Obituary of Leon Theriault

THERIAULT, Leon – 89, Halifax, died December 9, 2016. Born in Arichat, Cape Breton, he was the son of the late Alexander and Delvina (Fougere) Theriault. Leon was the consummate story teller and kept others entertained with tales of his many experiences. Leon left the family farm at a very young age and joined his older brother Alfred, in Halifax. He didn’t speak English at the time. One of his first jobs was delivering milk by horse and wagon somehow convincing people he knew how to handle work-horses even though his only experience was handling a small farm horse. Shortly afterwards, he started working on a fire boat in Halifax when the Bedford Magazine exploded which quickly prompted another career change. Leon ended up working as a carpenter for CNR and VIA Rail for 47 years. Leon married Evangeline (Eva) Comeau and subsequently had two children, James and Eric. He worked hard, but did take time to enjoy family and friends. He also liked to hunt and fish although was known to leave his gun behind and “hunt” without it as he strolled thought the woods. Leon was particularly proud of his grandchildren Amanda, Lauren, Blaise and Lian. He is survived by his son Eric and partner Susan, and son James and wife Leslie, and his four grandchildren. Leon was one of ten children and is survived by Priscilla Kennedy, Paul Theriault, and Ralph Theriault. Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, December 17, 2016, at 10:00 am in Saint Benedict Church, Halifax. Visitation will be held at 9 -10 am at Saint Benedict. Burial will follow at Oakridge Memory Gardens, Lower Sackville. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be welcome.