville; Terry (Susan), grandchildren Ryan, Danielle, Kyle of Halifax; Stephen (Michele), grandson Thomas of Lower Sackville; and Scott (Yvette), grandsons Brandon and Mitchell of Hammonds Plains; niece Deanna (Larry) Capon of Pugwash and nephews Merlin Burton of Amherst and Gary (Susan) Burton of New Glasgow. Special mention goes to Bill and Alice Adams (Gwen's brother and sister-in-law) of Halifax; niece Kelly (Chris) Siddle (great nieces Megan and Abigail), and nephew Bill (Lynne) Adams Jr. Len fought a valiant fight over the past 15 months, never complaining or bitter. His attitude was always upbeat with a wonderful and pragmatic perspective about life-incredibly inspirational. He fought for every last piece of independence, every last step, every last everything until he could do nothing more but close his eyes. He gave us all more courage. This was his last lesson to all of us. He is missed already. Len and his family would like to express their highest regard to Palliative Team (West), VON Halifax, Revera Home Care workers, as well as to his family, friends, and neighbours for the extraordinary attention and care received. Visitation Tuesday April 28 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Cruikshank's Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor St. Halifax. Celebration of Life Mass will be held Wednesday April 29, 10:00 a.m. at St Agnes Church, Halifax. Reception to follow Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Len's memory to the Canadian Cancer Society. To view or place an online condolence, please visit: www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com