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Robert George LeBlanc
Robert George LeBlanc
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Robert LeBlanc Obituary
He had the itchiest feet. Robert LeBlanc's insatiable desire to see the world meant he would not even have embarked on one trip when he would already be sketching out the next.
"We were due to leave for Argentina right after Sept. 11," said his wife, Andrea LeBlanc. "Then we had tickets on the desk to go to India. We were planning to go to Sweden in the summer. Last year, we celebrated his birthday in Burma."
Mr. LeBlanc, 70, was a professor emeritus of geography at the University of New Hampshire, and lived in Lee, N.H., with his wife. Though he had retired from teaching nearly there years ago, he remained an active and restless scholar. On Sept. 11, he was on United Airlines Flight 175 to a geography conference in Los Angeles.
"He didn't just want to read books about people," Mrs. LeBlanc said. "He wanted to go there. He wanted to smell the smell and taste the food and talk to the people."
There were not many places he had not been. Granted, he had never set foot in Antarctica. But he did live on an ice island near Greenland on two occasions when he was in college. And he worked once on a glacier, taking core samples.
Now his wife faces the considerable task of sorting out his frequent-flier mileage. "There are seven different airlines he has frequent-flier mileage with," she said. "It's impossible."
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 4, 2001.
Robert G. LeBlanc, 70, was a geography professor at the University of New Hampshire who died on his way to a geography conference in Los Angeles aboard United Flight 175.
He liked to travel and had been to numerous exotic and dangerous locales around the world.
He was a great cook, wore Birkenstock sandals and glasses, had a gray beard, and smiled a lot. Easygoing and laid-back, LeBlanc "took care of his wife," a veterinarian, said Ronnie Willard, a receptionist at the Oyster River veterinary clinic owned by LeBlanc's wife, Andrea.
He had five children, Carolyn, Paul and John LeBlanc and Nissa and Kjel Youngren, and two grandsons.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
A Non
August 4, 2024
I was just telling someone about you yesterday. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I remember you and how you helped me. I have gotten so much older since 1999 at UNH. A few words from you changed the trajectory of my life forever in a sliding doors moment. I’m so sorry for what happened to you. I keep your memory alive by telling others.
Robert & Nancy LeBlanc
September 11, 2021
My wife Nancy and I are watching the 9/11 memorial coverage. She happened to look up on the screen and saw the name Robert G LeBlanc scroll. We immediately researched his name found a truly beautiful and remarkable man, husband, father and teacher. I am honored to share his name and will remember 9/11 very differently from now on. God bless you.
Anna Carson, Ph.D. Geography, Indiana State University
September 11, 2021
Dr. LeBlanc, I regret I lost the opportunity to know you better. You could have continued to all make the world better.
Anne R Sloan, PhD '92
September 11, 2019
Thinking of Dr. LeBlanc today. I had him long ago for a Gen-Ed course, and remember him as an enthusiastic teacher. I will continue to think of him every 9/11.
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Malcolm Comeaux
May 31, 2016
As a fellow geography professor, and a Cajun, I have often used the research done by him. It was awfully good and trailblazing work, the kind of information that will be used and cited for many years. I met him at various meetings, and liked him very much. We will all miss him in the geography profession.
Del Newberry
December 11, 2015
Thinking of Robert's friends and family all over the world today. We will never forget. Much love from Texas
Ben Smith
December 1, 2015
I'll never forget a field trip to Quebec while as a student at UNH. The expedition was beautiful, informative, and fun most of all. Dr LeBlanc was, of course, knowledgeable but also took time to be approachable to his students:
Upon the arrival of our van at the US/Canada border, the Customs Agent asked what we all had to declare. Dr LeBlanc remarked that he had a "small flask of gin" which made every student crack up but had the additional effect of demonstrating his down-to-earth appeal for everyone.
Thanks Dr LeBlanc!
Jenny Sprague
September 11, 2015
We will never forger
skylar smith
September 7, 2015
this man was a great man. I'm so sorry for everyone who has lost this great wonderful man.
Andru Lechlider
May 4, 2015
I'm sorry for everyone that lost this person.
Melissa Blue
September 24, 2014
We need more geography oriented people not fewer & we lost one. Now you're learning the geography beyond the clouds so to speak. Know you've been enjoying Heaven.
