KEVIN VALENTINE LEAHY

February 14, 1923 - February 24, 2019

LEAHY, Kevin Valentine died at Lakefield Extendicare ten days past his 96 ^th Birthday. He was a Valentine's baby born on February 14, 1923 ; he was named Kevin pronounced "Keevin" and appropriately given the middle name of Valentine. His parents were Agnes Garvey and Francis Dennis Leahy and his Aunt Annie (Garvey) and Uncle Vince Moher were also like parents to him.

Kevin was a devoted husband to Bunny (Berenice) Greenan for sixty-four years and the loving father of seven children: Joanne, (Bob MacLean), Mary, Cathy, Kevin, Vince, Sheila (Dave Wallis, D.) and Peter (Ada Dettenkofer).

Kevin was a kind-hearted grandfather to Alyssa MacLean (Simon Bonner), Ryan MacLean (Monique Baril), Tina MacLean (Kevan Gentle); Siobheann Leahy, Miquela Leahy, Michael Leahy (Kristelle), Eric Kempmann; Caitlin Sweeting, Sean Leahy (Jennifer Leahy), Ryan Leahy, Kara Leahy and Kirsten Leahy.

Kevin was a proud great-grandfather to Elliott and Josephine Bonner, Preston Leahy, Chole and Leah MacLean, Aidan and Soleia Leahy, Callum and Brenna Mae Sweeting, Audrey and Ronan Leahy, and Claire Maclean Gentle.

Kevin was a dear brother to Ollan Leahy (D.) (Agnes Condon, D.), Bob Leahy (D.) (Madelyn Sullivan D.), Father Leo Leahy (D.), Clare Leahy (D.) (Joyce McClintock, D.), Dr. Phil Leahy (Theresa Walsh, D.), Vincent Leahy (D.), Ray Leahy (D.)( Edna McGuire, D.), and Frank Leahy (D.) (Julie MacDonnell).

Kevin was a considerate brother-in-law to: Mary Lynch (D.) (Frank), Father James Greenan (D.), Joe Greenan (D.), Jack Greenan (D.), Gertrude Greenan (D.), Eileen Kirley (D.) (Simon D.), Kay Doyle (D.) (Joe D.), Alice Kelly (D.) (George D.), and Camille Waywell (Lorne).

Kevin was also a gracious uncle to countless nieces and nephews.

Kevin was a man of of integrity and passion; he readily shared his varied gifts and talents. Having lived ninety-six years he will be remembered by many for his extensive service to his beloved Douro where he resided all his life; his many accomplishments as listed below are a testament to his versatility of skill and great love for his community.

School

Kevin was the first Principal of St. Joseph's School in Douro when it opened in 1956; he was also the Grade 7/8 teacher there until he retired in 1982. As an educator he insisted on the use of proper English grammar. He also excelled in choral music classes preparing students for Kiwanis Music Festival Competitions and for Church Services at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. In 1971 he initiated a very successful St. Joseph's String Programme which benefited many students and the community as well.

His chosen school motto was "Age quo ages" (What you do, do well).

Community Events

For forty years (1967-2007) Kevin and Bunny hosted the annual "St. Joseph's Sleighride" held every winter on their farm (Merrylynd Farm). This popular event featured horse-drawn rides on sleighs and cutters, a saw-cutting contest, tobogganing, skating, art displays, musical entertainment and refreshments including hot chocolate over a fire at the bottom of the hill.

A favourite CHEX-TV video featured an interview about the Sleighride; most enjoyable was the ending when Kevin hopped on a toboggan at the top of the big hill and rode down to the bottom smiling for the cameras, enjoying every moment of his adventure.

Church

Kevin was the Conductor of St. Joseph's Elementary Choir (1956-1982). Following this he became the Choir Director at St. Joseph's Church for the Adult Choir (1982-2007). Bunny was the resident church organist during all these years.

In 1965 Kevin and Bunny were instrumental in preparing the Church Music for a documentary outlining changes in the Catholic Church; the programme was called "Decision in Douro" and it aired on a special CBC broadcast.

For their dedication to Catholic education and service, Kevin and Bunny were honoured by the Vatican in 1989. At a special Mass in St. Joseph's Church Bunny received the "Pro Ecclesia" medal from Pope John Paul II; Kevin was invested as a Knight of St. Gregory the Great.

Agriculture

Kevin worked the land on his farm and involved his children in the skills, chores and responsibilities entailed. He raised beef cattle, grew grain crops and dearly loved all his animals not to mention his prized Belgian horses.

Kevin was a member of the Belgian Horse Association from 1982-2006. He was President of the Peterborough Federation of Agriculture from 1989-2001. In 1999 Kevin and Bunny generously hosted the annual Federation of Agriculture Summer Beef Barbecue on their property.

In August, 2017 in a ceremony in Keene, Kevin was one of three recipients of a "Lifetime Achievement Award" sponsored by the Peterborough Federation of Agriculture.

Music

Kevin was born into a very musical family and his violin was his most valued possession. In his youth and early adult years he played with his brothers. Then he became involved in various muscial groups including: The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, The English Country Dancers, Gold'n Brown, The Five Guys, Bunch of Shamrocks, Peterborough District Old Tyme Fiddlers and Dance Association, and the Douro Olde Tyme Fiddlers. In theatrical productions he made contributions in "Slainte Mor" and "Good as Gold."

Kevin regularly practised his violin at home. His favourite classical piece to play was "Liebesfreud" by Fritz Kreisler (Love's Joy). Kevin clearly inspired and encouraged the love of music in his children. For seven consecutive years the family performed in the Family Class/Choral Section of the Kiwanis Music Festival. Bunny provided piano accompaniment; Kevin the violin harmonies.

In 1967 for Canada's Centennial the family performed at "The Forum" at Toronto's Ontario Place. They sang The Centennial Song of the Year, "Canada," and "This Land is Your Land."

For years Kevin and Bunny regularly provided musical entertainment at several Nursing Homes and Long Term Care Facilities. Even at the age of ninety Kevin occasionally continued to perform a programme for residents.

Culture

Kevin's ancestry was Irish; he loved to play Irish jigs, reels and ballads on his fiddle. Over the years he participated in many events and celebrations featuring Irish music, square dances and St. Patrick's Day Parades. He was involved officially in the Peterborough Irish Club from 1987-1989. In 2002 he was honoured at a Ceremony at Little Lake, Peterborough, for his commitment to Irish Culture; a dedication plaque was installed complete with his photograph. It remains there as a tribute today.

In one of his last St. Patrick's Day Parades, Kevin traded in his fiddle and proudly walked one of his Belgian Horses down George Street, Peterborough. Something different!

History

In 1967 Kevin was named Chairman of the Douro Centennial Committee for Canada's 100 ^th Birthday Celebrations. In this year he was involved in the writing and publication of an historical book, "Through the Years in Douro- 1822-1967."

Kevin valued history and tradition, and on occasion was the invited Keynote Speaker at the Lakefield Historical Society and the Peterborough Historical Society. In 2006 he worked together with the Douro Dummer Council and the Ontario Heritage Committee to install an historical plaque at the site of the famous dynamite explosion of 1835.

His life is a hard act to follow. Visitation at DUFFUS FUNERAL HOME, 431 George Street South from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, February 28, 2019 (Prayers at 8:30 pm) and Friday, March 1, 2019. Flowers are welcomed or donations to Knights of Columbus, Douro, or to the Catholic Women's League, Douro would also be appreciated by the family.  Funeral Mass at ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, DOURO on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 11 a.m. Interment at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Douro. Reception in the Parish Hall to follow. Online condolences may be made at www.duffusfuneralhome.com .