July 15, 2008
Obituary
HANNON, Dr. Leonard B.
HANNON, Dr. Leonard B. - A great life ended peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, July 6, 2008. Dr. Len Hannon passed away after a brief illness in the Charlottetown hospital at the age of 100. Len was one of 10 children born to William and Alice Hannon in Halifax, where he had lived all his life. He was educated at Dalhousie University in Halifax where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1929 and a Master of Arts in 1941. In 1960, Dalhousie awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Laws.
A deeply religious man, Len was an active member of St. Mark's Anglican Church in his early years and later St. Paul's Anglican Church after marrying his lifelong partner, Marge. Indeed, he began his career in the ministry, however an opportunity to teach summer students one year led him to his true love and calling as a teacher. The early years of his career were spent at the Halifax Academy, then he moved to Queen Elizabeth High School upon its opening in 1942. Here he taught, coached sports teams and was later principal until his retirement in 1972. He had a deep love and commitment to the high school scene and the molding of young men and women in their formative years. His tough but fair style of teaching and leadership found broad general respect. For long years after his retirement, he would be stopped on the streets of Halifax by former students to say hello and thank him for helping them make the right lifestyle choices.
Len was an avid sportsman, trying numerous sports and competing deep into his years. In 1929, he established a provincial record for the one mile walk and through the 1930's and 40's competed at top levels in Nova Scotia tennis and badminton where he won several titles. He played these racquet sports well into his 70s and both golfed and bowled into his 90s. He was a keen lover of cards and played bridge, crib and other games with family and friends into his final days. He loved fishing and spent many spring weekends at camp maintained with other family members in the Bayside area outside of Halifax.
Always one to give back, his love of teaching continued long past his formal retirement. For the next 10 years, he volunteered for Sports Nova Scotia, traveling the province to various high schools conducting badminton clinics and training meets for all interested. He worked as a marker of correspondence studies exams for 25 years, often writing copious notes to explain to students he never met how they could improve their marks. He had also served as a vestryman and warden at St. Paul's Church for more than 20 years right up to his death.
Len is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marge; his daughter, Heather Hannon (Derek Mitchell), Halifax, and his son, Brian (Karla) Hannon, Miramichi, N.B.; grandchildren, Mckenzie, Matthew, Lyndsey and Daniel Hannon; great-grandchildren, Michael and Emily Hannon. He is also survived by brother, William "Bill" Hannon, Dartmouth; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his five sisters and his three brothers. Cremation has taken place.
The family is planning a celebration of his life through a memorial service to be held on Friday, September 12, at 4 p.m. Notice of this service will be in The Chronicle Herald. We hope those who have been touched by Len in their lives will come and celebrate with us. No visitation is planned. Condolences to any members of the family may be sent to Heather Hannon, 15 Alderwood Dr., Halifax, NS B3N 1S6. The family would like to thank all those who provided support during this time and wish particularly to note the kindness and care of Dr. George Carruthers and the medical staff of Unit 8 of Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown who tended to Len during his brief illness. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Len may be made to the Metro Food Bank, St. Paul's Anglican Church or a charity of your choice.