Obituary of Thomas Joseph LeRoy

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Thomas (Tom) Joseph LeRoy on Saturday April 27th, 2024.

Tom passed away peacefully at a moment of his own choosing after a long battle with declining health. He was most grateful for the gift that is MAiD.

He passed away with his loving wife Hilary by his side, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Tom was born and grew up in Saint John, New Brunswick. He spent most of his adult life in Toronto. A graduate of University of New Brunswick Law, Tom was called to the New Brunswick Bar in 1978 and to the Ontario Bar in 1981.

After spending several years in banking, he found his true passion in the courtroom as a criminal defence lawyer appearing regularly in the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice.

In 2003 he was asked to join Legal Aid Ontario to create a province wide program to manage serious, high cost cases. In later years, much of his work concentrated on helping those with mental illness who found themselves at odds with the criminal justice system. Tom took an abiding interest in nurturing young lawyers. He found immense satisfaction in their professional growth and success.

Tom played over thirty-five years as a defenceman in hockey. He was an avid white water canoeist and golfer. He was an enthusiastic oenologist, studying, researching and collecting wine. After years of study, he passed the exams at the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas and in 2014 became a certified Sommelier. He and his wife Hilary made wonderful trips to visit and explore wine regions and cultures throughout the world. Tom took great pleasure in sharing his knowledge, and his wine cellar, with friends.

Tom was predeceased by parents Lawrence and Mary Josephine LeRoy and sister Marilyn LeRoy.

Tom leaves his wife Hilary Read, brothers Jack (Nancy), Michael (Jacqueline) and sisters; Jeannette Glaspy, Anne Marie (Lorne Hillcoat) and Christine (Dino) Cipolla, as well as many nieces and nephews who brought him so much love and joy.

Tom was most appreciative of the care and kindness he received from the nurses, staff and doctors of Saint John Regional Hospital. Thank you to the staff of Extra Mural and to Home Care by Design who helped make his last days comfortable. Special thanks to Dr. Anna London for her guidance, support and compassion.

In accordance with his wishes there will be no formal service. A Gathering of Family and Friends will take place at the Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119) on Thursday, May 2nd between the hours of 4 and 7PM. A Celebration of Life will be held in Toronto at a later date. In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choosing.