Obituary for
Leo Richard Sylliboy
The Sylliboy family is announcing the passing of our brother, Leo Richard Sylliboy on March 2, 2022, due to complications from Huntington’s Disease (HD). Leo was 43 years old and resided in Cedarstone Enhanced Care in Truro, Nova Scotia. Leo passed away in the comfort of his place of care with his immediate family and close friends. Leo was born in Unama’ki on June 29, 1978 and lived with his family in Eskasoni First Nation before moving to Millbrook Mi’kmaw Community in 1984. He was predeceased by Muriel C. Denny (Gloade), mother, Alfred J. Sylliboy, father, Bernice Pierro (Chisolm P), sister, and Daniel Gloade, Stepfather. Leo is a descendant of Grand Chief John Denny Jr (1851-1918).
Leo is blessed with a large family. He is survived by siblings, John Robert (Darrin B), Mary Martha (Gabriel K), Alfred Joseph, Dana Leo (Ramona M), Noreen Rita (Gerald B), Frank Rodney, Corrina Ann (Randy M), Buck Simon (Alexis B), Ross Michael. Leo has 21 nieces, eighteen nephews, five grand-nieces, two grand-nephews and five Godchildren, Taylor M. Sylliboy, Dallas Julien, Kai Francis, and Bailey Sylliboy. Leo’s family has been the pillar of his life, especially during the later stages of his illness. His siblings chronicled his life through social media to keep Leo connected to his network of loved ones.
Leo graduated from Cobequid Educational Centre before applying to Cape Breton University. However, he shifted his priorities to taking care of his health and living life to the fullest upon his HD diagnosis. Leo loved attending Powwows, concerts, cultural activities and anything artsy with his family and friends. Leo loved to travel, especially to Orlando for Disney adventures and rollercoasters. He travelled to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Quebec, with Millbrook’s Elders in their annual pilgrimage. Leo was a spiritual person who worshipped Catholicism and his L’nuwey beliefs.
As a Two-Spirit person, Leo walked in the Truro and Halifax Pride Parades. Leo attended the International Two-Spirit Gathering in New York in 2012 as a delegate to deliver the bid to host the next 2S Gathering held in New Brunswick in 2013. Leo came out to his family when he was fifteen years old and he always lived life to the fullest. He had many close friends in Millbrook, Truro and Mi’kma’ki.
Leo moved into Cedarstone Enhanced Care in 2018, making new friends and family. Leo’s care at Cedarstone was exceptional because he was loved there. The staff, his champions really, always ensured that Leo was connected to his culture, beliefs and ceremony. In his final moments, Leo bid farewell to loved ones through a ceremony of dance, music, drumming and prayers by Elders. This ceremony was held until his journey to the Spirit World.
Leo will be resting in the Millbrook Community Hall on 72 Church Drive beginning on Tuesday, March 8th at 1 pm until the time of Funeral Mass on Thursday, March 10th at 11 am with Father Dariusz Miskowicz officiating in Millbrook Sacred Heart Church. COVID-19 restrictions in place. Donations may be made to the Huntington Society of Canada. Arrangements entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ColchesterCommunity.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Leo Richard
Sylliboy 1978 2022..
colchester community funeral home
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia