Roland Leblanc

Roland died peacefully at Wellesley Central Place where he received excellent care.

Highly educated (degrees in English and theology) and endlessly well read, Roland had a genuine love of ideas, conversation, and the world around him. These qualities were evident in his early work as a Jesuit priest, teacher, and university instructor (University of Saskatchewan and Sorbonne University), and in his subsequent career as an Ontario civil servant.

Roland was an avid collector of books, music, and film that filled his apartment. In fact, his vast collection and deep love of books once made for a feature article in the Toronto Star.

A caring person who always seemed to know something worth sharing, Roland was just as interested in hearing what others had to say. This was evident in his many years as a volunteer with the AIDS Committee of Toronto.

For all his intelligence, it was Roland’s warmth and generosity that those who knew him will remember most. He was vibrant, engaging, and full of life, with a presence that made an impression and a spirit that will be deeply missed.

Roland was predeceased by his parents, Armand and Gloria LeBlanc, and by his siblings, Maurice, Marilyn, and Roseanne. He leaves behind his niece, Dana Grismer, his nephews, Rob and Chris Grismer, along with dear friends Nick Hogya, Dwight Aranha, and Julian Kitchen, as well as Christopher Holcroft, Karen Scale, and their son Matthew, and the many people whose lives were made richer by knowing him.

Roland lived a life of the mind, but also very much a life of the heart. He will be remembered with great affection, gratitude, and more than a few good stories.