Robert Eugene “Bob” LeBlanc, 87, left this world in Kalispell “to join his wife, Lorraine, in Heaven” on April 15, 2016.

Bob was born to Stella and Robert J. LeBlanc in their family home in Whitefish. Bob attended Whitefish schools, graduating high school in 1946. During his years in high school, he enjoyed working on the railroad.

He joined the U.S. Air Force in June 1946 and proudly served his country in the Philippine Islands and Japan for three years. Upon returning home with an honorable discharge, he married his high school sweetheart, Lorraine DeVall, on May 14, 1949. They moved to Missoula, where he attended and graduated from the University of Montana with his teaching degree. He taught high school both in Choteau and at Flathead High in Kalispell.

“Mr. LeBlanc” taught junior high in Fortine, Montana, from 1960 to 1985, where he also served as principal and basketball coach. His passion for his students was embraced by them. Many expressed to him the positive influence he had in their lives for years to come. One class held a surprise reunion for him at Fortine School in 2008, with students coming from as far north as Alaska, south as Arizona, west as Oregon and east as Missouri.

During the summers, Bob enjoyed working as an assistant golf pro in Whitefish, until the completion of Crystal Lakes Golf Course in Fortine. It was created because of the dream he and his friend, Edmond Vredenburg, shared, as well as the hard work of many others. He became the golf pro there upon its opening, and he and Lorraine managed the pro shop for many years. He also coached high school golf.

Bob is most remembered for his love and understanding of children, teasing nature, and proficient teaching, coaching, administration and golf skills. Bob was a friendly man, never knowing a stranger. He taught his children the importance of brightening someone’s life by sharing a smile and a kind or playful word.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Stella LeBlanc; brothers, Ben and Albert LeBlanc; his sister, Frances Posey; and his wife of 60 years, Lorraine.

He is survived by his and Lorraine’s children, Shelley Mower and husband Bruce, of Kalispell; Robyn LeBlanc of Hermiston, Oregon; Bob LeBlanc, Jr and wife Jackie, of Fortine; eight grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Bob leaves behind a legacy on earth of his love for God, his country, his family and his students. Because Bob believed in continual education, he donated his body for the study of medical science.

A celebration of life service will be held later this summer.