Obituary of Richard Victor McLeod

It is with very heavy hearts that we report the peaceful passing of Richard (Dick) Victor McLeod of Westcock on April 29^th, 2026, with his daughter Ann by his side. 

Born on November 29, 1933, Dick always said he was born in the wrong century. He loved history and genealogy and horses. He could give you the lineage of many people born around the Sackville area and the lineage of twice as many horses from all over the country as well. He remembered fondly the simpler times and the old ways and loved his "old time" music. Nothing pleased him more than a reel or a jig played on a fiddle. He also loved the bagpipes and pipe and drum bands. 

Dick was a horseman, a lumber man, a bulldozer operator, a correctional officer in Dorchester, a hobby farmer, and a gardener extraordinaire. He poured all his energy into these things and taught his family the value and the resulting satisfaction of a hard day’s work.

Dick had tales to tell and wrote a little book of remembrances called “Tales of the Horse” for his grandsons. He was so pleased that his book helped raise money for the local Historical Society. 

Ever a dedicated supporter of his beloved Westcock community, Dick served many years as the president of Westcock Cemetery. He also helped raise funds for the construction of the Saint Ann's Church Hall and always supported the local talent auctions by donating produce from his garden and bidding and often winning the gift baskets. Dick believed that a helping hand was something everyone had and that it should be given unselfishly at every opportunity.

Dick was a quiet man, rarely raising his voice.  He was steadfast in his desire to live a life outdoors. He planted a garden every year from the age of 7 when his dear Mumma, helped him plant his first garden with seeds provided by the government to promote the war effort. In later years his garden was a weedless showcase of beautiful healthy plants that bore abundant produce. After making sure there was enough for his family, Dick gave away much of his harvest to friends and neighbours. 

Dick was so proud of his daughter, son in law and his grandsons. He loved being a great grandfather. His little family was the center of his world.

Dick grew up around farm animals and loved animals all his life. His Clydesdale horses and later his Percheron horses as well as his chickens and a few barn cats lived very comfortably in his care.

As a respected and knowledgeable horseman, he and his wife Juanita travelled all over Canada as he judged draft horses at various horse shows. 

He knew that his most recent days would be his last and he told all who came to visit that he had lived a good life. 

Dick was the oldest of the 13 children born to Carl McLeod and Marjorie (Hicks) McLeod. He is survived by his daughter, Ann and her husband Daryll Mitton of Westcock; his beloved grandsons, Richard (Krista) of Moncton NB and Robb (Jonna) of Montney, BC, as well as by his great-grandchildren, Kaenen and Megyn of Manitoba. He is also survived by his siblings, Donald (Dale) of West Palm Beach, Florida, Jean of Sackville, Norman (Yolande) of Guelph Ont., Doris (Bob) of Westcock, Charles (Jan) of Sackville, Ian (Barb), Janice and Judy of Amherst as well as by many nieces and nephews. 

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his dear wife of 72 years, Juanita (MacNeill); his infant son, William John; his brothers, Alan and Robert, as well as by his sisters, Carol and Dianne. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Erin Campbell and staff of Campbell’s Funeral Home, 89 Bridge Street, Sackville N.B. (506) 364-8188. Following Dick’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at Westcock Cemetery at 1:00 pm on June 6^th with The Rev. Canon Kevin Stockall officiatiing. A reception will follow at the Saint Ann’s Church Hall in Westcock.

If so desired, donations can be made in Dick’s name to the Westcock Cemetery Fund or the Saint Ann’s Church Hall.

On-line condolences and sharing of memories may be forwarded to the family through our website www.campbellsfuneralhome.com or by visiting the funeral home Facebook page.                

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