Leo Poirier
Passed on: May 2nd, 2008
1929-2008 Beloved husband of the late Dolores Flynn passed away peacefully at home on May 2, 2008. Born in New Waterford, N.S., he was the son of the late Amadee and Seline (Chiasson) Poirier. He was predeceased by his beloved sister, Beatrice Aucoin; adopted sister, Virginia Churchill and nephews, Arthur Poirier and Willie Joe Aucoin. He is survived by his brother, Paul (Yvonne) Poirier, New Waterford; nieces, Leona (Jack) Macdonald, Downsview, Ont., Josephine Huroin, Halifax, Monica (Dale) Smith, Halifax; great-nephews, Shane (Jessica) and Todd Smith. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him as “Uncle Leo”. Leo attended Mount Carmel School, Empire Business College and St. Francis Xavier Junior College. He worked with the Co-op Credit Union before moving to Dartmouth, where he was employed at the N.S. Hospital for 26 years. After his retirement, he helped out at Walker’s Funeral Home and Dartmouth Funeral Home. Leo was organist at St. Stephen’s, St. Paul’s, St. Anthony’s and Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic churches for many years and he received the Papal Medal from Bishop Austin Burke for his church work in the diocese. Leo dedicated his life to serving others. He was the embodiment of a true volunteer, passionate about people and causes, devoting countless hours volunteering, most recently as an advocate for seniors. Leo was named Mr. Volunteer for the City of Dartmouth, and he was the provincial volunteer representative for the city for many years. He was past president of the Royal Canadian College of Organists, Halifax Chapter; past president of the N.S. Hospital Auxiliary Association; the first male treasurer of the N.S. Association of Hospital Auxiliaries; past secretary of the South Woodside Community Centre; past chair of the Dartmouth Seniors Advisory Council; president of Association of Halifax Regional Seniors’ Councils; board member of Senior Citizens and Pensioners of N.S.; Musical Director of the Dartmouth Seniors’ Service Centre Choir. Member of the following organizations, Dartmouth Seniors’ Service Centre, Oakwood Auxiliary, Canadian Pension Concern Association, the Kappella Band of Dartmouth, Halifax-Dartmouth Y.M.C.A., the Group of IX, board member of the Community Link and the Halifax-Dartmouth District Labour Councils. Leo’s contributions to others have not gone unnoticed. He has received the following awards. He was recognized as one of Nova Scotia’s most remarkable seniors at the 2007 Seniors’ Expo, received the Rotary Club Paul Harris Award, the “I Care” Award, the I.W. Akerley Citizenship award, the Provincial Community Service Award, Medal of Appreciation from the mayor of former City of Dartmouth and Long Service Award for his work in the medical field. Visitations will be held today (Monday) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Dartmouth Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, Windmill Road. Burial at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dartmouth Seniors’ Service Centre or the Canadian Diabetes Association.
