Leon Maurice Teal was born in Bridgewater, NS on November 2nd, 1963 to Nina and Earl Teal. He grew up in Dublin shore and this is where Leon’s love for beaches and rock music started. He inherited his dad’s musical ability and he began playing drums in a local band. During this time he worked as a DJ for a local radio station, while also getting a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Economics at Acadia. After graduation Leon was employed by RBC and this is where he met Diane, the love of his life. In 1991 they were married and Leon got a bonus by getting 2 daughters Tanya and Stephanie. While living in Falmouth, Leon and Diane made a decision to follow Jesus. Their life was turned upside down! Before long, Leon was back at Acadia pursuing his Masters of Divinity. The Middleton Church of the Nazarene asked him to fill in as their pastor while doing his studies. He pastored successfully in Middleton for six years; he then accepted a call to the Stettler church of the Nazarene where he pastored for two and a half years. It was while living in the west that Leon began his love of hiking; he explored many of the trails and mountains in the Rockies. Leon was thankful for the Lord calling him back east so he could be around another of his favourites: beaches. He loved the outdoors whether it was golfing, hiking or walking a beach. In 2006 Leon began pastoring the Trenton church of the Nazarene, where he continued to pastor until his death. Leon’s love for the Lord was evident in his preaching, always clearly speaking the truth in the word of God boldly. His love of the Lord was evident in every area of his life. There was always a song in his heart and he was able to turn any expression into a song. Leon treasured time spent with his grandchildren. He loved each of them and looked forward to one-on-one time with each one. Whether it was hiking, picking strawberries, playing guitar, or just sitting on the floor being goofy, each grandchild loved their papa. His love of music inspired him to write and in his spare time he recorded and made cd’s to share with others. Leon also loved playing cards, games, and was very competitive. He always played very aggressively and whether it was go-carting, hiking or kayaking, he played hard; and loved to win. Leon’s love of music was a great asset in pastoring as he became a great worship leader, with one of his 3 guitars by his side. This proved a benefit for many at the beginning of COVID, Leon began doing weekly ‘top five at seven’ which he continued for 13 months bringing hope and inspiration to many who had learned to ‘stay the blazes home’. In 2015 the North Nova Correctional Center was built in New Glasgow, and Leon was one of the first volunteers. From the very first night Leon came home with a new passion to bring hope to those in prison. This passion inspired him to return to Acadia once again and he graduated with a Master of Arts, majoring in Theology. Leon has spent many days working as a Chaplain in the Springhill prison. Even after a long day he would come home rejuvenated. Leon and Diane loved to travel, making trips to Cuba, Dominican Republic, Colorado Springs, Outer Banks, New England, Paris and Switzerland. There was always a few annual trips to visit their grandchildren in Calgary and Massachusetts. They drove across Canada enjoying each of the provinces. One of his favourite spots was Summerville beach, and they spent a week there every summer, right on the ocean. Leon is survived by his parents, his wife Diane of 30 years, daughters Tanya Kakalecz (Nicholas), Holden, MA; their children: Caleb, Josiah, Micah, Noah and Zelek; Stephanie Bitango (Jerrod), Calgary, AB, their children: Miriam, Eden and Hudson, sister Charlotte (Wade Richard), Bridgewater, NS, nephew Cole and niece Kara Richardson. Leon touched the lives of so many and will be remembered as a man of God who brought many to the Kingdom. A private funeral service will be held in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home Chapel, New Glasgow with Rev. Patti Rossiter officiating. Service livestreamed 11 a.m. Thursday, August 19th on this website and at Christian Fellowship Church, 489 Abercrombie Road, New Glasgow for those wishing to view. Lovingly written by Leon's family. “The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom. To whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:18 To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Leon Maurice Teal, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.