Thousands pay last respects to Roméo LeBlanc

Amid much pomp and circumstance, including a 21-gun salute, the state funeral for RomÉo LeBlanc was held last Friday, July 3 from Saint Thomas Church in Memramcook.
Mourners packed the centuries-old church while many people lined the streets of the village to say their final goodbyes to one of Canada's much-respected politicians and 25th governor-general, who passed away on June 24 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
In his eulogy, former Prime Minister Jean ChrÉtien said LeBlanc will be remembered as 'that great gentleman of Acadia,' known and respected for his consideration of all peoples.
"During the three years that I was the member (Member of Parliament) here, I realized that our friend RomÉo was as much respected and loved by the anglophones of Sackville than by the francophones of Richibucto. RomÉo, you were the first Maritimer and the first Acadian to be governor-general; and you made them all very proud," ChrÉtien said in a tribute to his long-time friend and colleague.
A large number of area residents came to pay their respects, lining the streets of the small village as the funeral cortege wound its way from the nearby Monument Lefebvre to the large stone church. RCMP officers in red serge led the procession, followed by a large contingent from the Royal Canadian Regiment who served as active pall-bearers at the church.
The Royal Stadacona Band played the funeral march along the route while federal fisheries officers provided an honour guard.
More than 32 dignitaries including ChrÉtien and his wife Aline, New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham, former senator Marilyn Trenholme Counsell, LeBlanc's one-time colleague Marc Lalonde and current federal MP Justin Trudeau were among those acting as honourary pallbearers. Governor-general MichaËlle Jean, accompanied by her husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, also attended.
LeBlanc's wife Diana Fowler LeBlanc, his son Dominic LeBlanc and daughter-in-law Jolene Richard as well as his daughter Genevieve followed the flag-draped casket into the church.
RomÉo LeBlanc was born a poor farm boy in the Memramcook Valley in 1927, and throughout the years remained loyal to his roots. In addition to many dignitaries, countless local residents came out to say a final goodbye to one of their own.
Memramcook resident Jeannette Gaudet recalled the many times she saw a young RomÉo during her childhood growing up in the area.
"I remember when I was about eight years old; it must have been around the time when he was going to the university (the former St. Joseph's College in Memramcook). He was tall and skinny and fast (moving). I'd wave and say, 'Comment Ça va?', and he'd smile and wave, then keep on going," she remembered.
Gaudet was to have more contact with LeBlanc some years later when she attended the Provincial Teacher's College in Fredericton.
"He taught me there; he was a very good teacher, we learned well from him. He used to teach us with his feet up on the desk. He'd sit there and talk to us while looking through (between) his feet. Everyone liked him; oh, he was very nice; very, very nice," she recalled.
Gaudet remembered seeing LeBlanc again several more times over the years.
"One time he was in the area and he came when my mother died. He smiled and said "hello Jeannette." RomÉo was a good man. He never forgot where he came from, or the people who live here. He had been sick for some time so now he's in a much better place. We've lost a good man; he certainly will be missed," she said.