William (Bill) LeBlanc

It is with immense sorrow but appreciation for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of William (Bill) Lawrence LeBlanc, 90, of River Glade, after a very brief illness, at the Moncton Hospital on December 2, 2025.  Born in Middlesex, NB, Bill was the treasured son of William J. LeBlanc, Moncton, and Helen (Lewis) LeBlanc, The Glades, NB.

Raised on Cornhill Street, Moncton, Bill loved to relive his younger days of rushing to finish up chores and then running all the way downtown on Saturday afternoons to catch the black and white movies at the "old Imperial Theatre", where twenty-five cents would buy you a pop, a treat, and entrance to the movie.  In 1951, he and his mom moved to The Glades, where he began playing baseball with the River Glade guys.  It was there that "I saw this beautiful girl walking out the road to watch the baseball game with her friend.  I was instantly smitten".  After 5 years of dating, he married our mom, Beatrice Lutes, and together they raised 4 girls who will miss his jokes, concern, guidance, love and help in their lives.

Dad retired as Car Shop Foreman in the Gordon Yard and Auxiliary Foreman, which was the highlight of his 35-year career with CN.  His recounts of the laughs and fun that crew had while performing the extremely hard, and sometimes dangerous, job of cleaning up Maritime train wrecks brought many a smile to those lucky enough to hear them.

Aside from his career with CN, Dad was the unofficial handyman of River Glade and surrounding areas.  Having earned his electrician license during his CN apprenticeship, he could be found in his spare time, wiring houses, fixing appliances, trouble shooting issues or just helping out friends, neighbours, relatives or anyone looking for quality work.  His caring and giving nature saw that no person was ever overcharged, often doing work for free when he knew someone was in need.

In his earlier years, Dad could be found playing hockey or refereeing at Petitcodiac Arena, golfing at Petitcodiac Golf and Country Club, snowmobiling, trailering, puttering around in his workshop or tinkering in his garage.  A few short years ago, he decided to take up guitar and took lessons until he could play for his and Mom’s enjoyment.

Despite his many interests, Bill was a true family man at heart.  He loved family gatherings, watching his grandsons play hockey and being included in anything that brought the entire family together.  That was a big and loud group when all were present!

Left to remember the beautiful memories of this gentle giant of a man are his wife of 68 years, Beatrice (Babe) LeBlanc, his four daughters, Janice LeBlanc (Brian Cyr, Sr.), River Glade, Wendy LeBlanc, Colpitts Settlement, Tracey LeBlanc (Stuart Saunders), River Glade and Charlene Bannister (Wayne), Colpitts Settlement.  His six grandchildren, Jason Wilson (Carrie), Kyle Wilson (Ashley), Jared Wilson (Jaki), Wesley Bannister (Tammy Carter), Melissa Giberson (Scott), and Danielle LeBlanc-Cyr (Pascal), his fourteen great-grandchildren Brett, Blake and Brock Wilson, Tyler, Halle and John Wilson, Jacob, Audrey and Emma Cochran, Ava and Noah Wilson, Colten Bannister, Quinn and Ellie Giberson, brother-in-law Stuart Lutes (Glendine), Petitcodiac, three nieces Bonnie Warren, Elgin, Heather Perry (Shawn), Sundrie, AB, Katie LeBlanc, New Waterford, NS, great-nephew Michael Urwin, The Glades, and numerous cousins. Additionally, he is survived by his beloved canine friend, Buddy, who rescued Dad two years ago after the heartbreaking loss of his 13 year old friend, Maverick.

In addition to his parents, Dad was predeceased by his sister, Evangeline Urwin (late Harry), half-brother Irvin LeBlanc, stepsister Phyllis (Jake) Colepaugh, brother-in-law George Lutes (late Marilyn Colpitts), nephews Philip Urwin and Harry Urwin, Jr.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Salisbury Funeral Home.  Visitation will take place Thursday, December 4th, 2025, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Saint Andrews Anglican Church, 62 Church Street, Petitcodiac, NB., and from where the funeral service will be held Friday, December 5th, 2025 at 2 pm.  Refreshments will be served after the service. 

If desired, donations to the Anglican Building and Memorial Fund (of the Parish of Salisbury and Havelock) or charity of choice would be appreciated by the family.

The family wishes to extend an extra special thank you to Tara O’Regan, Lynn Renton and Karen Moores for all the extra energy you put into keeping him active, engaged and enjoying life after our precious mom became a resident of the Jordan Lifecare Center. Your dedication to improving his home and his life will be forever in our memories.