Mary Foster
September 5, 2014
Rest in peace, Professor LeBlanc. I wasn't even a geography major at UNH but your class (Human Geography)is one of a handful that stands out at as among the very best I took. I still have my term paper with your comments written on it. I was so sad a decade ago to see your photo in the London Times as one of the fallen. It still chills me today. You were a great teacher. THANK YOU! God bless your family.
S J. Friscia III
May 3, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Peter Saunders
November 23, 2013
I just learned about Roberts death many years ago. I knew Andria with my work with animals and the SPCA. This is a man that I wished I had known. He seemed like a really really neat guy. My prayers today are with him and Andria.
Laurie Fahrner
September 11, 2013
Remembering you and thinking of your family so often, but especially on this sad anniversary...
Joseph Robert LeBlanc
September 12, 2012
Mr. George LeBlanc is not forgotten on this day. His name, will of course always be with me.
Suzanne Durkee
September 11, 2012
I am thinking of Professor Leblanc today. He was my geography professor at UNH and helped fuel my enthusiasm for travel and encouraged me to pursue a degree in social anthropology, which I did. I am forever grateful for his skill as a teacher and motivator.
Maria R
September 10, 2012
God Bless you and your family, you are remembered today and always. May you be at peace.
Robert LeBlanc
September 12, 2011
I had heard early after 9/11 the name LeBlanc. I wanted to know more about this man. What a great man, and human being, and a loving caring wife, an animal lover, like me and my spouse. I hope that the World Trade Center Memorial will bring your family some comfort. I will always remember him. Peace be with you. Joseph Robert LeBlanc
Laurie Fahrner (ne: King)
September 8, 2011
As one of my favorite UNH professors, you made my freshman year more interesting, challenging, and less lonely. I enjoyed our chats about the world during your office hours as well as your wonderful cultural geography class.
You and your family are in my thoughts often, especially this week as we close in on the 10th anniversary of that tragic day. I am inspired by your wife's soulful message of nonviolence, and by her courage in the face of such an unimaginable loss. I hope your family and friends have experienced a decade of healing, and that wherever your spirit is now is a place of beauty, peace and fascinating geography.
You are missed.
Webb Philips
May 2, 2011
Robert was my professor in the autumn of 1975. He was hip, he was cool, he was real. His style, his delivery, his composure was unique as it was rare on campus. Were he alive, I think that Robert George Leblanc would offer compelling thought on how geography combined with insanity, drove men to madness and murder. RIP Robert.
judy johnston
March 31, 2011
thank you
Jo Ewen
March 31, 2011
What a beautiful person you are Robert. You will be flying with the angels now.Your family sure were lucky to have you as there husband,father,son and friend.So much to give and share.The world was a better place with you in it.Robert George may you rest in peace.My your children and grandchildren carry on your good work.
Jason Mongeon
November 23, 2010
I graduated from UNH in 1989 with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Geography. I had the pleasure of taking two courses with Dr. LeBlanc; One during my Sophomore year and the other, Geography of Canada during my senior year. Because of his genuine, warm and sincere personality, he was known by his friends and colleagues as simply Bob or Robert despite his tremendous academic accomplishments. I will always remember him as the instructor who had the greatest influence on my college experience. Nothing seemed to please him more than a student who shared his interest and enthusiasm for Geography, especially Canadian Geography. He was also simply a great teacher and lecturer. My class notes seemed to flow effortlessly and you always knew when to just listen and when to pick up your pen and write. My father's family is Franco American and Dr. LeBlanc always took a genuine interest in learning about my family history.
Dr. LeBlanc epitomized so many of the things that make UNH a great school. How many colleges can you go to as a freshman or sophomore and take a class with an instructor
with the experience and credentials that he had? To Dr. LeBlanc's family, may I offer my sincere condolences for your loss and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
9-11 Memorial. Tempe, Arizona
Kristen B
September 15, 2010
Never Forgotten.
Peggy Childers
September 11, 2010
To the family of Robert George LeBlanc:
Robert gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our heroes of September 11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Meghan Schrader
August 25, 2010
I didn't ever meet Robert, but I often walk past the bench placed on the UNH campus in his memory. I pray that he is at peace now in Heaven with the other victims of this terrible tragedy.
Robert LeBlanc
February 22, 2009
It is really refreshing to know so many think so highly of this man Robert G. LeBlanc. What more can be said of any man then whats already has been said about this wonderful person.
I have never had the chance and pleasure of meeting such a loved person as he is. I feel sad not to have met Robert.
I know Robert and I must share the same grandfathers back in Acadia, because my name is also Robert LeBlanc.
