It is with heartfelt sadness that on Thursday, June 19, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family, Mike slipped away peacefully after a hard fought and courageous 4-year battle with cancer at the age of 66. Born in Saint John NB to the late Richard LeBlanc (2022) and the late Shirley Donovan (2024).
Mike will be terribly missed by his wife of 28 years, Tosh, his son, Matthew (Carrie), daughter, Jessica, and his three very special granddaughters, Zoey, Aria and Addison aka little "Mikey", who he all loved so very much. Also left to mourn are his brother Stephen (Joanne), niece Jaclyn, sister Lynn, nephew Jacob, mother of his children Cindy and his faithful companions, Misty and Kootenay. He will be missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends across the country and around the world.
Mike grew up in the Oromocto and Fredericton area until he joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1977. He was stationed in Victoria, BC until he retired from the Navy in 1998 when he moved to North Vancouver BC. After working for another 10 years at Sperry Marine, Mike retired for good in 2008 at age 50, and moved back to the East Coast to Shediac, NB.
Retirement was all about having a good time and enjoying life to the fullest with friends and family, especially his with his two closest buddies, Jack and Bill. Mike and Tosh enjoyed retirement years travelling to Australia, and throughout the USA and Canada, visiting every state and province in their RV along with their cat and dog. Mike’s last cherished adventures were in 2022 with a cross-county motorcycle trip with dear friend, Leo, and a Panama Canal cruise with Tosh, Bill and Robin.
Mike was a 29-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion and Past President of Shediac, NB Branch #33. He also held many Legion Executive positions over the years. Mike was a member of the UN NATO Veteran’s Group – Moncton and one of the founding members of "High Noon BC", an annual Navy get together held in British Columbia.
Mike was a loyal Vancouver Canuck fan, loved his Goldwing motorcycle, enjoyed a glass or two of Gibson’s and had the gift of the gab…he loved to share stories and hear them from others. The Bunker Bar was his favourite hangout, and he missed going there the last few years.
Many thanks go out to the numerous Doctors and Nurses at the Dr. Leon Richard Oncology Centre Moncton, the Shediac Extra Mural nurses – especially his favourite nurse, Dawn and of course, to his many friends, neighbours and Legion family that helped in whatever means possible over the last few years. We couldn’t have made it this far without you.
As per Mike’s wishes, there will be no visitation at the funeral home or service.
There will be a Legion Veteran’s Service at 1pm at Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #33 Shediac, 386 Main St. Shediac, NB on the Flight Deck on Sunday, June 22, 2025 , directly followed by a Celebration of Life from 1:15 pm to 3:00 pm.
Memorial contributions would be greatly appreciated to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Royal Canadian Legion – Poppy fund or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the care of Frenette’s Funeral Centre, 396 Main Street, Shediac (506) 532-3297
Words of comfort and donations may be made at www.frennettefuneralhome.com