Obituary of Leon Clarence MacDonald

Age 63, of Gypsum Mines, Hants County passed away at home surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, after a courageous fight with cancer.

His knack for developing solid stonework and charming landscapes is a mirror of his personality: a solid man with a strong will, yet gentle hearted and kind to all.

Bub lived his life wonderfully with this balance of personalities, he fell in love with motorcycles at a young age, British motorcycles to be exact, along with darts, being an avid golfer and admirer of astronomy. Throughout the years he would be a presence, or nuisance, on these bikes that he held so dear. His 750 Norton was arguably his favorite. He put a lot of effort into his custom builds and it was evident. When he wasn’t shining up his prized possessions and riding them around town, he was with his family on adventures creating memories to be cherished by them all. He shared his love of space and dancing like no one was watching with his grandchildren, although they could never quite do the robot like he could. Stargazing by telescope with his grandchildren and excitedly sharing his knowledge is a special memory amidst many.

Bub was also a renowned dart player who played in many Legion leagues and part of the Canadian National Team, ranking high while representing Nova Scotia. During 1997 he was competing on TSN, although his nerves were shaky, his hands were not. Perhaps with the aid of liquid courage. The family had a pet budgie during these years, “Kelly”, who would yell “Those damn darts!”. Clearly a prelude to an underlying story.

Aside from his love of bikes, darts and work, was his family. He was often found in the company of his granddaughters participating in dress up (knowingly or not), beachcombing, daytrips, anything they desired: he was content on giving his grandchildren the world and to his grandchildren he was their world. He loved playing with them, from dress up to sandboxes and wrestling, “Dumpty” did it all.

He loved his children, Chad and Shannon, very much. Instilling a sense of compassion, tough love and a side of best friend. He was one of their strongest supporters and the values he instilled in them will ensure he remains with them indefinitely.

His love for his wife, Lesa, was unmatched. The pair met in 1983 and were a tightknit unit ever since. The two best of friends, not only sharing a life, but amicably building one together. Once again, a representation of Bub’s personality – strong, yet soft. They frequently went on adventures, whether it was the Cayman Islands, impulsive trips around Nova Scotia or to Bub’s horror…Value Village. The two could face any problem together and come out on top. Lesa remained at his side throughout his final battle.

Bub’s love of creating sound entities such as family, is also found in his well-established landscape company “Leon MacDonalds Landscaping”. He kickstarted this career in the early 1990’s, building one of the best-known landscape companies in the area. His sister, Brenda, has worked for the company from the beginning, the two were often made to work separately for the sanity of the employees. Bub’s masterful stonework will be enjoyed for many years to come and continued by his son, Chad.

Bub valued his customers deeply, going above and beyond when he could. From painting basements to untangling clotheslines, he will be remembered by the community for his kindness and dedication. The company will continue in his memory, with his values remaining in place.

Together, Leon and Lesa (Spencer) MacDonald raised their two children, Shannon Macleod and Orland “Chad” (Alisha) MacDonald. Bub was proud of his family and although his time was cut short, he left a lifetime of memories enjoyed by his grandchildren, Kenedi (Kyle), Quinn, Haidyn, Rowan and Halona; as well as sisters, Pearl Greaves and Brenda MacDonald; nieces, nephews and an expansive extended family.

Leon was predeceased by his parents, Leon and Lena (Patterson) MacDonald; sister, Anna Comeau and mother-in-law, Myrna Spencer.

The family strongly thanks his doctors, nurses and palliative care team who so boldly fought his battle with him, emotionally and physically.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317). The family will receive visitors on Sunday, November 12 anytime between 1 and 3 p.m., in the funeral home’s Elmcroft Reception Centre, to help celebrate Bub’s life. Guests are encouraged to dress casually, in red or Toronto Maple Leaf’s attire in memory of Leon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Bub be made to the Kidney Cancer Canada, 3-251 Queen St. South, Suite 561, Mississauga, ON L5M 1L7 or Hants Community Hospital - Palliative Care, 89 Payzant Dr., Windsor, NS B0N 2T0, for their efforts. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca.