Harold LeBlanc

Harold LeBlanc—age 80 of Halifax, NS—passed away peacefully on September 12, 2015, with his wife of 59 years, Kay at his side during his final moments of life. Born in Halifax, he was the son of Thomas L. LeBlanc (Cheticamp) and Mary Garnett Pellerine (Port Felix). Harold was a family man, taking great interest and pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

He had a long and steady career as a mechanic, mechanical teacher, service manager and finally, at the height of his career, the GM of Halifax Ignition. In this role he travelled the Atlantic Provinces and into several U.S. states, where he always made good friends and good memories. Dad never left a new place where he hadn’t made a friend or, at the very least, a new acquaintance.

This was made especially evident in our family life; there wasn’t a place we could go where someone didn’t know Dad. Everyone loved to share a story about his “ball days,” or how they knew him from when he travelled with work. Regardless of how they knew him, people were always pleased to see him again and reminisce with one of his kids about the good times they had shared with him. Needless to say, he was a very well-respected man in his community.

For his family though, Harold will be most remembered by his love of sports, music, and time shared with family and friends at our home. His love for baseball, which developed in his early years, began with playing for several different teams around Halifax; eventually, Dad even coached junior ball. Regardless of if he was playing, watching his own kids play, or setting up two TVs to capture both games at the same time, it can be said that his enthusiasm for sport instilled a competitive passion amongst his children.

When he gave up his glove, Dad picked up the guitar and from there on filled our home with song and celebration, shaping some of our most cherished memories. He didn’t go far from home without his beloved guitar. Together with our Mum, he turned our home into an entertainment hub; whether it be regular card games with close friends, songs sung and strummed with his buddy John, or simply sitting and enjoying the company of family or neighbours, our door was always open and never was a visitor turned away. Dad and Mum worked in tandem for over 50 years to create a home that was built on love, faith, and acceptance.

In more recent years, when the music didn’t play as often and friends passed, making for fewer visits, there is no doubt that Dad’s greatest source of joy was seeing one of his six children come through the door. Likewise, a visit from his grandchildren was sure to put a twinkle in his eye. He simply enjoyed the commotion that his growing family brought back into the home, the new stories we had to share and, of course, nothing made him happier than seeing the boys fix a thing or two around the house.

Dad, you taught us to take pride in the simple pleasures of life. You taught us to listen to the music, and dance if we want to. You didn’t take the challenges of life too seriously—instead, you fought back with humour, grace, and faith, knowing that everything would be okay in the end. You didn’t demand presence, but you definitely gave it. And most of all, Dad, you gave us the greatest gift of all: love.

We miss you already.

Survived by his wife, Kathleen (Houlihan); daughter, Valerie LeBlanc; sons, Gary, Phillip (Sandy), Alan (Denise), Peter (Ann-Marie) and David (Brenda); 13 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren—as well as special niece Susan Conrod, and many more nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his sister, Theresa Lucier, Duncan, BC; brothers, Lawrence LeBlanc, Montreal, QC and Peter LeBlanc, Halifax.