Léon Richard was born in 1924 in Richibuctou Village, New Brunswick. He was the son of Joseph D.F. Richard and Julie Maranda.

After receiving a BA at the University of St. Joseph in 1944, he studied medicine at the University of Laval and graduated in 1951. He practiced medicine in his hometown and then returned to school at Harvard and Boston City Hospital where he specialized in ophthalmology and became a member of the Royal College of Physicians. He then returned to live in Moncton, where he practiced medicine.

Léon Richard was medical director of the Dr. Georges-L. Dumont and Medical Director of the Dr. Léon-Richard Oncology Center.

Dr. Léon Richard was chancellor of the Université de Moncton, president of the Canadian Medical Association and was also president of the Société Nationale des Acadiens from 1964 to 1969 and member of the Council of French Life in America.

He became a member of the Order of Canada in 1984.

He passed away on December 20, 1997

Sources: Wikipedia / CMA Journal / Research P. Richard