Dr. Leo E. Wisniowski passed away peacefully on Jan. 7th, 2023, after a sudden and unexpected illness. Leo leaves behind the joys of his life; his children with Marissa Espinet-Bossy: Tamara (Marlee) and Kaz, and his children with Alison Hewey: Daria, Ramona and Stefan. He is also survived by his mother, Maria (née Zytkowicz), his siblings Jan (Susanne), Stefan (Anna), and Irena (Lee), his partner, Monica, and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends around the world, as well as his beloved dogs, Dave and Zelda. Leo is now reunited with his late father, Zbigniew, as well as many of the pets he has adored over the years.
Leo was born on Oct. 6, 1965, in Montreal and had wonderful experiences with his Polish heritage growing up; he was especially fond of his memories of the Polish Boy Scouts and travelling to Poland. Leo completed his bachelor of science at McGill University and was awarded for his groundbreaking neuroscience research.
Leo then attended Dalhousie University to earn his medical doctorate and pursued his training as a family medicine physician in Toronto. Leo began his first practice as a family doctor in Chester Basin, N.S., before relocating and continuing his medical practice in the Halifax area. Leo found so much joy in being able to help his many grateful patients and prided himself on his holistic approach to medicine, as well as his prowess as a diagnostician.
Being a true renaissance man, Leo was an avid musician, a skilled handyman, a talented rugby player, an enthusiastic traveller, a patron of the arts, a curator of eccentric collections, a gifted skier, a brilliant photographer, an exceptional linguist, and a master in debate and conversation.
Leo loved nature and wanted to spend as much time outside as possible, and he especially enjoyed camping. Everyone who knew Leo will fondly recall his ability to speak to anyone, at any time, as well as to find the humour in all situations. He truly had joie de vivre and was passionate about experiencing all life had to offer; he often aimed to have three adventures a day.
However, the true happiness of Leo’s life was found in his five children. Leo was a dedicated father and was so proud of every facet of each of his children. Leo loved his children more than anything in this world and considered them to be what made his life meaningful and worthwhile.
Leo had so many things he was looking forward to doing, including travelling the globe, making breakthroughs in the treatment of adult ADHD, and becoming a father a few more times. His life ended before he was able to accomplish all his aspirations, but his memory will live on through all who knew him.
If you would like to donate in honour of Leo, please consider the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA).