Leo Leandre Joseph LeBlanc passed away peacefully at The Moncton Hospital on Saturday, February 21st, 2009, with his family by his side, after a courageous fourteen month battle with cancer. Born in Dupuis Corner, NB on October 3rd, 1938, he was the son of Ulysse and Dorina (Surette) LeBlanc.

Upon graduation from St. Malachy’s High School in Saint John, NB he continued his education at Saint Vocational School where he graduated as a Marine Radio Operator. He joined the Canadian Coast Guard serving aboard the icebreaker CGS NB MacLean in the Canadian Arctic. Following his stint with the Coast Guard he joined Transport Canada as an Air Radio Operator serving remote postings in Frobisher Bay (Iqualuit), Cape Hope’s Advance and Pond Inlet. He then began a 36 year career in Air Traffic Control serving as a VFR controller in Saint John, NB, Gander and Stephenville, NL and an IFR controller in Gander, Moncton and Goose Bay, Labrador where he served one year as unit chief. He spent the final years of his career as an IFR Air Traffic Control instructor in Moncton, retiring as the Manager of IFR Training (Moncton) in 1995. He was a proud member of the Canadian Air Traffic Controllers Association (CATCA) serving as Regional Director for a term in the seventies.

A parishioner of Holy Family Parish for 37 years he served his parish as a member of the pastoral council, choir and as a lector. Leo was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and a charter member of the The Holy Family Knights of Columbus council 9372 where he served two terms as Grand Knight and was twice honored a Knight of the Year. He served his community with Scout’s Canada for 14 years as a cub leader with Holy Family in Moncton, St. Michaels in Goose Bay, Bridgedale in Riverview and as a Scout leader with Mount Royal in Moncton.

Leo is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Evelyn (McLaughlin), son David, daughter-in-law Lori, grandchildren Zack and Sophie, brothers; Rheal (Gloria), Donald (Faith), sisters; Jeannita (Al Francis), Marie (Phil Goreham), Rosella (Tim Hoar), Alva (Gerry Powell), Linda (Bruce Lipsett) and Nancy (Don Taylor), several nieces and nephews, aunts, cousins and very special friends Emily and Grant Logan. He was pre-deceased by his parents, infant son Paul Leo, sister Andrea LeBlanc, nieces Emily Taylor and Connie Chase.

Visitation to be held at Cobb’s Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 330 Whitepine Road, Riverview, (869-2007) on Tuesday, February 24th , from 7-9 pm and on Wednesday, February 25th , from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Parish prayers and sharing of memories will take place at 8:30 pm Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Funeral mass to be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church on Thursday, February 26th at 11:00 am with Fr. Phil Mulligan as Celebrant. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to The Canadian Cancer Society, Friends of The Moncton Hospital, The Canadian Liver Foundation or the palliative care unit of The Moncton Hospital.

( Source: Phil Gies & John Gilbert )

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