Chiasson, Leo Patrick, Antigonish. It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce the passing of our father and grandfather, Dr. Leo P. Chiasson, a scholar, professor and community leader, on the 30th of October, 2012 at Green Meadows Community Residence for Seniors in Antigonish.
Leo P. was born in Cheticamp, Cape Breton, on May 14th, 1918, the son of the late Ephraim and Bertha (LeFort) Chiasson. He received his early schooling there and began his post-secondary studies at St Francis Xavier University in 1934, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree (summa cum laude) in 1938. In 1940, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree (also summa cum laude) and continued his scientific studies at the University of Toronto, graduating in 1944 with a doctoral degree in Biology, with a major in genetics and minors in cytology and plant pathology. He published numerous research papers, chronicling his research on fish populations, tree populations and human genetics.
In 1944 he began a long and distinguished career as professor of Biology and head of the Biology department at St F X University. Although occupied with research, the teaching of various courses, and the fulfillment of numerous administrative duties, he played a key role as mentor for many future physicians, dentists, and specialists in the medical professions. His leadership was felt in every corner of the campus as he served on numerous committees for his alma mater, (often taking on the role of chairperson), including the Board of Governors and the University Senate. As well, he played a central role in the development of the J. Bruce Brown Hall at St F X.
On September 6, 1948, he married Florence Aucoin from Cheticamp, and together they were a formidable team as key members of the Xaverian family, even after his retirement as Department Head in 1983 and as teaching professor in 1988. Their legendary hospitality was extended to one and all, especially at their summer home in Point Cross. They were both avid and excellent Bridge players.
Leo P. also held numerous positions locally, provincially, and nationally. He was for many years chairman of the Antigonish County School Board, chair of the St. Martha’s Hospital Board of Directors for over twenty years, president of the Nova Scotia Hospital Association, and president of the Canadian Hospital Association. As well, for many years he served as chair of the Eastern Nova Scotia Housing Authority. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to his alma mater, his community and his province, St F X bestowed on him the degree doctor of laws, honoris causa, in 1987. He was a lifetime member of St. Ninian’s Parish and the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his children: Leona (George Williams), Antigonish; Clifford (Anne McGlynn), Moncton, NB; Denise (Don Beadle), Robert’s Creek, BC; Maurice, Whitehorse, Yukon Territories; Andre, Charlottetown, PEI and Singapore; his grandchildren: Mark and Denise Williams, Marcia (Chiasson) Dumbreck , Jennifer Chiasson, and Julie Beadle; his sister, Catherine Doucet, Quebec; sister-in-law, Bernadette Chiasson, Cheticamp; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Leo P was predeceased by his wife, Florence; by his brothers Louis, Placide; his sisters, Mary Kane, Odile Hanlon, Sabine LeFort, Bernadette LeBlanc, Lucy Agnes Chiasson, Sister Beatrice (la soeur Bertha, Fille de Jesus), and one sister in infancy.
Visitation will be in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College St. Antigonish, NS, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm on Sunday. Funeral Mass will be held Monday at 10:30 am in St. Ninian Cathedral with Reverend Tom MacNeil presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery.
The family would like to thank Lee and Donnie McCarron and the compassionate and caring staff of Green Meadows for all they have done for Leo P. during his two-year stay there. In addition, many thanks are extended to Dr. Mike MacKenzie for his many years of service to Leo P.
Memorial donations in his name may be made to the Leo P. Chiasson Endowment Fund at St F X, PO Box 5000, Antigonish, NS, B2G 2W5, or to the charity of your choice. Family flowers only, please.