2019 Stouffville Honouree
Patrick Leblanc is Managing Director of several locations including O’Neill Funeral Home, a proud member of the Arbor Memorial family of funeral homes and cemeteries across Canada. O’Neill’s serves Whitchurch-Stouffville and the surrounding area with care and compassion. Patrick and his team are honoured to be a part of this community. They are especially dedicated and passionate about supporting families in their time of need, as well as assisting local associations, religious organizations, and cultural groups for whom they host a series of free memorial events throughout the year.
“I was a stranger, and you welcomed me,” begins a beautiful local article by Jim Thomas praising the many kind and generous individuals and organizations who rallied together to support the efforts of St. Mark’s Church in helping two Syrian refugee brothers make Stouffville their new home. He goes on to acknowledge Patrick, “. . . who, along with members of (his) staff and (St. Mark’s) steering committee, organized a free-will offering concert and raffle . . . and more than one hundred people attended.”
Patrick realized at an early age that it was in his DNA to help others in a way that really mattered, as it always gave him tremendous satisfaction anytime he had the opportunity to lend a hand to lift someone up. So it’s very fitting that his most memorable moment in giving back was when he began his career as a funeral director in 1997, to help families in the most difficult times of their lives.
At O’Neill’s, community events are of significant value to their team. Patrick says that while it promotes essential team building, at the same time it provides meaningful support for the good of the community. Some of the other fundraising events they’ve participated in include The Walk to Remember, The Big Red Bike, and the Coldest Night of the Year. And many of O’Neill’s employees serve as volunteers within the community for places such as CHATS, Parkview Village Choir, as well as Parkview’s Nursing Home itself.
In addition to sponsoring numerous events year-round at local churches, schools, and various nursing homes, Patrick and his team get involved at many events, such as the Strawberry Festival, Santa Claus Parade, Doors Open, and local car shows. One of the highlights of the Christmas season is their outreach to nursing home seniors with a nighttime limousine ride to see the lights.
It is incredibly rewarding to see and experience the lasting difference one can make in another person’s life. It doesn’t get much better than that for Patrick. In fact, it’s what drives him to continue doing what he does, and he’s grateful to share it with his beautiful wife, Nicole, their two amazing daughters, and three adorable granddaughters.
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