1927 - 2010 - Leo Ferrari died peacefully in York Manor on October 7. Leo, a beloved teacher of philosophy at St. Thomas University for many years, was their first Professor Emeritus. Poet, artist, a highly-regarded scholar in the field of Augustinian studies (and the founder of the Flat Earth Society of Canada) he loved laughter, and for a number of years published humorous essays in the Saint John Telegraph Journal.
After his diagnosis, it was Leo's wish to benefit others by writing about Alzheimer before the disease robbed him of his memory. He and his wife Lorna Drew, with the help and encouragement of the Alzheimer Society, wrote Different Minds, published by Goose Lane in 2005, with proceeds donated to Alzheimer research. The book documents both Leo and Lorna's response to the disease. It was his last publication. Leo's passing is mourned and marked by his wife Lorna, children Pepita, Leon and Jacinta, grandchildren Caitlin and Jasper, dear friends Anne-Louise Brookes and Betsy Epperly, friends in the Unitarian Fellowship of Fredericton and his beloved poodle, Barkis. He leaves behind his family in Australia, and many many friends and acquaintances, several of them former students. Much gratitude is due those friends whose visits lightened Leo's life after York Manor became his home. Thanks also to the wonderfully compassionate and caring staff of the York Manor's Atrium. Grateful thanks also to the staff of the Alzheimer Society of Fredericton, who were with us all the way. Because Leo donated his body for Alzheimer research, a memorial to that effect will be in the "Garden of Memory" at Dalhousie University in Halifax. The memorial service here will be held on Monday, October 18, in the chapel at St. Thomas University at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society will be gratefully accepted. On-line condolences may be made at www.mcadamsfh.com.