They ring just too often and they always toll for thee (us). Sadly, we just lost Marc Leblanc, middle son of my wife, Sue and a long time member of the local whitewater adventure community. Marc died skiing this past Friday in Japan. He was managing a resort lodge and teaching snowboarding. Time off would see him in the mountainous back country of central Japan where he met his fate.
Marc was a product of the Ottawa Valley and excelled in everything outdoors. He was a river guide, kayaker, bungee jumpmaster, climber, skateboarder, skier and snowboarder. Marc climbed Everest and solo kayaked the entire Grand Canyon 400km in just 2½ days. Marc and fellow Beachburg adventurer Ben Shillington spent weeks skiing the long traverse of frozen Lake Winnipeg in minus 40 degree temperature for fun.
Marc was also a devoted father, an accomplished musician, star hockey player and a friend to everyone who knew him. As I write this Sunday evening, Marc’s brothers Joel and Joseph are flying to Japan to bring him home. I share this with our readers because we live in a special place that produces such larger than life individuals in abundance. Rest in Peace, Marc.
Joe
