Obituary of Leo Barrymore Pye

Leo Pye; loving husband to Wanda and loving father to Suzanne (Marc) Tanfara, proud “Grampy” to Nathan and Isabel, brother to Sandra Mudge (Sid), step father to Mike and Nick (Janna) Connolly, cousin to Linda, uncle, brother-in-law and friend to many, passed away peacefully December 26, 2015 at the Saint John Regional Hospital after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Marion and Leo, uncles John(Hannah) and Greg and aunt Dorothy. Leo was born in Saint John, graduated from St. Malachy’s High School, earned his BA and B.Ed from St. Thomas University and his M.Ed from the University of Maine. His 34 year teaching career was spent in the Saint John area beginning at St. Peter’s Intermediate School, later becoming Vice-Principal of East Saint John Elementary, Principal of Holy Trinity and retiring as Principal of Island View Elementary School, which Leo liked to call "the flagship of the fleet." Leo always said the staff was second to none. After retiring from teaching in 1996, Leo took over as Manager of the Canadian Forces Officers Mess, which became his passion. He took care of the Mess as if it were his own. He devoted many hours to it, loving every one of them. Leo proudly served in the Army Reserves in the 31 Service Battalion. He retired as Major after 40 years of service. Leo was, also, a former member of the Knights of Columbus Council 937. Leo was particularly proud of the accomplishments of his daughter, Suzanne, and of her choice of husband, Marc. Leo often said if he had interviewed he couldn't have picked better. Nathan and Isabel have provided him many proud moments. He loved hearing about or seeing their feats in the hockey rink or on the ski hill. Both choosing teaching as their careers, Leo and his sister Sandra shared many chuckles over school related stories as well as those of their childhood days. Leo also cherished many older memories of family gatherings, family golf tournaments better known as the “Potato Open” ,summers in P.E.I, annual vacations to see the Montreal Expos , and other joy-filled events that had been a big part of his life. Leo enjoyed his Friday pool games with the Iron Dukes (including lifelong friends Terry and Fred) with new friends added through the years and in the summer spent many days on the golf course with his golfing buddies from Hampton and, in later years, with his grandson Nathan. Leo moved into the "village" of Sunset Acres with Wanda , Mike and Nick in 2001. He was embraced by many wonderful people. He thoroughly enjoyed his new friendships, the golf and washer-toss tournaments, card games and Boxing Day parties. Leo also enjoyed his traditional family get-togethers with Pauline, Don, Eric and Nikki, walks in the woods, pool parties and log cabin dinners. After Wanda’s retirement, they enjoyed a trip of a lifetime to Italy with Susan and Neil. Many memories were created and are still smiled and laughed about. Trips to visit Barb and Steve in Florida followed. A lot of territory was covered each year and many adventures were had. Leo developed a passion for wine making and took such pride in the whole process from initial preparation to choosing of the labels and shrink wraps. Many bottles of wine were enjoyed on the veranda or in the back garden. He loved serving it while describing the grapes used in its creation. Whatever Leo did, he did with passion. When you come to pay your respects to Leo, please bring a written memory for the “I Remember When Leo…” bulletin board. Visitation will take place at the Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (849-2119) on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Leo’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 171 Pettingill Road on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at 11:00 AM . Interment will take place at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Reception to follow the interment at Barrack Green Armory Officers’ Mess, 60 Broadview Ave Saint John. Donations in Leo’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the SPCA or to a charity of the donors choice.