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Born in College Bridge, NB on September 16th, 1921, he was the youngest from a family of 18. After he graduated with a Commerce diploma in 1940 at Université de Saint-Joseph he worked in Montreal for 2 years then returned to work in Moncton in 1942. In 1943 he was drafted and served in the Canadian Armed Forces until the war ended. He then worked for NB Liquor Control Board. He gradually worked up his way through the ranks and On December 1st 1966 he was appointed as President of the NBLCB where he served until his retirement. He was a member of the Deputy-Ministers committee. He also served as President of the Canadian Association of Liquor Commissioners, becoming the first from Atlantic Canada to occupy that post. Under his direction, the Board became NB Liquor, a Corporation. He was the first to have women hired to work in Liquor stores. Under his direction, after the province of BC, NB Liquor was the second province in Canada to offer open shopping style in its stores. Its success became a model for the other provinces in Canada plus 19 outlets in the United-States. During his tenure, he represented Canada at a major Wine Festival and was a guest of Queen Juliana of Spain. He was also a guest at the residence of Fidel Castro who wanted Cuba’s rum sold in Canada. During his career he was the recipient of many Medals and Certificates some signed by Governor-Generals and Queen Elizabeth of England. Mr. Gérard LeBlanc has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 48 years. He was a 3rd degree member of the Father FXJ Michaud, Council 7010 Bouctouche, and a 4th degree member of Monsignor Philippe Hébert, Assembly 2611 Bouctouche, and a life honoree member of the Knights of Columbus. As hobbies, he was a skilful carpenter and played musical instruments.
Gerard was last surviving member of immediate family. He is predeceased by his loving wife, Leona Maillet (2005) of Bouctouche; his parents Cyrille and Rosalie{Nee Mills); his brothers Edward, Emile(1), Frederick, Emile(2); his sisters, Marie, Laura, Arzelie, Ella, Rosie, Dorilla, Yvonne, Catherine, Florence, Emma, Stella, Edith and Elizabeth.
Visitation will be held PASSAGE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 625 Mountain Road, Moncton on Friday, April 4th, 2014 from 2 to 4pm and from 7 to 9pm. There will be no visitation on Saturday morning. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 5th, 2014 at the St. Jean Baptist RC Church in Bouctouche at 11:00am.
Funeral arrangements under the professional care of
Coopérative Funéraire Passage Funeral Co-operative
3754, Route 134
Shediac Bridge, NB E4R 1T3
Tel: (506) 532-1050
