July 5, 1941 - January 17, 2023
Yahrzeit: 24 Tevet 5783
Click on photo to enlarge
Click on photo to enlarge
From: https://memorials.sydneymemorialchapel.com/leon-dubinsky/5122644/
Early Tuesday morning, Cape Breton lost one of its favourite sons. On January 17, 2023, at 4:44 a.m., Leon Isaiah Dubinsky passed away peacefully in the arms of his loved ones at the age of 81.
A man made of music, wit, and humour, Leon was a good man who valued family above all else.
Leon was born in Sydney on July 5, 1941, to the late Newman and Esther (Goldman) Dubinsky.
Leon is survived by his wife, Elizabeth MacCormick; daughter, Ella (Kyle) Dubinsky of Englishtown; and brother, Leslie (Josine) Dubinsky, of Bedford. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, Barrie Carnat, Englishtown, Johnnie (Mary) MacCormick, Dartmouth, and Ronnie (Rhoda) MacCormick, Cape Breton, as well as sisters-in-law, Anne-Marie (Dennis) Bowie, Dartmouth, and Mary-Ellen (Ryan) Seale, Cornwall.
Leon was predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Helen Dubinsky, Sylvia (Louis) Allen, and Evy Carnat.
Leon was a songwriter, musical director, actor, and teacher, and made many significant contributions to Cape Breton art and culture over the years. He wrote the unofficial anthem for Cape Breton in “We Rise Again”, as well as hundreds of other beautiful songs. Leon was the musical director of the Cape Breton Summertime Revue and Rise and Follies for twelve years, and was a founding member of the band, Buddy and the Boys. In 2002 Leon received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the ECMAs.
Leon was deeply honoured that his music had an impact, whether it was in a bar room or a concert hall, a church or a synagogue. He loved hearing how his songs brought hope and inspiration to so many over his long, rich, creative life. He was loved deeply by his family, his friends, and the entire Cape Breton community.
Leon sang in the Temple Sons of Israel choir throughout his life and cherished being a part of the Cape Breton Jewish community. An avid storyteller, Leon’s presence loomed large, and his jokes, puns, punchlines, and deep wisdom brought smiles to every face. He loved Cape Breton, and especially Englishtown, where he spent many years making paths in the woods, stacking wood in the winter, writing and playing music by the fire, and taking care of his family. He adored his dog, Schmeeps, a fond companion for the past several years.
His family is heartbroken by this loss, and cannot find the words to express their grief. But in these moments, we turn to Leon's lyrics: “And now you're gone, and life goes on, it just doesn’t go on the same.”
