Leonard Francis Bryden
Born In: Castle Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: December 7th, 1942
Passed in: Castle Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: May 8th, 2010
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Leonard Francis Bryden, 67, of 664 Castle Bay Rd., C.B.
He was the son of Catherine Bryden of Castle Bay and the late Hector Leo Bryden.
Leonard was a member of St. Barra Church, Christmas Island.
In his earlier years, Leonard worked for Nova Scotia Housing and then for Maritime Builders in Sydney. Leonard and his family spent 25 years in Alberta but his heart was always in Cape Breton. His dream of returning to live in Cape Breton was realized seven years ago when he moved back to Castle Bay and built their retirement home which overlooks his beloved Bras d'Or Lakes. Cape Breton Scottish music and Gaelic culture were a joy to his life.
Leonard was a long-standing employee of Fluor Constructors, Canada. As a master carpenter and superintendent at Fluor, he shared his talents and was a generous mentor to many young upcoming carpenters. He was dearly loved and respected by all who knew him.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council number 3408 in Red Deer, Alta. and was honoured as Knight of the Year in 1993.
He was a volunteer fireman with the Christmas Island fire department.
Leonard was predeceased by his father Hector Leo Bryden.
He is survived by his wife, Linda (Dalton); and his beloved children, Len Jr. (Carrie), St. Albert, Alta.; his daughter, Elaine and her partner, Palmer, and their daughter, Justine Marie Griffiths, Leonard's only grandchild and the love of his life of Devon, Alta.; his mother, Catherine Bryden, Castle Bay; brothers, Vincent (Carol), Ontario, Angus, British Columbia, Jimmy (Mary), Coxheath; sisters, Marie (Sal) Maglario, Westmout, Cecelia (Sherman), Whitecourt, Alta.; Cathy (Donnie) Gamblin, Amherst, N.S.; several nieces and nephews; and his best friend, Dannie MacDonald. He is also survived by in-laws, Robert Dalton, Hamilton, Ont., Gary (Brenda) Dalton, Daniel Dalton, Elaine (Gary) Evely, all of Sydney, and Sandra Dalton, Red Deer, Alta.
Leonard will rest at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, May 11 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and at St. Barra Church, Christmas Island, Wednesday, May 12 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Barra Church on Thursday, May 13 at 11 a.m. with Fr. Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will take place following the mass at St. Barra Cemetery, Christmas Island.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital or the Canadian Cancer Society.
