Peter Martin (Marty) LeBlond

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Marty; our husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, classmate, teammate, and friend. Marty passed peacefully from brain cancer at the Nanaimo Palliative Care Unit, Nanaimo, B.C. on November 29, 2023. Marty was predeceased by his parents, Harry (1996) and Joan (2018). He is survived by his wife Sandra/Sandy, sons Mike (Monica) and Scott, and daughters Justine (Chris), and Kelsey. As well as his brothers and sisters Ted (Nancy), Janice, Rob (Kathy), Phil (Brenda), and Linda; his grandchildren Livia, Rory, Evan, and Rhett, and his extended family of nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins and their families.

Marty was born in Ottawa, Ontario but moved to North Vancouver, B.C. in 1958 when his parents and siblings relocated. Most of his life was spent on the North Shore where he was raised, went to school, and graduated from West Vancouver High School. He attended Vancouver Vocational Institute where he obtained his Trade Certification and later started his career as an electrician. Marty’s early marital life was punctuated with three relationships, but it was in 1992 he found his true soulmate and partner for life in Sandy, culminating in their marriage in 1995. Sandy became mother and friend to Marty’s two existing children, Mike and Justine, and blessed him with two children of their own, Kelsey and Scott. They settled into raising their family in North Vancouver until 2005 when they moved to Calgary, Alberta. The move presented opportunities in purchasing a home, better income, and reuniting with Sandy’s brother Trevor and his family. However, the siren song and allure of the Pacific West Coast was always there for Marty and Sandy. In 2019, they decided to relocate back to B.C. and purchase a home in Nanaimo; it is there that Sandy, Kelsey, and Scott still reside.

Marty excelled as an electrician and quickly rose to senior and supervisory levels wherever he worked. The early part of his career involved mostly heavy building construction on numerous large commercial and institutional projects. He became a lead electrician for the Vancouver School Board where he worked for 20 years until his move to Calgary. In Alberta, he accepted a variety of employment opportunities before ending his career in the oil and gas industry in 2020.

From early childhood to his latter days, Marty was always active; he was an excellent athlete who participated in many sports. His real passion was for the game of rugby and a relationship with the Capilano Rugby Football Club (CRFC). Marty, sometimes known as ‘Harry’, started playing rugby in high school. In 1971, from age 19, he joined the CRFC. He played for many seasons, was a great player, and a devoted club member but eventually had to give up active playing due to failing knees. However, this didn’t hold him back from dedicating a good part of his time to coaching his own children, 1st Division and Junior club members. Later on, while living in Nanaimo, Marty’s strong affinity to the Capilanos would often draw him over to the North Shore on the ferry to support his club and visit with family and friends.

He was a voracious reader, particularly enjoying Wilbur Smith and Clive Cussler. He loved exploring with his dog Kia, camping with the family, especially his grandkids, swimming in the cold ocean waters or jumping into the icy Capilano River (“It’s refreshing!”). Early in his family life he would often pack Mike and Justine up in his campervan and drive out to Cultus Lake or an isolated beach like Porteau Cove and set up camp. In his later years he, Sandy, Kelsey, and Scott would take day outings into the mountains or venture on longer trips to far away lands like Costa Rica. When on Vancouver’s North Shore he loved to take his Mom for walks at Ambleside Park, enjoy a Maple Walnut ice cream cone, and watch the boats go under Lions Gate Bridge. In addition to Ambleside, some favourite places to gather with family and friends included Whytecliff Park, Horseshoe Bay, Cate’s Park, and John Lawson Park.

Marty cherished family, and his greatest pride was caring for and being the best father he could be to his children, Mike, Justine, Kelsey, and Scott. He treasured the time spent with Sandy, and fortunately they were able to enjoy one last trip together in Mexico in March 2023. For over 30 years, they built a life together, shared trials and tribulations, comforts and joys, tears, and much laughter. Their loving bond will continue forever.

Marty’s terminal diagnosis in October was a direct blow to everyone, especially himself. As a true warrior, he was stricken by the fact he may not win this battle. This fierce type of cancer would also deprive him of vision before taking his life. Despite it all, he held his head high, kept a smile on his face and enjoyed his last weeks with family and the many visitors who made the trip to Nanaimo to say their goodbyes.

In closing, Sandy and the family would like to thank the medical team, caregivers and Palliative Support Team of Nanaimo Regional Hospital, and all the friends that were there to provide (and still provide) support through phone calls and visits.

Marty has touched many hearts through his lifetime. His love of life, great sense of humor and devotion to so many people, will be intensely missed.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 3 2024, 2-5 pm at the Capilano Rugby Club @ Klahanie Park, 305 Klahanie Court, West Vancouver, BC.

Please consider donating to the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada. Although Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive brain tumor (the type Marty had), funding for research is minimal.

Thank you for your consideration.

https://www.braintumour.ca/ways-to-give/donate-now/