Devoted volunteer mourned

A volunteer for many years with several groups in the Chateauguay region, Paul Sampson Leblanc passed away on February 26 at the age of 83. Translation Dan Rosenburg The Civitan Club, the Chateauguay Food Bank, the Boy Scouts, the 55-plus Centre, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and the sport of softball notably benefited from his devotion. ‘’He stopped transporting boxes for the Food Bank at the age of 75,’’ said his son Philip. ‘’He served coffee at Civitan brunches at 81.’’ Paul Leblanc was also well known as a Bingo announcer, recalls his daughter Pauline. ‘Everyone in the region knew him,’’ she added. ‘’People came to offer me their sympathies, saying, ‘oh, Mr. Bingo died,’’ she confided to the Chateauguay Soleil. On the social networks, several people expressed their regrets to Paul’s two children and his widow Claire, who was also very committed to the community whose members also spoke very highly of her. ‘’My deepest sympathies to Claire and the family. Paul was such a giving and dedicated member of our community. May he rest in peace,’’ wrote federal MP Brenda Shanahan. «Paul was always ready to serve others, to help the community. His heart was generous and his presence will be dearly missed. An all-round great guy. Chateauguay just lost one hell of a good person. RIP Paul, you will be missed but never forgotten,’’ commented former Chateauguay Mayor Sergio Pavone. ‘’Paul served as President as well as Governor (of Civitan). He also served with me as Junior Advisor for three years,’’ said long-time Civitan volunteer Louise Kinney. ‘’He truly loved his community and served it well. He and his wife Claire attended many District and International Conventions. Paul will be missed by all who knew and loved him.’’ The family expressed its gratitude to the doctors and nurses of Anna Laberge Hospital for ‘’their care and their formidable support.’’ A final homage will be rendered to Paul Leblanc on Saturday, April 18 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.