Obituary of SWEENEY – Leo Walter

March 9, 1927 – September 6, 2010 Leo Sweeney, beloved husband of Gertrude Sweeney of Calgary, passed away on Monday, September 6, 2010 at the age of 83 years. Leo was born and raised in Montreal. He resided in Montreal until he joined the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve (V-95137). Leo joined Northern Electric (Nortel) on July 11, 1943 on Shearer Street in Montreal, transferred in 1958 to the Decarie Blvd. location until 1961 at which time he continued to live in Montreal but worked in Brampton, ON to start the Bramalea Works. Leo stayed there until 1975 when he transferred to Calgary where he was instrumental in the beginning of the Calgary location. Through his many years at Nortel, he held many positions but by far his favourite was being Santa Claus for the yearly children’s parties. He retired from Nortel in 1985 but continued on volunteering with the Telephone Pioneers, spending many hours in “The Store”. Leo also volunteered his time with many other activities and his favourite was helping with the Kid’s Camp Barbeque benefiting Kid’s Cancer Care of Alberta. Throughout his retirement, Leo enjoyed to travel with Gertrude to many places always returning to see as much of his beloved mountains. Leo and Gert never tired in looking to see what was down each and every road. He enjoyed this because he believed the same mountain consistently changed, looking different minute by minute. Leo is survived by his darling bride of fifty-seven years, Gertrude (nee Helie), two sons and daughters-in-law Bill and Anne Sweeney of Brampton, ON, Scott and Sandy Sweeney of Madan, ND, five grandchildren, Brian (Katie), Amanda, Lindsay (Brock), Jessica (Brian) and Dakota, three great grandchildren, Damien, Dominick and Shauvona. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law Gertrude Sweeney of Montreal and Mary Sweeney of Ottawa. He was predeceased by a proud Irish family: his father Thomas Sweeney, his mother Margaret (nee Sullivan), brother Michael (V-23565 RCNVR, HMRCS Racoon), brother Daniel (V-23913 RCNR), sister Doris Stewart-Burgoyne, brother Robert, brother George and brother Edward. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle N.W.), on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. LUKE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1566 Northmount Drive N.W. Calgary, AB (Corner of Northmount Drive and Northland Drive N.W)., on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. You may forward condolences through . On behalf of Leo and the extended Sweeney family, we would like to extend special thanks and gratitude to the angels dressed as nurses at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Unit 37. To Dr. Marcy Mintz, words alone cannot convey our sincere gratitude for your compassion, understanding and genuine concern. Thank you again for making Leo’s journey easier. If friends so desire, donations in Leo’s name may be made to The Kidney Foundation, 6007 1A Street S.W. Calgary, AB, T2H 0G5, (403) 255 6108, www.kidney.ca In living memory of Leo Sweeney, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park, Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.