My grandfather was one of the best men I have ever known. Pappa was always kind and patient with his granddaughters and was always eager to listen to us talk about our lives... work, friends, the topic didn't matter, he always wanted to know what was going on and what our interests were.
My grandfather loved his family very much. His wife, my grandmother, was the love of his life and he was so proud of their two daughters. During the last few months, our family did whatever we could to help him and make him more comfortable. My grandmother, my mother and my aunt never left his side and I know he was grateful for that.
Pappa was very brave; he was smart and funny and strong. His wisdom could always be counted on and I will never forget his smile or his big laugh. I loved him so much and I know many other people did too. His life is an example of what can be accomplished if you are honest and hardworking and I will always carry his lessons with me. I miss him very much, but I take comfort in knowing he is watching over us and is at peace.

Hi Aunt Lena....I'm so sad to hear the news of Uncle Leonard.  I have such happy memories of our brief times together when we travelled east to visit with family in New Brunswick.  Dad (Emery) loved Ontario, but NB was always "home".  Know that my heart breaks for you, Mary  Margret and Lynn.  Love to all of you from your Ontario cousin Marlene (Baisley) Davies

DEAR AUNTY LENA AND FAMILY:  GEORGE AND I SEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO YOU ALL AT THIS SAD TIME.  PLEASE KNOW THAT OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.  YOUR CHERISHED MEMORIES OF UNCLE LEONARD WILL ALWAYS KEEP HIM IN YOUR HEARTS.
LOVE, JOAN (NEE BAISLEY) & GEORGE PERSONA
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

Mrs. Baisley:  I am so sorry for your loss.  Mr. Baisley was a true gentleman.

Leonard Baisley – Eulogy

May 21, 2010

Good morning. My name is Gordon Dickie. I am Leonard’s son-in-law. I am honored to be given this privilege, on behalf of the family, to say a few words of love and respect for Leonard Baisley.

Leonard was born on the Miramichi in 1926 in a little community called North Esk Parish and grew up second youngest in a family of eight. His youngest sister Ruby is here today at this service. Like most Miramichi boys he loved the river in winter and summer but when he finished school he chose to leave and go to sea. He risked his life for his country in the Merchant Navy during the Korean War and for this we are grateful.

Leonard learned to be a ships engineer and was known throughout his career for his knowledge and expertise predominantly of fishing trawlers. He had a working career that spanned more than 50 years. He managed fishing fleets in Petit-de-Grat Cape Breton and Souris, PEI. He worked for a time with the government in PEI as Chair of the Fisherman’s Loan Board. But he could never resist the challenge of private enterprise. During the last 10 years of his career he built several new stern trawlers for Usen Fisheries. I remember the many trips he made abroad to select a suitable yard. He shared with me some of the many innovations he built into these boats. From forward mounted engines, to properly located fish holds, to steering nozzles, he said to me proudly when the last one was launched in 1990 that “these new boats will sure fish”.

I have spent some time talking about Leonard’s work life because he understood how important work was to ensure his family was well supported. The main reason he was able to focus on his work was because Lena looked after the home and girls so well. She and Leonard made such a wonderful team. 

You know Leonard would likely not be happy that many in attendance here today are missing work. He believed that things should be done right the first time, and that costs were carefully managed and no money wasted. On the other hand, a more generous man you will not find. He would see no one in his family go wanting. If he could help he was the first one to act.

I would like to take a few moments to speak about Leonard the family man. He married his beloved wife Lena and together they raised two daughters, Mary Margaret, and Lynn (my wife). Leonard provided well for his family and he and Lena ensured that their daughters received a good education. While raising their family they had so many good times along the way. I have heard it said several times in the last few days how the Baisleys so enjoyed their lives while living in Arichat. He enjoyed sailing with friends and family on the Arichat harbour, and freshly steamed lobsters were frequently enjoyed. 

The family moved to Price Edward Island in 1966 and spent over 30 years there. Leonard acquired a fondness for golf while living on the Island and tried to play 3 to 4 rounds a week. He also continued to enjoy trout fishing, as he had previously done in Cape Breton.

Lena’s sisters Vera, Sally and Margaret, were treated like sisters by Leonard. Margaret has traveled here from New York City to be with us today. From sailing on the Bras d’Or Lakes with Vera to golfing with Margaret, they so enjoyed each others company.

Although his work life occupied a large portion of his time, his family was always in his thoughts. This continued when he became a grandfather. Leonard took a tremendous amount of joy in the accomplishments of his granddaughters Caroline and Colleen, and he considered time spent with them to be precious. On one particular business trip to Boston, he returned home with gifts he had purchased for his granddaughters ---- A special story book for one, and a little brown bear named Boston for the other. Reading was always a joy when his granddaughters were involved. A good story and a “bear hug” always went hand in hand.

Leonard worked to the age of 68 and finally decided it was time to settle into retirement. He always enjoyed opening the summer home for the new season and enlisted the help of his eldest daughter Mary Margaret to do this for the past number of years. He and Lena spent many happy summers on the Northumberland Strait.

Leonard always enjoyed reading, especially the business section of the local newspaper. He and his daughter Lynn frequently shared this by discussing the ups and downs in the stock market.

In closing I wish to add a personal thought. I have considered myself to be fortunate to have Leonard as a father-in-law. From him I learned how important it is to cherish and provide for family, be of generous spirit, be hard working and shrewd in business. He is a shining example of all these things and much more. Leonard, you have been so much too so many people in your life. We will miss you so much. God bless and farewell.

Dear Mrs. Baisley,
You and your family were a big part of my early life. I was telling people in my Band just two nights ago, how I came to learn Highland Dancing. I have always remembered Mr. Baisley's big smile.
Sincerely,
Florence

Aunt Lena, Mary Margaret and Lynne
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Aunt Lena, Mary Margaret and Lynne,
Our prayers are with you and your family at this time.

To Mary Margaret and family:

Heartfelt sorrow is what I felt on reading the passing of your Dad.  You gave your time and patience unselfishly looking after him during the time he needed it the most and without assistance.  He will remember all you have done for him when he needed it the most, and by yourself.

Not only had I met your Dad, but as he recalled, he met one of my brothers during the events of the Arrow.

You will remember the good times with your Dad and I will remember him as the honourable gentleman he was.

Ken Langille and Jane

To Mary and family:

  
   Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.

  Ann and Paul Brown,
 Dartmouth,Nova Scotia

To Colleen: 
 
Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.

To Lena and family:

Sending our sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Robert & Shirlee McGee, Charlottetown PE

To Colleen:
Sending our sincere symapthy to you and your family. May your memories be your treasures.
Owen and Donna MacLean
Fairview, PEI

To Lena, M. M., Lynn and families:-
Sending continuing, caring thoughts to all at your time of loss.  May family, friends and fond memories comfort you in the days ahead.  Thanks Leonard for those warm raspberry pies and warm hospitality.
Always in friendship,
Fay (MacLean) MacPhee
Cornwall, P. E. I.

Mary Margaret & Family:

Extending our deepest condolences to you and your family.

Marie (Bowen) DeWolf & Family, Arichat

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Leonard Baisley

9 mars 1926 – 17 mai 2010

A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home

Montrez votre soutien

Envoyez Vos
Condoléances

Partager
L'avis De Décès

Obtenir les mises à jour

Prestations de Service