Desire "Desi" Joseph LeBlanc

Desire Joseph LeBlanc, 77, of Harvey Bank, Albert County (formerly from Shediac) passed peacefully into the arms of His Lord and Savior, in the comfort of his home, on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Born in Bouctouche on August 23, 1948, he was the youngest child of the late Ovila and Adele (Maillet) LeBlanc.

 

Desi was a hardworking man throughout his life - a true jack-of-all-trades. He began working on a farm at the tender age of 15, followed by other jobs in an auto body shop, at a glass factory, as a warehouse manager and overseer of a fleet of trucks in Fort MacMurray, AB, and a line worker in two lobster processing plants before retirement.  He took great pride in every job he undertook and was a valued and reliable employee whatever the occupation.

 

No matter where life took him, Desi made friends easily. He was a genuine "people person", with a wonderful sense of humour that could turn a frown into a smile in seconds. This is why the Mountainview Solitude Inn, the B&B that he ran with his wife, Daphnee, was so successful over the past three summers. Before arriving guests even got to the door, he was in the driveway saying, "Welcome Home".  Desi happily took on whatever role was necessary: breakfast cook, dishwasher, landscaper, maintenance man, gardener ... the list is endless. He was extremely proud of the hothouse tomatoes he grew from seed, a slice of which was on every plate he served.

 

Daphnee was the love of his life. For ten years, their faith in God and love for each other kept their marriage secure. Desi lovingly embraced Daphnee's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as his own, welcoming them with open arms. 

 

Faith was the cornerstone of Desi's life. While living in the Shediac area, he attended the Shediac Bay Community Church, and after moving to Albert County in 2020, New Horton Baptist Church became his place of worship. He became actively involved and always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. Whether tending the barbeque, singing or quietly serving behind the scenes, Desi's servant heart, kindness and steadfast faith left a lasting impression.

 

Desi will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Daphnee; his step-children, Twyla Saulnier (Randy) of Hillsborough, and Phil Howe of Meadowbrook; his treasured grandchildren, Josh (Samantha), Chelsey (Andre), Liam Cormier-Howe; his precious great-grandchildren, Isaac, Kaylee, Ethan, Mia, Bryson, Brinley, Taelynn, Jace and Jaylen; his siblings, Jane Coughlin (Warren) of Miramichi, Albert LeBlanc (Cecile) of Scoudouc, Leo LeBlanc of Scoudouc, Theresa MacMillan of Shirley, MA, USA, brother-in-law, Norbert Cornier of Dieppe. He will also be lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews, his extended family, church families, community and many friends.

 

Besides his parents, Ovila and Adele, Desi was predeceased by his step-son, Paul Howe; and his siblings, Oscar LeBlanc (Eileen), Raymond LeBlanc (Raymonde), Bertha Granier (Guy), Anne-Marie Cormier (Norbert); sister-in-law, Claire LeBlanc.

 

For those who wish, donations in Desi's memory may be made to Shediac Bay Community Church or New Horton Baptist Church and would be greatly appreciated by the family.

 

Arrangements are in the care of Albert County Funeral Home, 4130 Route 114, Hopewell Cape, NB, E4H 3K2  (506) 734-2780.