Obituary of Emile Joseph Leblanc Jr.

It is with immense sadness that the family of Emile Joseph Leblanc Jr. announces his passing on February 12, 2020 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Saint John on December 21, 1981, he was the son of Emile Leblanc and Lori Oudbier (Dempsey).

Emile lived a full life and was cared for deeply by many. Born with cerebral palsy, Emile didn’t let his health get in the way of his happiness and he was known for lighting up any room he entered.  Emile was raised lovingly by his mother Lori and when he was a pre-teen, he gained a second family and was welcomed with open arms into the house of Barb and Roy Davis. When Barb retired, Emile went to live with his extended sister Barb Henderson, her husband Steven, and their children.

Emile’s mother shared:

          “Emile was a gift from God that filled many people’s heart with love and joy. One of our fondest memories was how his younger sister Kim use to get up early in the morning and try to feed him by slathering peanut butter all over his body! I wouldn’t get up right away when I heard Kim – but I’d always get up when I heard Emile. I’d walk into their room and say what are you guys up to?! And Emile would just roar with laughter. Kim would also give him makeovers and cover him from head to toe with makeup. I had the hardest time getting the lipstick off his legs!”

Louise shares:

          “Any challenges that Emile faced were met with laughter – he was always so funny! Everything was a joke to him and he was a happy little fella. Even though he couldn’t speak (other than a few words), he always let us know what he wanted through gestures and motions. In school he enjoyed participating in activities, especially swimming. Emile touched countless hearts and will never be forgotten.”

Besides his mother Lori, he is survived by his siblings: Kimberly Leblanc of Petitcodiac, NB, Jesse Dempsey of Alberta, Keri Roy of Sussex, NB, Samuel Roy of Sussex, NB, Amy Klaxton of Nova Scotia, Sarah LeBlanc of Ontario and his several nieces and nephews; his extended family Barb and Steven Henderson and their children Jason and Nicole; as well as his paternal grandparents. He is predeceased by his maternal grandparents John Arthur and Florence Emily Dempsey, and his extended parents Barb and Roy Davis.

Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) where family and friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 from 2 – 4 PM and 6 – 8 PM.  A funeral liturgy will take place on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 2:00 PM from Brenan’s Chapel. Interment will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery at a later date. Donations may be made to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation of Saint John, and condolences can be left at www.BrenansFH.com.