Leon Nielsen

April 26, 1937 - July 6, 2007

A private Catholic Mass will be held

Leon Nielsen was born in Viby, Denmark on April 26, 1937,
and passed in to the hands of God on July 6, 2007. He was a
Renaissance man and an adventurer determined to make his
life meaningful for the well-being of people, animals and the
environment.

Educated in Denmark, Leon became a member of the elite
Danish Jaegerkorpset military team. A skilled paratrooper and
strategist, he wrote numerous training manuals and taught
military units in Denmark, England, France and Germany. In
an officer exchange program with the U.S. Leon earned his
Ranger badge and served with distinction in Vietnam with
the Special Forces.

After ten years with the Canadian Wildlife Service, Leon
became an internationally known wildlife biologist through
his many scientific writings and research. He traveled
worldwide and authored seven reference books, but had a
special love for Africa. Familiar with all animals, he
specialized in elephants, rhinos and lions, and he trained
anti-poaching units in various countries.

Leon lived his life with honor, generosity of spirit and a
strong sense of duty. He was a man of courage, charm and
conviction. Leon is survived by his best friend and devoted
wife, Jill Turcott-Nielsen, and best loved sons, Logan and
Flemming, without whom his life would not have been
complete. He is survived by his dearly loved sister, Melitha,
and other family in Denmark and Canada. Leon will be deeply
missed by loved ones and colleagues throughout the world.

A private Catholic Mass will be celebrated in accordance
with Leon's last wish
REH: Two-Gun Raconteur
The Definitive Howard Journal