Obituary of Leonard Joseph Retieff

Our Dad Leonard Joseph Retieff passed peacefully away at Pine Grove Nursing Home on March 31st 2026 after a 2 year battle with dementia. It is with deep sorrow, but great relief that his battle is over. Predeceased by his parents Robert and Alice Retieff (Flynn), first wife Sandra (Husk) and second wife Gladys (Elliot). Dad was born in West Bay, NL but the family later moved to Stephenville Crossing, NL. There were ten children and he is survived by his sister, Denota in California, whom he spoke of often. Dad leaves behind to celebrate his life with many treasured memories and adventures, his daughter, Renee (Tim) and son, Charles.

In Dad's early years he was never without a dollar in his pocket. He often talked about saving up enough money for his mother to order her winter coat from Simpson Sears catalog for the winter. He worked at his father's saw mill, drove taxi, often driving around American Servicemen from Harmon Air Force Base. Dad also worked for many years at the Vocational School in Seal Cove, NL as a Boiler Room Plant Operator, always dedicated to the job and never missed a days work.

When Dad and his second wife Gladys retired, they moved to Masonic Park in Mount Pearl, NL. Dad had many hobbies and would get up at 4:00 AM to bake batches of homemade bread, which he would give away. He would walk up to 16 kilometers a day until he turned 89 years young. Dad was legally blind in one eye, but he had a knack for repairing antique clocks. His passion was yard-saling and always looking for a bargain at second hand stores. He would also love going to the cabin every summer in Elliston, NL going for long walks by the sea.

In 2001 Dad moved to Fredericton with his daughter Renee and her husband Tim. Dad loved to go on adventures like grocery shopping, long walks and always being on the move with Renee and Tim. Dad thoroughly enjoyed attending many a concert in the summertime at Queens Square and the Lawrence Amphitheater in Fredericton. He also enjoyed sitting in his rocking chair, looking out through the living room window people watching and waving at perfect strangers as they walked by.

Dad joined the Adult Day Program at York Manor, attending three to five days a week while living with us in Fredericton. Dad was supported by his awesome and compassionate Personal Care Worker, Kyla Kervin. They would go for long drives, enjoying coffee and ice cream. Dad enjoyed Kyla's company and looked forward to seeing her every day.

In 2024 dementia started to creep in and in March 2025 Dad moved into Pine Grove Nursing Home.  As the disease started to steal our Dad the staff at Pine Grove supported not only our father, but our family. The "Long Goodbye" that stole the person we knew never diminished the love we had for each other. There were days at Pine Grove where Dad gave the staff a "Run for their money" but the staff loved him unconditionally and knew the disease had robbed the person we knew. On warm summer and fall days at Pine Grove, Dad, myself and other family members, along with their loved ones would sit out back in the beautiful screened in gazebo overlooking the Saint John river, watching the eagles, building deep friendships and support in our Journey together. I will be "Forever Thankful" for Pam, Pauline, Lucy, Carolyn and Nova the dog.

We are eternally grateful for the kindness and compassion shown to our Dad by the "Entire Staff" at Pine Grove Nursing Home. There are too many of you to mention by name. Thank-you for your "Team Approach" and for making our family part of the Pine Grove family.

Cremation has taken place and as per Dad's wishes there will be no visitation or service. Interment will take place in Stephenville Crossing, NL at a later date.

 

 

Dear Dad,

The "Long Goodbye" is finally over. We were in this Journey together.