Community pays tribute to Woolworths Geraldton’s Leon Mongoo after cancer battle ends in tragedy

A Woolworths Geraldton employee who lost a short battle with cancer has been honoured by co-workers and the wider community with a memorial at one of the supermarket’s closed check-outs.

Leon Mongoo was diagnosed with cancer just one month ago and despite putting up a fight, succumbed to his illness in early August. Colleagues set up a memorial to honour him, saying the team “wanted to give the fun-loving Leon the send-off he deserved”.

“Leon loved his time working at Woolies, he made a lot of forever friends and loved his customers dearly,” a poster on the memorial reads.

“Rest in peace Leon, in the clouds we will meet again.”

Woolworths team member Nancy Murray, who worked with Mr Mongoo for four years, said he would be sorely missed.

“He was the type of guy to always have a smile on his face,” she said. “I think customers will miss him dearly, they appreciated how friendly he was and how good he was at his job.”

He was such a beautiful young man with so much potential. An absolute pleasure to talk to.

“I saw this (the memorial) today — I really enjoyed his customer service and friendliness — RIP young man; strength and prayers to the family,” one commenter said.

“Aww that is so, so, sad that he has left this world. He was such a beautiful young man with so much potential. An absolute pleasure to talk to. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family. He will be sadly missed by so many people that shop at Woolworths,” another said.

“Oh I'm so sorry to hear about this. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. He used to catch my bus. He was always a pleasure to have on board. We spent many a day having a great chat. We would even have a bit of a joke when I went through his checkout. A lovely young man. You will be very missed RIP Leon,” another read.

A donation fund has been started for Mr Mongoo’s funeral costs. Donations can be made at Woolworths service desk.