Obituary of Leonard James Stephen

Leonard passed away peacefully at home on July 4, 2018 at the age of 94. Born on May 10, 1924 in Saint John, NB, he was the son of the late Thomas and Fema (Corey) Stephen. Leonard graduated from St. Vincent’s High School, attended St. Francis Xavier University and graduated from Dalhousie School of Medicine in 1949. He practiced family medicine for 10 years in Saint John before becoming the Chief Medical Officer for the Workmen’s Compensation Board from 1959-1973. He was the Director of Dr. William F. Roberts Children’s Hospital until 1980 and retired from his position at the Saint John Regional hospital in 1985. Leonard was a leader in the Lebanese community and had an avid interest in the historical settlement of the community in Saint John. Leonard was a lifetime member of the Canadian Lebanon Association and president for 5 years. He was part of the Canadian Army Reserve as the Commander of the New Brunswick Medical Company retiring as a Lt Colonel. He was a lifetime member of the New Brunswick Medical Association and the Fairvale Outing Association. He was also President for 2 years of the Simonds Industrial Development Commission and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Riverside Country Club where he enjoyed curling and golfing. Leonard’s extended family was of great importance to him and he could be counted on in times of need. Retirement was spent in his beloved Florida where he spent many hours on the balcony enjoying the ocean and good company. He was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and received calls from around the world when they finally won a world series. Leonard was predeceased by his son Dr. David Stephen and daughter Jane, brothers Douglas and Wally and his sister Dorothy Zed. Leonard is survived by his wife Roxina of 65 years, daughters Mary and Elizabeth, Halifax and Theresa, Saint John, sister Lawanda (Vaughan) and brother Dr. Malcolm Stephen (Joan), daughter in law Karen (Ian) grandchildren Natasha (Neville), Adam (Jane), Jacquelyn (Jean Francois), Lauren, Luke, Alexandra and Gabriel, great grandsons, Cooper, Henry, Theodore, Charles and Malcolm and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Donations in memory of Leonard may be made to the Dr. David Stephen Memorial Foundation or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634–7424) with visiting on Monday July 9th 4pm – 7pm with funeral mass at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception on Tuesday, July 10 at 12:10 pm. Interment to take place in St. Josseph’s Cemetery.