Leon Erskine Wilson was the scion of a family of Wilsons, all builders, construction workers with such impressive nicknames as ‘Concrete Wilson” and ‘Star’ Wilson. They were all community minded, extrovert and genial. The elder Wilson brothers settled in Somerset and Paget. They took young Leon under their wings and trained him well. It would be true to say he was a true chip of the old concrete block.Leon was in his 77th year when he died on February 13 after months of stoically battling a kidney ailment. He had in 2006 successfully received a kidney transplant, which kept him well for five yearsThe hundreds who attended his funeral, or celebration of life service a week ago at Allen Temple AME Church, Somerset, bore testimony to the high esteem in which he was held, and was a testament to the extraordinary role he played in the activities of his family, church and community and at large. His love of sports and passion for yachting gained him the honour and distinction of being made life Honorary Commodore of West End Sail Boat Club.On December 12, 1957, Leon married Sylvia Eloise Riley. Three children born of their union were Gregory, Kenneth and Angela. Son Kenneth was tragically lost at sea; Angela with the support of her father opened a nursery school; and Gregory, schooled in Europe as a jeweller, in 1982, opened his own jewelry story in Hamilton. Later he gained the concession to operate the restaurant at Port Royal Golf Club, known as Greg’s Steak House. The business expanded into Hamilton, being the classy Greg’s Steak House on the corner of Parliament and Church Streets.Leon was a prominent Scottish Freemason; and a trustee of the Loyal Irresistible Lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity Somerset, of which his grandfather was a builder. He served on many committees and was an active member of numerous programs at Allen Temple AME Church and Senior Choir, the Stewards Board and Trustee Board.Born at Lovers Lane, Paget, September 12, 1934, he was raised in the family homestead in Ely’s Harbour, Somerset. After attending Paget Primary School, Central School (now Victor Scott School) and Mrs Galleon’s private school in Court Street, Hamilton, Leon was apprenticed to his uncle John Wilson, one of Bermuda finest masons.Leon himself evolved into a master mason, becoming junior foreman and later foreman on such projects as the building of City Hall, BAA Gymnasium, Elephant Walk in Tucker’s Town, Little Venice Restaurant, Rosebank Theatre and the General Post Office. He was especially noted for building intricate fireplaces, and during construction of the Inverurie Hotel he was recognised for building the fine moon gate at the entrance to the gardens.Pursuing his ambition to be self-employed, Leon in 1977 purchased taxi number T-1091, which he drove up until last year, being prominent among the many outstanding tour conductors and other ambassadors in the business. He served as chairman of the Advisory Board to the Ministry of Transport, representing the Bermuda Taxi Operators Union.