Obituary of Mike LeBlanc

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Michael (Mike) Burnley LeBlanc, 64, on August 21, 2024 in Halifax, NS. Mike will always be remembered with great love by his daughters; Molly MacIsaac (Cole), Jenna Ormston (Chris); his grandchildren, Reggie and Evelyn; his mother, Shirley (Hopkins) LeBlanc; his siblings, Catherine LeBlanc (George-Ann), Susan Reid (Leslie), Timothy LeBlanc (Madonna), Dawn LeBlanc (Rob), Diane Dempsey (Sean), Kevin LeBlanc (Heather), and many nieces and nephews who he loved so deeply. He is predeceased by his father, Charles LeBlanc. Mike grew up in Spryfield, as the fifth of seven LeBlanc children. As you can imagine, their childhood was filled with mischief and adventure. Catching ducklings and baby owls, tracking bobcats, sticking potatoes up noses, falling off cliffs, and making imaginary meals under the covers were some of the classic tales that were requested as bedtime stories by his daughters, years later. The family shenanigans continued into adulthood, with many, many laughs being shared over home videos and sketch comedy skits, sleepovers and cottage trips, sports games, game nights, potluck gatherings, and especially at the annual Christmas stocking-stuffer gatherings. After attending NS Community College and graduating at the top of his class, Mike worked for the city of Halifax as a drafting/GIS technician. After close to a decade in this role, he left it for his all-time favourite job; being a stay-at-home dad for his two girls. When his daughters got older, Mike returned to work as a Home Support Attendant. He put his whole heart into his job and became an invaluable support to so many. He had a true gift for connecting with people of all ages and abilities in a meaningful way. He supported veterans, late-stage cancer patients, quadriplegics, seniors, and did Respite Care for neurodiverse children and teens with autism and other physical and behavioral challenges. Mike built such strong relationships through his work, and many clients became lifelong friends. Following Home Support, Mike worked as an Educational Program Assistant (EPA) in elementary schools with the Halifax and South Shore School Boards. He loved this role, and “Mr. Mike” became a positive influence and support in the lives of so many children and families. Outside of his career, Mike had many talents and hobbies. In his younger years he was an exceptional athlete, enjoying basketball, softball, golf, running, and anything else he could challenge himself in. He was a skilled crafter, woodworker, and photographer. He found so much joy in beach combing, camping, kayaking, biking, and blasting his favourite tunes. Many loved ones have beautiful handmade gifts from Mike, including walking sticks, candle holders, furniture, and picture frames that will be cherished forever. Mike’s loved ones shared countless magical moments camping together at Kejimkujik. His site had a never-ending campfire and the biggest tarp in existence to keep them all dry. They went on early-morning deer-spotting drives, firewood gathering sprees, island kayaking trips, and mud puddle bike rides. They hand-fed chipmunks, told campfire stories and, of course, ate Berry Delight for dessert. Keji remained one of his truest happy places. Above all, Mike was an incredible father. He was patient, loving, empathetic, had the best sense of humour, and never lost his ability to find joy in everyday life. Molly and Jenna’s childhood was filled with adventure and joy with Mike by their side, having just as much fun as they did along the way. His girls had hand-built tree houses and enormous bird cages they could sit in, epic snow forts, treasure hunts, playrooms, picnics, blanket forts, bedtime songs and stories, family recipes, and, of course, Berry Delight for dessert. In their adulthood, the three spent many cozy days doing puzzles, going on beach walks, foraging for chaga, watching favourite shows and movies, camping and cottaging, and having candlelit meals together. Mike’s first grandchild, Reggie, was so lucky to spend time playing with his ‘Baba’, and his new granddaughter Evelyn will have a special guardian angel looking after her. Mike touched so many lives, too many to capture here. He is gone far too soon but will never be forgotten. He strongly believed that a person’s spirit was not confined to their physical body, but that our loved ones live on in us. In this way, he will stay with us, always. As Rafiki put it in one of Mike’s favourite movies The Lion King, “You see? He lives in you.” A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ketch Harbour Community Hall (964 Ketch Harbour Road) on Sunday, September 1st between 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of Mike’s favourite organizations, Hope for Wildlife.