Obituary Overview
John William Leahy
LEAHY, John “Jack” William, VE1ZZ, aged 85, of Head Jeddore, passed away peacefully Thursday, Oct 18 surrounded by family at Twin Oaks Hospital. Born in Tufts Cove to the late Mabel (Gibson) and John Leahy. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Opal (Isenor); his children Betty Smith (Dave), John, Karen Thomas (Roger), Keith and Carl (Michelle); sister Barbara Adams; 12 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and in-laws. He was predeceased by his brothers Roy “Buddy” and Robert “Bob” and infant grandson John.
Jack worked at Defence Research Establishment Atlantic (Department of National Defence) for 34 years. Throughout his life, and more so after retirement, he devoted much of his time to his life-long passion of Ham Radio. Jack, VE1ZZ, was a legend in the Ham Radio community for almost 70 years. When he earned his license in 1948 he was the youngest person in Canada to do so. He made friends and contacts from around the world, many of whom visited Head Jeddore to see his extensive communication towers and system. Jack loved to talk “Ham” to anyone with an interest and was always eager to share stories and his vast knowledge on building better “rigs” and making radio contact to difficult regions. He won numerous awards and certificates over the years, was featured in books, magazines and local television on his accomplishments in the Ham Radio world.
When not “on the air” Jack was also an avid hunter, fisherman and trapper into his senior years. He enjoyed many trips to Duck Lake and Mooseland, with his brother-in-law and later with sons and grandson. Jack also loved to drive and put hundreds of thousands of miles on his many vehicles. When he could no longer drive, sons and daughters took the wheel covering many more miles across Nova Scotia.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life service will be held at 10am on Thursday October 25th in Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth. The family will receive guests at 9:30am in advance of the service.
Interment in Dartmouth Memorial Gardens. Reception to follow in Atlantic Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or the Lung Association of Canada.
The family would like to thank the Oyster Pond and Area Volunteer Fire Department, the EHS Paramedics, the Northwood Homecare providers, and the nurses and staff at Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John William Leahy 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: Dartmouth, Province: Nova Scotia
