Léo Henry Aucoin
Date de décès : 12 mai 2008
May 28, 1923-May 12, 2008 Léo Henry Aucoin passed away suddenly at his home, La Residence Acadienne in Cheticamp. He was the son of the late Pat (a Joe) and Minnie Aucoin of Saint-Joseph-du-Moine. Léo leaves behind his wife, Judy, of which they recently celebrated 60 years of marriage; daughter, Linda (Ken) Gillis, Antigonish; sons, Lionel (Laurette) Aucoin, Port Hawkesbury, and Rhéal (Francine) Aucoin, Sydney; grandchildren, Jeff (Bridget), Marc (Stephanie), Kevin, Richard (Stella), Cheryl (Micheal), Shawn, Kimberly and Michelle; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Adam, Brittany, Jacob, Ben and Heidi; brothers and sisters, Philias (Laura) Aucoin, Montreal, Elizabeth Poirier and Lucy May Aucoin, both of Waltham, Hermine Chiasson, Oakville, Gerard (Therese) Aucoin, Therese Wierbiski, Célina Aucoin, Stella (Theobert) Chiasson and Catherine Aucoin, all of Saint-Joseph-du-Moine. He was predeceased by his son, Pierre Arthur and brother, Freddie. Léo was known for his fine talent as a singer of traditional Acadian songs and his unique interpretation A Cappella (no accompaniment of musical instruments). He sang since he was a very young boy and started collecting these songs as far back as 1951. Well known, especially to the Acadian community, he was asked to perform in various places; Expo ’86 in Vancouver, the Helen Crieghton Folk Festival in Dartmouth (1992), Grand Pré during the 250th anniversary of the Expulsion of the Acadians, St. Peter’s, Sydney, local festivals, Boite a Chansons and the list goes on. Léo’s collection of over 500 Acadian songs was very dear to him and he was quite impressed and proud when he was able to record approximately 200 of these songs with Radio CKJM. These recordings and the words of these precious songs are in the archives of Universite Sainte-Anne in Church Point and at Les Trois Pignons. His songs are also recorded on other CDs for all to enjoy. Léo left a legacy of old Acadian material that would have been lost. Now, they will love on for future generations to come. In earlier years, Léo and Judy enjoyed small game hunting together and often returned with their fair share of rabbits and partridges. Many winter nights, there were entertained by watching his beloved Montreal Canadiens. Léo, at the age of 84, was still enjoying a very active life, his daily walks to the post office, playing cards, going to the senior dances, spending time with his family and of course singing, always the singing. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 15 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Cheticamp Funeral Home. The funeral will be held Friday, May 16 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, Saint-Jospeh-du-Moine, Fr. Peter LeBlanc officiating. Donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Condolences may be sent to cheticampfuneral@ns.aliantzinc.ca.
