In Loving Memory of Father Leon W. Creamer

1934 – 2025

The Reverend Father Leon William Creamer of Miramichi, New Brunswick, passed away at the Miramichi Regional Hospital, on March 9, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born in Lower Newcastle, New Brunswick, on July 8, 1934, he was the son of the late Wilfred and Stella (Garrity) Creamer.  Father Creamer attended school in Lower Newcastle School from Grades 1-7, and then moved to Loggieville Jr. High for grade 8, and then attended St. Thomas High School in Chatham, New Brunswick, for Grades 9-11.  He graduated from Grade 11 with a high school diploma in 1951.  He went on to college at St. Thomas University in Chatham, New Brunswick, and received a BA degree in 1955.  He then attended Seminary – Sacred Heart in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from 1955 – 1959, and was ordained as a Priest for the Diocese of Saint John in 1959.  He was a Priest for 66 years.

Father Creamer’s first appointment was in Saint John, New Brunswick, at the Cathedral Parish of the Immaculate Conception for a 5 year term.  However, during that time he was called to St. Michael’s Basilica for a six-month stay when Father Wallace took sick and the parish needed help.  He came to St. Michael’s for a six month period from 1960 – 1961.  He then would return to the Cathedral Parish to finish his term of office.

From 1965 – 1969, he was appointed curate at St. Michael’s Parish in Chatham, New Brunswick.  In 1969, Bishop Joe N. MacNeil became Bishop of Saint John Diocese, and also in 1969, Father Creamer was appointed curate at the Assumption Parish in West Saint John. 

In 1971, he attended his first summer school in Religious Education at Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois, and would return to Loyola University for the summers of 1972 and 1973.  In 1971, he was called back to St. Michael’s Parish in Chatham, New Brunswick, with the added responsibility of caring for St. Ann’s Parish in Burnt Church, New Brunswick. 

In 1975, he was appointed to his first pastoral charge at Sts. Simon and Jude Parish in Nackawic, New Brunswick, including Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

In 1981, Father Creamer went to Jerusalem with Tantur Institute to study the Holy Land for six weeks.

In 1982 - 1985, he was appointed Pastor of St. Gertrude’s Parish in Woodstock, New Brunswick, and then in 1986, he received a Sabbatical year for study and attended Regis College in Toronto, Ontario, and while there, he received a Master's Degree in Sacred Theology from Regis College.

In 1986, he was appointed Pastor of Holy Trinity in Saint John, New Brunswick, and then in 1987, he returned as Pastor of St. Michael’s Parish in Chatham, New Brunswick, until his heart bypass surgery in 1991.  After his surgery he was then appointed Pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Nelson-Miramichi, New Brunswick.

In 1994, he attended Renewal Institute from January – March at Franciscans-Santa Barbara, California.

In 2002, Father Creamer applied and received permission to retire from active duty after 43 years.  Even after retirement he still would be called upon to help fill in for Mass at different churches, and he was willing to help a family in need with a Mass of Christian Burial when called upon.  He was the Chaplain of the Legion and Knights of Columbus 1219 for many years, and he also authored 3 books.  He was truly loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

Father Leon Creamer is survived by one sister, Ann Mae Peacock of Colorado Springs, Colorado; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Creamer of Miramichi, NB; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  He was predeceased by his parents, and one brother, Jack Creamer.

Visitation for The Reverend Father Leon Creamer was held at Adams Funeral Home, 140 King St., Miramichi, New Brunswick, on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  The Office of Vespers (Evening Prayer) was celebrated at St. Michael’s Basilica on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Michael’s Basilica, 10 Howard St., Miramichi, New Brunswick, on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Bishop Christian Riesbeck, and The Reverend Father Dan Bastarache as Celebrants.  Music for the service was provided by Mr. David Bunnell and St. Michael's Choir.  The hymns were: "Here I Am", "The Lord Is My Shephard", "You Are Near", "Lady of Knock", and the recessional hymn was "We Shall Go Out".  The scripture readings were read by Dorine McCarthy, and Judy Losier.  The eulogy was presented by Kelly Creamer Scott, and the Prayers of the Faithful were proclaimed by Judy Losier.

The Active Pallbearers were:  Michael Fletcher, Larry Creamer, Dale McDonald, Norman Richardson, Marcel Doucette, and The Reverend Father John Fraser.  A large number of Priests, C.W. L. and Knights of Columbus formed an honour guard following the service.  Interment will be held in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Miramichi, New Brunswick, later in the spring.

A recording of the live stream can be viewed at: 

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=ec3f13cd-0e86-4841-b1a9-af59fcea624a

As expressions of sympathy, donations to St. Michael’s Basilica or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

Arrangements were entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, New Brunswick, telephone (506) 773-3492.  Additionally, messages of condolence may be shared online at www.adamsfh.ca   

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