Brian Joseph "Blues" LeBlanc

With sadness and gratitude for his life, we the family of Brian Joseph “Blues” LeBlanc, announce his passing at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Friday, July 19, 2024, unexpectedly after a long period of failing health. Brian was born in Moncton, N.B. in 1947.  He was the son of the late Lester and Dorothy (Getchell) LeBlanc. Brian is survived by his son Jason (Kristine) LeBlanc, his daughter Jessica (Bob) Huber, and his grandchildren, Coulten, Ellareen and River. Brian is predeceased by his brother Bill Bursey.  He is survived by his brother Chris (Susan), and his sisters Patti Daley (Jim) and Betty French.

Brian lived a full and adventurous life.  In 1972 Brian with his father as captain and his Uncle retrieved the Wendy-N-Brothers, a converted 55 ft. fishing vessel and a mini submarine from the Azores, Portugal and returned it on a voyage across the Atlantic to Saint John. Brian spoke of it as one of the greatest times of his life.  Brian was a great story teller penning many stories and several poems in his life time. His writings reflected not only his own life but also those of friends, family and those barely known to him.  Much of his writing was influenced by the music of Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Jimi Hendrix, and Muddy Waters. 

Brian loved gadgets. He was a collector beginning in his boyhood years collecting and trading comic books on Saturday mornings in our beloved Rockwood Court. Brian was a generous man and the “cool” Uncle.  He loved finding the “just right” Christmas and birthday gifts and cards for his family. Brian had an especially tender heart for animals. Kalija, his parrot, and Rottweilers, Brandi, Dixie, and Kane were his faithful and loving companions. 

In 1964 Brian attended the Royal Canadian School of Signals, Kingston, Ontario, in the soldier apprentice training program where he not only excelled in his Military pursuits but also in teams sports - gymnastics, hockey and basketball.  Brian also loved a good game of racquet ball and according to those he played with, here in Saint John, he was an excellent player.

Stock cars, motorcycles and living the freewheeling life were Brian’s passions. Brian drove stock car locally as did his father.  He loved going to the big stock car races, internationally.  Number 3, Dale Earnhardt was his guy.  Brian was also a dedicated and proud member of the Sons of Satan motorcycle club. 

Brian enjoyed hunting and fishing and the friendships and good times in the woods. 

In the early 70’s until the closing of the Saint John Shipyard Brian was employed as a Burner.  He was very involved in the Union and was a proud Brother and Local Shop Steward and union negotiator for Local 3 Marine Workers.  While at the Dry Dock Brian along with 11 other able bodied ship builders, “the Huskies”, rowed a 20 ft. lifeboat from Digby, Nova Scotia, to Saint John. The purpose of the trip was twofold, first to raise funds for a trip to the North American Highland Games, secondly to attempt to break the non-stop rowing record of 15 hours.    

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (506-646-2424) with visitation on Friday July 26th from 2 - 4pm and 6 -8pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St William’s Catholic Church, 2354 Route 111, located just before entering the Village of St Martins, on Saturday July 27th at 10:30am.  Burial and reception to follow immediately after mass. Burial will take place at St William’s Cemetery, on the Church property, and the reception at the Church.  Donations in Brian’s memory to Outflow Ministry of Saint John or a simple act of kindness toward those who find themselves without a home would be a fine remembrance of Brian.

A recording of the service can be viewed by clicking here and selecting "Celebrating The Life Of Brian Joseph "Blues" LeBlanc" in the upper right of the page.