LEGER, JUDGE CLAUDIUS J.L., Q.C. - Honourable Claudius J. L. Leger, 93, formerly of Moncton, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2014 at the Forest Dale Nursing Home in Riverside Albert. Born on September 9, 1920 in Saint John, he was the son of the late Jean Edmond and Leona B.M. (Johnson) Leger. He was educated at Académie du Sacré-Coeur, Moncton High School, Université Saint-Joseph and Saint Thomas University. He receive his BCL degree from UNB Law School in 1946. In the late 1930’s, Claudius was Scout Master of the 1st Assomption Troup for five years. While at the bar, he carried on an active court practice and the cases for which he was counsel were heard in every court of the land. He spent many years as an active member of the board of directors of the Moncton Children’s Aid Society and the Moncton family and children’s services and served as president of these bodies. In 1948, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of the province of New Brunswick representing the City of Moncton. He ran for re-election in 1952 and 1956 but was not successful. During his career, he was most active in the business of real estate, life insurance and finance. He was the founding President of Atlantic Holdings Ltd. and Bonaccord Finance He was also the founding president of the Friends and Alumni for the Université de Moncton. He served for a member of years on the board of governors of the aforesaid institution. The Honourable Claudius J.L. Leger Q.C. was appointed to the County Court for the counties of Kent and Westmorland in early October 1963. When that court was reorganized to become the County Court of New Brunswick, he became the Chief Judge of that court. During this tenure as Judge of this court, he was active in the organization of the Atlantic Provinces County Court Judges Association and became the founding president of this group. In 1972, he was elevated to become a Justice of the Supreme Court of New Brunswick Trial Division. Later when the above court was reorganized in 1979, he became a member of the Court of Queen’s Bench. In 1990, he was requested to accept a position as a Judge of the Tax Court of Canada, a request which he accepted and served in that Court until his retirement in 1998. He is survived by his beloved wife Julia (Bowser), whom he married in 1987; two step-daughters: Winifred Wyman (Larry) and Edie Southwood (Reginald), both of Calgary, AB; one step-son, Kenneth Folkins (Theresa) of Salem; several nieces and nephews. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters: Yvette Lemieux and Evelyn Hayes; two brothers: Alphonse and Léonce.
The family will receive condolences at Frenette Funeral Centre, 88 Church Street, Moncton (858-1900) Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm and Wednesday from 10am until time of departure (10;50am). The funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, 220 St. George Street, Moncton on Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 at 11 am. Interment will be in Our Lady of Calvary cemetery, Dieppe. In memory of Claudius, a contribution to the charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated. www.frenettefuneralhome.com