Eamon Leonard
22 September 1922 – 15 June 2009

Eamon, a priest of the Lismore Diocese NSW was born in 1922 at Ballina and there received his early schooling. He attended St John’s College, Woodlawn and then commenced studies for the priesthood at St Columba’s College, Springwood NSW. He studied Theology at St Patrick’s College, Manly and was ordained by Bishop Farrelly in St Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore in 1947.

He served in several parishes in the Lismore Diocese and in 1960 was appointed first parish priest of Kingscliff. In 1973 he was appointed parish priest of South Murwillumbah where he remained until he retired in 1997. Eamon was loved by his parishioners and pastorally he contributed much to the diocese. In 1979 he became spiritual director of the Legion of Mary and also worked as editor of the diocesan newspaper Catholic Life for many years. Eamon also spent many years as a member of the diocesan Matrimonial Tribunal.

It was with great joy that Eamon celebrated his 60th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood in November 2007 in the Sacred Heart Church, Murwillumbah.

All were saddened when he died suddenly in Kingscliff, aged 86. Eamon was faithful to his bishop and a true brother to his fellow priests, which was evident by the number of priests from Northern NSW who attended the Requiem Mass celebrated by Bishop Geoffrey Jarrett.

May this dear and gentle man rest in peace.