My love to Robert's family, because I know they love him, and its never an easy thing when an un timely death comes into the family.
Robert J.LeBlanc
John Wilson
September 5, 2008
I graduated from UNH in 1978 with a dual degree, one of which was Geography. Prof. Leblanc was a mentor and personal friend of mine. My heart breaks for his family each time I think of his death. I will always remember driving he and his family to Logan Airport in Boston during Christmas vacation. May God give his family some peace of mind knowing he touched untold lives during his time on earth.....
Robert LeBlanc
February 4, 2008
My father's name was Robert G. LeBlanc.My name is also Robert G. LeBlanc. We have family in N.H. You and my father were identical in looks. His family was from Bell River Canada butlived in Dearborn Michigan.He wasborn in 1923.
P Tabbernor
June 15, 2007
In memory....
Hannah+Elizabeth Swick
December 11, 2006
Dear Mr. LeBlanc,
I am an eighth grader at Chappelow Arts and Litercy Magnet School in Evans, Colorado. I play the bass clarinet in my school band. I was searching the internet for bass clarinets when I stumbled across the website that mentioned your octocontrabass clarinet. I think that it looks amazing. Someday I would love to meet you and hear it play.
Sincerely,
Hannah ELizabeth Swick
Kristine
November 2, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Robert Le Blanc
October 31, 2006
For all who loved Robert, my condolences. He seemed a remarkable man. God bless.
Dawn Sproules
September 23, 2006
God Bless Robert LeBlanc and his family.You will be in my prayers always.Iam so sorry for your loss.We will never forget!!!
daniel Bennis
September 11, 2006
I LIKE TO LET THE LEBLANC FAMILY
KNOW THEY ARE IN MY PRAYERS WILL
ALWAYS BE WITH YOU
Justin
September 11, 2006
I will keep Mr.LeBlanc and his family in my prayers and I hope that the family will go along well.
jenifer calo
September 10, 2006
i will always remember 9-11-2001. may god always be with you and your family. my dad use to deliver the mail to your vet clinic. so my prayers are always with you forever
Melissa Mills
September 11, 2003
What a great loss. I often try and explain to my 6 year old daughter the type of people that lost their lives. I can help her better understand by the fact that he wanted to sit and talk with you like we try and teach her to do with people, to be respectful and care. We are so sorry for your loss.
Melissa & Jonni Mills
Jackie Beaupre
September 11, 2003
Andrea,
My thougts and prayers continue to be with you.
Jackie
Valenka Langlois
September 11, 2003
I would like to start by saying that it really hits home just knowing that someone from my hometown of Durham, NH lost their life during such a tragic event like 9/11... And even more so it has struck me directly in the heart knowing that person, Robert LeBlanc, such an amazing man, was that life. A man whom I had the pleasure to conversate with from time to time. My mother owned a restaraunt, where I worked for years, in Durham in the 1990's. Proffessor LeBlanc was among the many UNH staff members that use to eat lunch at the "Witch's Stew" almost everyday. My mom got to know Robert rather well over the years. They would talk about the pride they shared for being French Canadian, and exchanged laughter often. Although I always have each and every 9/11 victim and their families in my thoughts and prayers, I will also forever have one of them, Robert LeBlanc, in my heart.
May the LeBlanc family have peace in their hearts and souls for eternity.
Kathy Swaringen
April 14, 2003
1 mile was walked to honor the life of Robert George LeBlanc and all the family, friends and loved ones he left behind. May you find some comfort in knowning that you do not grieve alone, you are always in my thoughts and prayers. You have reached the ultimate destination.
Elnaz Bashirzadeh
December 3, 2002
My thoughts are prayers and with you family now and forever. God Bless America.
Bonnie Booth
October 8, 2002
Shortly after Sept. 11, when I heard that Mr. LeBlanc was on one of the planes that crashed, I knew immediately who he was. Years ago, I worked at a law office in Rochester, New Hampshire, which is where I met Mr. and Mrs. LeBlanc. My boss at the office was also a professor at the UNH and Mr. LeBlanc and he were good friends. Now and then Mr. and Mrs. LeBlanc would come into the office to chat with my boss. I'm sure they would not remember me but I do remember them. When I heard that Bob LeBlanc had died, I immediately remembered what a very nice and very friendly man he was when he came into the office and one of my most vivid memories of him was that he always seemed very happy. I figure it to be about 20 years ago or even more that I met Bob LeBlanc and his wife and remember how Mr. LeBlanc would always smile and talk with me for a bit and what a gentleman he was. It's those kinds of nice people who give you a little time and kind words that you don't forget in life and he was one of them. My condolences to his wife and children.
