Joseph Leonard (Len) LeBlanc
It is with profound sadness that
we announce the passing of Joseph Leonard (Len) LeBlanc, age 88, of
Moncton NB, on August 17th, 2020. Born in Saint John NB, he was the
only child (adopted) of the late Helen (Govang) and Arthur LeBlanc, of
Moncton. He attended school in Moncton and completed high school at
St. Thomas College in Chatham NB. He graduated with a BA and BEd from
St. FX, in Antigonish NS. In 1961, he was awarded the Lord Beaverbrook
teachers’ overseas scholarship to study for a year at the
University College London Institute of Education. He taught school in
Montreal and then in several locations in NB, including South Nelson,
Bathurst, Dorchester and Moncton. He also coached high school
volleyball and reach-for-the-top teams. He earned an MSLS from
Syracuse University (NY) through summer study from 1967-1973 and then
worked as the library coordinator for School District 2 in Moncton
until his retirement.
Len was a dedicated musician,
playing piano from a young age and further developing his talent as a
whistler and singer through his college years. He was also an exacting
performer, striving for excellence and working tirelessly toward that
goal. He was immeasurably generous, offering guidance to others
seeking to reach their potential in musical endeavours. He led a
lively international folksong group for students at Harrison Trimble
High School and volunteered as an all-round expert in local
students’ music productions, including a series of school
musicals where he played older vocal roles as needed, managed the
lighting and provided technical support. He sang for numerous
weddings, funerals, regular church and synagogue services and other
events in Moncton. He always enjoyed singing at local fundraising
events and in hospital and seniors’ home concerts. He was a
member of several choirs including les Chanteurs du Mascaret, Chorale
Alouette, Mount Royal United Church Choir and le Choeur Neil-Michaud.
In the summers of 1971 and 1973, he was a soloist with Syracuse
University’s Crouse Chorale and Concert Choir. In 1975, his
solo with les Chanteurs du Mascaret placed 3rd in the International
Eisteddfod in Wales. He always felt honoured to share the stage with
so many others who shared his passion and he took special delight in
performing with his daughter Tess.
He was a wonderful grandfather
and ever the teacher with enthusiasm for his grandchildren’s
musical and athletic endeavours.
Len was predeceased by his
beloved wife Mildred (Millie Webb) LeBlanc and his sister Norma
Legere. He is survived by his sister Rose Marie Jones, four children
Tess LeBlanc, Connie LeBlanc (Robert Chan), Vanya Ewart (Stephen) and
Misha/Mike LeBlanc, four grandchildren, Bridgette and Alexander Chan
and Fiona and Liam Ewart. He appreciated the kind care of his
pharmacist and of his palliative care nurses and physicians at both
hospitals in Moncton. He was grateful to his homecare nurses and
especially to his son Misha for patient and attentive care provided
throughout his and Millie’s final
years.
A private family Celebration
will be held at a later date.
Len’s arrangements
have been entrusted to Fergusons Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road,
Moncton (858-1995).
Donations in Len’s
memory may be made to the Albert County Historical Society or
to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared on
Fergusons Funeral Home Facebook page or at
www.fergusonsfuneralhome.com
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2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Joseph Leonard Len LeBlanc 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Moncton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick