It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Val William LeBlanc on January 30, 2021, in Kamloops, BC, at the age of 73.
Leaving behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Heather; daughter, Shawna (Gary) Muraca and granddaughters Isabella and Madelyn; and daughter, Rachelle LeBlanc and granddaughter Katelyn. Also mourning his loss are Val’s brother, Loran LeBlanc and family of Lower Wedgeport, Nova Scotia; his aunt, Betty Wallace of Georgia, USA, and numerous cousins in BC, Nova Scotia and the USA.
Val was predeceased by his mother Anna and father Theodore LeBlanc of Lower Wedgeport, along with several aunts and uncles.
Val also left behind several members of Heather’s family, who have many fond memories of wonderful times shared with him over the years. Lonna Tonner and family of Kingston, Ontario; Randy Harvey of Mission, BC; Cindy Phillip and family of Delta, BC; Barry Harvey and family of Stettler, Alberta; Darrell Harvey and family of Langley, BC; and Jacquie Harvey and family of Port Coquitlam, BC. Sadly, Heather’s brother Brent passed away in November, 2020 and left behind his wife Jacquie and family to grieve his loss.
Val met Heather in Halifax in 1968, while he was working his electrical trade in construction. They enjoyed their times together, snowmobiling in winter and cruising along the beautiful shores of Nova Scotia with friends in summer. Val was his happiest being in or around water. It was here he obtained his Scuba Diver Certification. He loved his diving and working on his friend’s boat at the Armdale Yacht Club.
Heather decided to head out west to Vancouver, with Val following Heather to the West Coast a couple of years later, and starting the next chapter of their life together in BC. It was then that his 30-year career as an electrician with BC Hydro began.
Val loved playing hockey and completed the National Coaches Certification Program in order to coach. He coached minor hockey – many times in the very early hours of the morning, after playing his own hockey game very late the night before!
Wanting to pursue a more active outdoor way of life, he transferred in BC Hydro to Kamloops to raise their young family. Shortly after their move in 1980, Val was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Val would not let MS define him or defeat him! He hung up his skates and was very determined to do his best, in spite of this devastating diagnosis.
That inner strength and determination enabled him to make the most of his life…and he did! He dealt with the challenges of the disease and continued to be the best that he could be.
Val enjoyed his working life at BC Hydro in Kamloops. In 1994, he was the honoured recipient of the BC Hydro Award of Distinction in Safety, in Memory of Don McEwan, with thefollowing reference: “Through his many efforts promoting a safe and healthy work environment, Val has repeatedly won respect from managers, supervisors and co-workers.” Val’s major safety and health-related accomplishments were many. Our family was extremely proud of him receiving this very prestigious award, which is presented annually for outstanding personal contributions to safety.
Val was also very involved with the MS Society and the volunteer committee for several years. His mission was to raise public awareness of the disease and to be an inspiration to others.
Above all, Val was a dedicated father, whether he was driving his girls to their activities, repairing some broken, cherished toy or building something that would bring years of enjoyment to his girls – a kitchen set, a Victorian dollhouse, a playhouse, were only a few. What in incredible blessing to have him as a Dad.
He continued to be active with his hobbies. Val was a member of the Kamloops Winemakers Assn. in the 1980’s for several years. Many good times were had with the neighbours in our garage, all sampling and bottling their wines. There was even more fun to be had at the competitions and the parties!
We have wonderful memories of our family spending many summers in Osoyoos, at the Shuswap, and on the Oregon Coast. Val was very proud of the new Dodge Maxivan he converted and outfitted himself for our camping adventures. As our girls got older, we bought a trailer and eventually parked it at the Shuswap for the next stage of outdoor living memories by the lake.
Although Val didn’t Scuba dive out west, he was thrilled to have had a couple of opportunities to Scuba dive in the Caribbean in later years. A memory that always remained with him was how he lay on the ocean floor at about 60 feet, and the water was so crystal clear that he could see the bottom of the boat above him. That same memory always brought a sparkle to his eyes!
“Val, it was your time to say goodbye. You will forever be in our hearts.”
When current restrictions are lifted, there will be a family Celebration of Val’s Life in Kamloops. It is our wish to take Val back to Nova Scotia next summer to honour him, his French heritage, and his Maritime roots.
Memorial donations may be made to the M.S. Society of Canada in Val’s memory.
The family would like to thank Dr. Wynne and the staff at Kamloops Seniors Village for their excellent care of Val the last several years.
Offer Condolence for the family of Val William LeBlanc 1947 – 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Val William LeBlanc 1947 –..
Décès pour la Ville: Kamloops, Province: Colombie britanique