Derek Le Blanc

Anthony Derek Le Blanc

     Derek passed away in Portage la Prairie, MB on May 10, 2019.  He was born on April 16, 1937; son of John T. and Leocadia LeBlanc of Sydney Mines, Cape Breton where he was raised and received his education.  He worked in construction, and in 1954 enlisted with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), serving in Canada.  He spent most of his career at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Bagotville, QC, and CFB Southport, MB.  In 1960 he married Patricia 'Pat' Campbell.  In 1976 he received his discharge from the CAF while stationed at CFB Southport.  He attended Red River College in Winnipeg, and obtained his certificate as a power engineer in 1977.  He was employed as a power engineer at CFB Southport, subsequently with the Government of Manitoba at Agassiz Youth Centre, and the Women's Correctional Institute in Portage la Prairie.  He retired in 1997, and continued to reside in Portage.

     In his spare time he enjoyed scuba diving, hunting, fishing, and time at the cottage.

     He was predeceased by four brothers: John Blair, John ‘Jackie’ Thomas, Felix and Michael; two sisters: Verna Marie Reid, Joan (Robert) Shebib; two brothers-in-law: Francis (Judy) Shebib, Robert (Joan) Shebib, and longtime friend (like a daughter) Patsy Miller.

     He leaves to mourn his passing, two brothers: Kenny (Delma) of Alder Point, NS; Danny of Toronto, ON; five sisters: Geraldine Downey of Lagrangeville, NY; Sandra (Leonard) Porter of Toronto, ON; Judy Shebib (Clarence Prince) of North Sydney, NS; Alanna (Art) Vickers and Susan (Monty) Bradley all of Sydney Mines, NS; brother-in-law James Reid of Midland, ON,  and many nieces and nephews.

     He will be missed and fondly remembered by Debbie (Henry) Bond of North Sydney, NS.  In Portage he will be sadly missed by Danny Miller; his God-Children: Kelsey, Reese, and Riley who thought of him as Grandpa Derek.

     'So long to my many friends and acquaintances in Portage, Dauphin, Winnipegosis, Langruth, and Plumas.'  – Derek

     Per Derek's wishes, cremation has taken place.  An interment with family will take place in Cape Breton at a later date.  Should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

     The family would like to acknowledge Bill Pearcey, Cecil & Sheila Brown, the late Rod Steele and wife Joan for their selfless acts of compassion, and assistance; Dr. Ricardo Quesada for his thoughtful and continuing care; the Southern Health-Santé Sud Home Care team for their resilience; the doctors and staff of the Portage District General Hospital for their fine care.

Messages of condolences can be made online at www.omegafuneralhome.com

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