Alfred “Earl” LeBlanc, 85

It is with profound sadness, love and admiration our family announces the passing of Earl LeBlanc. He passed away peacefully, surround by his loved ones on May 22, 2025, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital after a lengthy but courageous battle with cancer.

Earl was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia to the late Elzier LeBlanc and Mary (Burke) LeBlanc on August 3, 1939. He was married for almost 61 years to the love of his life, Mary (Gallivan). The two were inseparable, with the foundation of their love being that of mutual respect, kindness and always operating in unity. There was nothing he was prouder of than their three sons, Kevin (Shauna), Glen (Julie), Darren (Jennifer), four grandchildren, Jessica and Brandon, children of Kevin, and Madison and Brett, children of Glen, and the newest addition, one year old great grandson, Logan (Jessica).

Earl is survived by his three sisters, Helen (Late Sherman) Bradley, Marilyn MacMullin, Anne (Late Lorway) Watson, and his brother Cyril (Mary) LeBlanc. He is also survived by his three brothers-in-law, Bill (Winnifred) Gallivan, Gary (Karen) Gallivan and Ted (Donna) Gallivan as well as his two sisters-in-law Elaine (Late Mike) MacPhee and Janice (Brian) Black. He was predeceased by brother-in-law Buddy (Margie) Gallivan.

Earl’s work ethic was second to none, a trait he proudly instilled in his boys. He worked 39 years for Cape Breton Dairy/Scotsburn Cooperative and went on to work almost 20 years for Connor’s Office Products. He also served as President of Lingan Golf Club for several years, a place he cherished as his home course.

Earl was one of the most positive people you would ever encounter. He saw the best in everyone and loved to spend time with friends and family or start up a conversation with anyone he met, as to him, no one was a stranger. Earl truly treasured his cars (which was showcased by how meticulously clean he kept them), golfing with the “boys” and fixing just about anything. There was nothing he couldn’t turn his hand to and loved when someone called for his help.

If Dad wasn’t fixing something or out at Lingan golfing, spending time with his grandchildren brought him his greatest joy. Trips to South Carolina to spend time with Kevin, Shauna, Jessica and Brandon was something he would get excited for weeks before they left, and he would talk about for weeks after their return. During his visits he expected a list of projects, and he and Kevin would tackle these tasks together, or if it was too warm, he wasn’t afraid to kick up his feet and float in the pool. He and Kevin would often be seen detailing cars during his visits, a passion they both enjoyed. Just in the last year he was able to enjoy his great grandson, Logan, on trips the family made to Sydney. Although distance separated them, he embraced video calls and even texts with his South Carolina family. While he was back home in Cape Breton, Darren often enjoyed frequent phone calls with him to discuss the workday, seek advice, talk about their golf games, chat about cars, or simply see how the day was. From the time Madison and Brett were born in Halifax, trips over the causeway became more and more frequent. Each one entailed time with Glen, Julie, Madison, and Brett, Darren, Jen and his little fur buddy, Bronx. He couldn’t sit still so a “to do” list of projects at both Darren and Glen’s homes was something he welcomed. During Mom and Dad’s visits, he made it a priority to show love to his grandchildren, including walks and drives with his grand puppy Bronx. Whether it was cheering Brett on at the rink, talking about how to improve his golf game, following the leaderboard of his golf tournaments, listening to country music with Madison or cuddled up on the couch with “papa’s girl” as he called her, his dedication to family was evident. He absolutely adored his four grandchildren and that was only surpassed by their admiration for him. Mom and Dad ensured they had front row seats to virtually every milestone in their lives. Over the years, he also enjoyed lots of laughs and love with his girls, Shauna, Julie and Jen. Not having any daughters of their own resulted in an extra special bond with his daughters-in-law.

If you asked Dad what his greatest success in life would be, it was the 60 plus years he shared with Mom. He was a devoted role model husband, who provided a loving home, where his family wanted for nothing. In 2011 they began spending time in Florida each year. During these trips he enjoyed his golf, but the highlight of their trips was going to the town square to listen to local bands, dance the night away with his bride, and of course the night was never complete without having ice cream together.

Dad will be missed by so many. “At this stage of the game” we’re not sure who we’ll all call for advice or direction on how to fix something.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre in his memory.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, NS, 902-539-7175. A service will be held on June 10th at 11am at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish.

Words of condolence may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.