THIBODEAU, LÉO A. - Léo Thibodeau, 92, of Moncton, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC. Born on November 22, 1922 in Moncton, he was the son of the late David and Barbara (Saulnier) Thibodeau. Léo retired from the N.B. Liquor Commission in 1978 after 35 years of service. He was instrumental in the change-over to self-serve stores of today. He had a passion for skating with reachers. He was the President of the Bicentennial Skating Club from 1984 to1996 as well as the Learn to Skate Program. He was celebrated during King Leo Night during which he was presented with the 1987 Ambassador Award for the city of Moncton. He was inducted in the 2001 Moncton Wall of Fame for creating a learn to skate sled for anyone wanting to skate as well as for those who had challenges over 80 years of age. He invented a brace to enable visually impaired and wheel chair bound individuals to enjoy skating. He also did volunteer work for the Mental Health Association for 10 years. In his spare time, he was a carpenter who could replicate anything out of wood. He made many trophy skates presenting them to deserving skaters. In his later years, he made model replicas of the Moncton Stadium, the Lewisville and Irishtown churches, the Tankville School as well as many houses including the Pascal-Poirier and the Free Meeting House. He received the Lt. Governor's Award 125th Anniversary in 1992 to commemorate and recognize Canadians who have made a significant contribution to their fellow citizens, community or country presented by Lt. Gov. Gilbert Finn. He is survived by two daughters: Germaine Gallant (late Jean) of Aldouane and Simonne Richard (Mike) of Moncton; a sister, Etta Elliott (late Mort) of Moncton; five grandchildren: Luc, Line, Louise, Laura and Mélanie; eight great-grandchildren: Janica, Maryse, Weston, Belize, Logan, Cassandra, Kyle and Emmett; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Annette née Bourgeois (2012); a granddaughter Clara; four brothers: Alfred “Fred”, Edgar “Howie”, Edouard “Eddie” and Albert.
The family will receive condolences at Frenette Funeral Centre, 88 Church Street, Moncton (858-1900) from where the funeral will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 4 pm. Visiting hours are Tuesday from 7 to 9 pm and Wednesday from 2 pm until time of funeral. A reception will follow at the centre. Interment will be in Our Lady of Calvary cemetery in Dieppe. In memory of Léo, a contribution to Canadian Mental Health Association (Moncton) would be appreciated www.frenettefuneralhome.com