It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend Alexander "Sugars" Leadbeater. Sugars passed surrounded by his loving family on May 28th, 2026, in his hometown of New Waterford, Nova Scotia. Sugars was born on January 9th, 1941, to his father Johnny and mother Veronica (MacDougall) Leadbeater.

Sugars worked as a coal miner for 31 years. Following his work as a miner, he spent time completing a Cursillo, an experience he greatly enjoyed.  Sugars also enjoyed volunteering, holding volunteer positions as a firefighter with the Scotchtown Fire Department and delivering for Meals on Wheels for 15 years, both of which he took great pride in.

During his hospitalization, we witnessed tremendous love and support from Sugars’ tight knit family and large circle of friends in the community for whom he will be forever thankful. These connections are what kept him going throughout his hospital stay.

Sugars had many pastimes throughout his wonderful 85 years. He remained active in both the Knights of Columbus as a 3rd Degree Knight and a member of the Army Navy Airforce Unit 217 in New Waterford. Sugars participated in games of cribbage, tarbish and bowling. Among these, it would be safe to say that cribbage was his favourite, as he attended an annual tournament against his rivals in Truro for 31 years (with New Waterford being victorious). An avid sports fan, Sugars most enjoyed rooting on his favourite team, the Montreal Canadiens. He spent a significant amount of time discussing hockey with his grandsons, often telling stories of the Canadiens glory days.

While Sugars enjoyed many things, he had a passion for singing and dancing. His love for singing even took him to the hometown of his favourite singer, Fats Domino, in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was on Bourbon Street where he was proud to perform his favourite song, Blueberry Hill. This song will forever hold a special place in our hearts, and he will be in our minds whenever it is played. He attended dances at the Pensioner’s Club and Army Navy Airforce Unit 217 in New Waterford, as well as dances in Glace Bay and Dominion. It was impossible to keep Sugars off the dance floor. He was known in New Waterford as one of the best to jive and will be missed by his many dancing partners who enjoyed his presence every week.

Above all, Sugars was a true family man. He never missed an event, holiday, or get-together with his loved ones. He stated many times that his family is his greatest accomplishment in life. He could be seen beaming with pride at any accomplishment they made. Sugars is survived by his daughters Rhonda (Salvatore) and Karen (Billy), his loving partner of 45 years, Sally, his brothers Angus “Duggie” and Reggie (Trudy), and his sister Linda (Tiger). Sugars is also survived by his grandchildren Ashley, Jarrett, and Preston, and his great-grandchildren Italia and Gianna (to whom he was known as “Poppy Sugars”), Sally’s son Michael (Beth), their children Chloe and Evan, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his mother Veronica, father Johnny, his brothers Jack "Tucker", Allie, and Malcom "Baldie", and his sisters Mary and Lucy. 

Sugars will be remembered by all as someone who lit up every room he entered. He greeted everyone he met with a smile on his face, and usually a joke to throw in the mix. Sugars’ charisma and charm was recognized by everyone who was in his presence. Our lives will be forever changed without him, but we are forever grateful for the support and pride that he showed his family for 85 wonderful years. 

We extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the entire staff on the second floor of the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital for keeping Sugars comfortable during his final months, with a special thank you to his favourite Continuing Care Assistants Brett (Blondie) and Courtney.

Cremation has taken place under the care of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A funeral mass to celebrate Sugars’ life will be held at the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Ave., New Waterford on Thursday, June 4th, 2026 at 10 a.m.  with Fr. Jim Oliver and Deacon Lorne MacNeil presiding. Interment in Mt. Carmel Cemetery. A reception will follow at the KOC hall on Plummer Avenue with all welcome to attend. Donations can be made in Sugars’ honour to the SPCA of Cape Breton. Online condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca 

“Although we're apart, you're part of me still. I know you will be waiting for all of us, dancing in the sky on Blueberry Hill”.