Residents are remembering a former New Brunswick MLA after his death at the age of 85.
LeRoy Armstrong died on April 27 while staying at the Saint John Regional Hospital.
“To use a common phrase for a very uncommon man, Dad was larger than life,” read his obituary.
Armstrong was born in a lumber camp as Thomas LeRoy Armstrong on Dec. 31, 1936, to parents Harry and Lena Armstrong. His obituary says he left school to join the working world in tenth grade and spent his time in various jobs.
Some include a lumberer, a tobacco picker, a railroad worker, a truck driver and a store produce manager.
“He sat on many boards and committees and was always fighting for the little guy against any and all perceived injustices,” read his obituary.
Armstrong went on to form Thomas L Armstrong & Sons Ltd and was one of the founding members of Kingsco Transport. He entered politics as a Liberal MLA in 1995 as a member of Frank McKenna’s caucus.
Before retirement, he worked as an opposition agriculture critic under Shawn Graham’s government.
“He came into this world in a hard-working environment and spent his entire life with that same work ethic,” read his obituary.
Armstrong is predeceased by several relatives, including his parents Harry and Lena, brother Russell and sisters Faye, Winnifred, Yvonne and Leona. Others also include his wife Anna, son Kevin, daughter Lori and grandson Jonathan.
He is survived by five sons, 14 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.