Leonard Pluta (February 13, 1938 to August 9, 2025) was born into a hard-working family dwelling in a one-room hut with a dirt floor located on the outskirts of an impoverished village. Despite the apparent destitution, he could not have wished for a more fitting, generous, and secure gift from God, which shaped his positive and appreciative outlook on life.
Leonard was born one year before the outbreak of World War II. His family survived despite several near brushes with death. Some years later, his family moved to the ancient city of Krakow, where Leonard became a young adult. At the age of nineteen, a great adventure opened for Leonard and his brother Joe, which involved a journey to the other side of the globe to a fabulous country called Canada. Without any knowledge of English, the two young men moved to Canada, where they worked and studied. On his life path, Leonard met many generous people who gave him a helping hand and guided him along the path chosen for him by God. Eventually, Leonard earned a Ph.D degree in economics.
After seven years of courtship, Leonard married the love of his life, Barbara Jazienicka. The young family came to Antigonish, where Leonard was given the opportunity to teach at St.FX University. Captivated by the breathtaking scenery, the hospitality of the people, and the collegial atmosphere prevailing at the university, the family decided to stay. They were blessed with an enchanting piece of land at Antigonish Landing, where they built their dream home. This was their little corner of paradise where they lived for over fifty years and where they raised their three sons – Paul, Konrad, and Christian. Leonard retired after four decades of his enjoyable teaching career. He was also given the privilege to teach at the Coady Institute and travel to numerous countries. He co-authored a book on the once-famous Antigonish Movement.
Leonard was a family man. He adored his talented and generous wife. He shared in the numerous successes and occasional failures of his three sons. He loved and was proud of the accomplishments of his eight grandchildren. He loved nature in all its magnificent splendour. He was an avid gardener. He loved fishing and hunting. He continued these passions by raising trout in his fish pond, feeding birds, cutting hardwood, and raising peacocks. He learned how to make wine, smoke fish, sausages, bacon, and anything edible.
When he retired, the Good Lord bestowed upon him another gift - a passion for writing fiction. He wrote three books in which he showed the inherent goodness of human beings and their faith in God. He was a humble man because, as he would say, "he had a lot to be humble about."
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his brother, Andrew (Teresa); his three sons, Paul (Karen), Konrad (Tina) and Christian (Tracy); and eight grandchildren, Xavier, Lea, Cammie, Allison, Sara, Olivia, Jack and Mason.
He was predeceased by his infant daughter, Magdalen, his brother, Joe; and his sister, Marianne.
Special thanks to the palliative care team and the VON. Thanks to Dr. Gorman, Dr. MacDougall, Dr. Rice, and nurses Traci and Jami.
There will be no public visitation, but Funeral Mass will be held Monday at 1:00pm in St. Ninian Cathedral, Antigonish, with Reverend Danny MacLennan presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery.
In Memoriam, donations may be made to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation (Palliative Care) or the VON.
In his memory, please consider a prayer or a good deed for someone less fortunate.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com