It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our father, John ‘Sonny’ Francis Leslie, 85, of Westmount, Nova Scotia. He passed away peacefully in Sydney on the 31st of May 2026.

Born on December 2, 1940, in Sydney, Cape Breton, John grew up in Westmount but cherished spending summers with his family in the highlands of Cape Breton, in Ingonish—the home of his mother’s family, the Stockleys, since 1870.

Following the untimely death of his father when John was just 17, he stepped in to help provide for his family and began working for the Department of Highways. At 21, he enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Trooper with the Royal Canadian Dragoons and completed a United Nations peacekeeping deployment to Cyprus in 1964.

After his military service, John worked as a labourer and later as a machinery operator for Sydney Pyro Minerals & Kaiser Strontium. During this time, he met Ann Marie, the love of his life, and they were married on September 26, 1970, in Sydney. Together, they raised seven children and shared a long and devoted partnership. He later joined the Cape Breton Development Corporation (DEVCO) at the Victoria Junction Coal Preparation Wash Plant, where he worked as a machinery operator from 1977 until his retirement in 1998.

Outside of work, John enjoyed gardening, long walks with Ann, watching hockey, listening to Hank Williams, and spending time with his children and, later, his grandchildren. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it and will be remembered for his quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his family.

John is survived by his loving wife, Ann Marie Leslie (Currie), and their children: Linsey (Joe), Natalie (Eric), Frances (Kevin), Nancy (Brandon), Kimberley (Todd), Vanessa (Scott), and Scott (Diana). He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Keigan, Justin, Devin, Owen, McKenzie, Ethan, Morgan, Ella, Chloe, Eden, Lily, Kate, Emmett, Blake, and Rhys, and great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Jack. John is also survived by his sister, Betty Jean (Terry) Fogarty.

He was predeceased by his parents, William and Elizabeth Leslie, and by his brothers, William (Billy) Leslie and Lauchie Leslie.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff who provided care and compassion during John’s final days.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J.Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, 902-539-7175. In keeping with John’s wishes, no funeral will be held, but a private family gathering will take place at a later date.

Words of comfort may be made to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.