Michael Donald LeBlanc

Mike passed away peacefully on July 3, 2022. He lived a long, adventurous life filled with international travel and a passion for writing short stories and poetry describing the many places he called home. His sense of freedom began with living away from home to attend Our Lady of Lourdes High School in River Rouge in 1962. Grandmother (Mimi) opened her home to Mike and siblings Pam and Pat for their high school years. It was there that he formed lifelong friendships. Mike played football and was on a local rowing team. After graduation Mike hopped on a train to move to Chicago. As Dad was a railroad conductor, he and his nine siblings had free passes. Mike’s first job was working as a bank teller. Soon, life in the big city was interrupted by a draft notice from the U.S. Army. After basic training Mike was stationed in Italy followed by a tour in South Korea during the Vietnam war era. Mike continued his lust for travel as he got a BA at Northern Michigan University and a Master’s in Creative Writing at Western Michigan. He used his love of exploring the world with its many culinary traditions and began working as a chef in Chicago. Then he was in the Upper Peninsula where he first saw the film Brokeback Mountain. Drawn by the beauty of the mountains Mike hopped on a bus to the West. In Montana he met cowboys and lived on a working ranch. Then it was St. Petersburg, St. Louis, Missouri and San Diego. With each move Mike made sure he had access to his VA healthcare services. In retirement he was approved for full Military disability and returned to the Detroit Metro area to be with family. He is preceded in death by his parents Bernadette Marie LeBlanc (St. Amant) and Donald Eli LeBlanc, siblings Jeff LeBlanc, Paul LeBlanc and Susan Karkoski. He’s survived by Pam, Patrick, Ralph, Joanne, Jerry LeBlanc and Mary (Bill) Corbett. Mike is beloved by many nieces, nephews and cousins. No service is planned at this time. Mike’s family is proud that he will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted with Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, Westland. To share a memory please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page.

Michael Donald LeBlanc

June 29, 1944 - July 3, 2022