Suzanne LeBlanc
September 9, 2002
May God bless you and your family in this time of hardship. I am truly inspired by what LeBlanc has done with his life; he's given many the curiousity to live, explore, and learn the world over.
Leslie (Washburn) Stafford
September 6, 2002
I had Robert Leblanc as a Professor while at UNH. I was only taking Geography as a science elective and I have to say it was one of the toughest electives I took. He was passionate about his classes and really wanted us to know the subject when we left his class. I also got to know him a little outside of the classroom when I worked for the University and found him to be very warm and caring. I know he will be greatly missed by both the University Community as well as friends and family.
Abbe Brod-Funk
May 30, 2002
I had Bob LeBlanc for a number of geography courses during my time at UNH 1981/1982. I graduated in "82 with a degree in Geography, and my last class with Bob was Cultural Geography. He was a wonderful professor and always made learning fun. My heartfelt thoughts to all his family
Stephanie Cummins
May 16, 2002
Andrea, Carolyn, Paul , John, Nissa & Kjel,I will be praying for you all by name. I will bare name of Robert LeBlanc daily on my wrist. And when others ask, I will share his story. (Thank you Robert LeBlanc for giving of yourself. A little part of all of us died with you.)
God bless you family, stay well.
Sincerey with love,
Stephanie Cummins
Angie Campbell
April 21, 2002
God Bless you and your loved ones.
Teresa Jahn
January 12, 2002
We are very sorry for your loss of Robert. May his sense of adventure, his life and love live on in you. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Brian Peavey
December 31, 2001
My thought and prayers are with you during this holiday season.
Alison Pea
November 9, 2001
To the friends and family of Robert LeBlanc,
My name is Alison and I am a student at the University Of New Mexico. I am currently going into Nursing and there are some professors that just inspire me to do the job I want to do. I am sure LeBlanc was the same way. I'm sure he took time to care about his students which is something you dont see very often. I wanted to let his family know that I am wearing a mercy band with his name on it and I pray for him and his friends and family evereyday. Just to let you know, someone else is thinking about the same person you are. God bless,
Alison Pea
Matthew Pappas
November 3, 2001
I met Professor LeBlanc when I took a class that he was teaching. I loved the class so much that I decided to minor in geography. When I went to him to sign the appropriate forms, he asked me to sit down. He wanted to learn more about me as an individual, something that is difficult to do as a college professor. It was during that 60 minute conversation that we discovered that his wife, Andrea, a veterinarian, worked for my grandfather. THis is something that neither of us would have known if he just signed my form and sent me on my way.
five years later, as I began my teaching career at the high school in the same town as the University of New Hampshire, I would have his grandson in my class. Not only that, Bob read about my new job in the local paper. Like the excellent teacher he was, he brought to the high school a huge bag of teaching materials, for I was teaching geography to ninth graders. I will forever remember the kindness of Prof. LeBlanc.
BARBARA BOLIN
September 30, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
ROBERT MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
Catherine Powers
September 25, 2001
I was completely shocked to see my former college professor’s name among the list of victims of United flight 175. My heart goes out to his family, friends and everyone at UNH saddened by his loss. The events of September 11th, 2001 are so tragic and senseless and will NEVER be forgotten. What I remember most about Professor Leblanc was how challenging his classes were. He had a way of making multiple-choice exams so that for a particular question, ALL the answers seemed right or ALL the answers seemed wrong. He also loved showing his slides from his travels around the world to the class. I never did complete my minor in Geography (due to schedule conflicts with the classes needed for my major in Psychology). However, Professor Leblanc touched my life along the way, as I am certain he did for many other students at the University of New Hampshire through the years. He will be deeply missed.
Jean MacDonald
September 21, 2001
I was so sad to see my old geography professor's face on the evening news last week -- a victim of this huge tragedy as a passenger on United flight 175. I had not seen him for many years, but he had made quite an impression on me during my years at the University of New Hampshire. I ended up taking five classes with him -- so many that I ended up with a minor in geography to go with my major in English. I was part of a trip that he organized to England during January of my junior year, a trip his wife also made. He always challenged me as a student, and he had very high standards. But when you did well with him, it really meant something! My heart goes out to all his family and friends, as well as to the entire UNH community that he was part of for so much of his life, both as a student and as a professor. He will be missed.
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