Mr. Emery Joseph Roger LeBlanc

      “Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Mr. Emery Joseph Roger LeBlanc, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

      As a young boy, Emery was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Emery was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Emery was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Emery also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. Emery was raised with four. He had three sisters and one brother, Loretta, Betsy, Jeanette and Leo. Emery was constantly involved in activities with his family. Emery and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

      Most folks would say that Emery was shy until they got to know him. Those who were privileged to know him well learned that he was a solid, good friend. Emery was reluctant to generalize about people, and he based his friendships on his personal experiences. Because of this, Emery best trusted those people that he truly knew. He was concerned about how those around him felt, and he always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. He could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that he made, Emery kept. Later in life, he became friends with Harry and Crissy Arpans.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Emery. On July 26, 1941 Emery married Marjorie Meeke at St Mary's Church of Walkerville, Ontario. He was totally committed to Marjorie and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Emery naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Emery disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

      Emery was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, Emery was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. In addition, Emery was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around him might be, he seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Emery was blessed with three children, two sons, Robert and James and one daughter, Judith Ann. They were also blessed with six grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Sherry, Darren, James Charles (JC), Nikole, Jeffrey and Tracey; and Shelby, Keegan and Karson.

      If you gave Emery a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Emery was always on task. Without hesitation, Emery could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was a Supervisor for Public Works. He was employed for 35 years at the City of Windsor. During that time, Emery excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Emery was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Emery had at true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. He was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

      Emery liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Emery's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Emery preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were camping and playing weekly card games with friends. Emery was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying his hobbies all by himself and could often be found just reading about his favorite pastimes.

      Due to his excellent organizational skills, Emery was a welcome addition to the professional and community organizations to which he belonged. Emery could bring established, successful methods to the discussion table, along with a generous helping of common sense. Emery was good at making and keeping schedules and never got bogged down in unnecessary details. Throughout his later years, Emery was an active member of the Windsor Hobo Trailer Club, Canadian National Campers and Hikers and the local Bowling League.

      An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, his faith was important to Emery. His compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in his personal beliefs. He was a member of St Chalmers United Church for many years.

      Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Emery had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that he was the trip planner. He would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included camping at Campers Cove and Florida.

      Emery had many different kinds of dogs, he would find stray dogs on the roadside and bring them home. Their was many! Too many to count. Emery was as loyal to his pets as they were to him.

      When Emery's retirement finally arrived in 1982, he was well prepared. He had taken the time to learn about his various options and chose his course wisely. His new life involved relocating to six months in florida and six months in Windsor, Ontario. They loved to camp. In retirement, he found new pleasure in traveling and camping around the US. Even in retirement, Emery continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      Emery passed away on March 19, 2008 at Leamington District Memorial Hospital in Leamington, Ontario. Emery lived a long 87 years. Full of truimph's and failure. He battle old age and mini strokes. He is survived by his children Robert, Judy, Jim; his grandchildren Sherry, Darren, JC, Nikki, Jeff and Tracey; his great grandchildren Shelby, Keegan, and Karson. Services were held at Walter D Kelly Funeral Home in Windsor, Ontario. Emery was laid to rest in Victoria Memorial Park in Windsor, Ontario next to his wife Marjoire who passed away in December of 1987. The sun was shinning and there was a little bit of a breeze. There was also a fresh layer of snow from the night before.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Emery was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Emery was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Emery LeBlanc was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Emery. He will be missed.