Leo Patrick LeBlanc was born in Nassau, Bahamas on July 16, 1951, the only child of Theresa Cedric (nee Farrington) LeBlanc and Edgar LeBlanc, who fell in love and married in The Bahamas. Theresa and young Leo lived with Leo’s grandmother at the Farrington family home on Shirley Street. Leo grew up side-by-side with his many cousins, sharing the longtime family home, and so close in age as to be more like brothers and sisters than cousins.
Leo attended St. Thomas Moore and Eastern Senior High school before launching out into the world as a natural and true entrepreneur. As a very young man, and on his favorite scooter, he traveled to various offices in Nassau repairing typewriters for the Armoury Company. After that, he worked at construction in Fort Lauderdale before moving to Freeport, where he first worked with Hamm Hamil- ton and Vernon Wells at Reef Construction. In 1983, he started his own company—Island Projects— at first focusing on installing sprinkler systems and fences before expanding into general contracting. He got his big break when Island Projects was hired as the local general labour contractor for the construction of the multi-million dollar Polymers International plant.
Leo continued expanding his company with work on the construction of The Westin and Sheraton at Our Lucaya. He built The Prop Club restaurant, The China Beach restaurant, and completed exten- sive renovations within the resort. He also worked with the Ginn Company at Old Bahama Bay in the West End of Grand Bahama to help launch their new development.
Leo also enjoyed investing in various real estate developments, and recently expanded his company offerings with the sale of exotic granite.
In the midst of building his businesses, he met and fell in love with Ina, who came to The Bahamas as a teacher from England. They married in 1993, and the couple was thrilled with the births of their daughters, Nicole in 1994, and Lian in 1995. Leo was a devoted husband and loving father whose adventurous spirit and open, loving heart helped create many family travel and social memories.
Leo had a lifelong love of the ocean and was an excellent deep sea diver and fisherman. He loved the water, fishing, free diving, and boating. Leo had his own unique flair that included an enthusiastic outlook on life and a natural curiosity and sense of wonder. He embraced life and his own individuality with confidence, warmth, and a rare sense of humor that made being in his company a true joy. He knew how to have a good time, was an exceptionally gracious host, and enjoyed fine wine and cigars. Leo made people around him feel comfortable because he was very comfortable with himself.
Leo’s magnetic smile, genuine kindness, and upbeat nature, together with his bright laugh and compassion will be tremendously missed. He lived a full and wonderful life and made the world a happier place just by being in it.
