Phoenix—Andre William LeBlanc, 27, born September 5, 1992, passed away on Saturday, November 16th (US-AZ time) during a vacation trip to Australia where a tragic accident took his life. We lost a beloved son, grandson, cousin, and friend way too soon. Although Andre will be greatly missed, his life is also a source of inspiration and light.
Andre was a delightful and active everything: a delightful baby; an active, good-natured toddler (well mostly); a rambunctious and lively St. Francis Elementary student with “great hair” according to the other moms; and a live-on-the-edge teenager who loved his friends intensely. When Andre graduated from St. Francis, he won the Open to Growth award his 8th grade year. He was not the perfect kid by any means, but he was the kid who could own up to a mistake and try to do better. On the baseball field, in the swimming pool, on a triathlon course, and on the soccer field, Andre honed all his physical gifts, his amazing work ethic, his passion for winning, and his appreciation for his teammates.
We were amazed at his transformation at Brophy, where he truly became a Man for Others–someone whose heart and mind are open to the world around him. When he entered Brophy, it was like his whole life up to that point had made him a sponge for all that a Jesuit education has to offer. He embraced it with an open heart: he indeed was open to growth. Our values of learning, treating others with respect, exploring the world and being open-minded, having empathy for all, and the importance of family were nurtured by every experience he ever had which contributed to a successful college experience and adult life.
Andre attended Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York. He played collegiate soccer and was accepted into the Honors College. Through both soccer and the Honors College, Andre extended his learning by traveling to Paris, Peru, and Costa Rica, where he explored Versailles, Machu Pichu, and helped install solar panels for an indigenous village. At LIU Andre continued to develop a deep awareness of his gifts and talents, learning to think critically about the world around him and understanding the importance of living his life in the service of others. He graduated with honors as a Health Science major.
When he graduated from college, he was filled with the desire to find his passion, which ironically was not in a field of medicine, the original purpose for his major. After establishing a coffee business with friends and working for a solar panel company, he landed a dream job with MINDBODY, a software company that works with fitness businesses. What a perfect match for his personality and skill set! According to MINDBODY leaders, Andre embodied the Core Values of MINDBODY like no other: Committed to Wellness, Audaciously Achieving, Humble & Helpful, Empathetic, and Consciously Evolving. He was a much-appreciated team member and will be greatly missed.
In a short 27 years, Andre showed us how to live, love, and be happy. Living by his example instead of being overwhelmed by despair will be our challenge. As one person so aptly said, “Some people are just too big for a long life. They have work to do in other realms…Andre’s life serves to help the rest of us live each day like it could be our last.” Indeed, his open heart, his kindness, his spirited energy, and his ever-present love was a true treat for anyone who experienced it, and this was confirmed in all the messages we have received from far and wide.
Andre is survived by his parents, Gary and Debbie LeBlanc; his grandparents, Dr. Reginald and Sandra Barr; and many cousins and relatives on the west and east coast. Instead of flowers, please consider donating in Andre’s name to The Nature Conservancy at nature.org.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. at Brophy Chapel, 4701 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Nigel and Susie Taplin
Deb and Gary, and family,
Our hearts are heavy for you all. A beautiful , active life taken way too soon. What a beautifully written obituary and a true tribute to his well-lived passionate life. We will see you at his memorial. Please accept our deepest and heartfelt condolences. Many thoughts and prayers for your healing…..
Lots love,
Susie , Nigel , Ethan and family ❤️
Lyda Brand
Gary and Debbie, I am so very sorry for the tragedy that took Andre so soon. I believe you will see him again and I hope you can find peace in that. I know how much you both loved (love) him. He will always be with you as he is a part of each of you. I send my love and prayers to all of you at this most difficult time. You were blessed with an Angel and will be with him again. Love, Lyda And Michael Brand and Gregory.
Kris & Doug Hawkins
Our continued love and support are with you always. This is a lovely tribute to a life lost too soon.
Gloria Nielsen
Andre. What sweet memories I have of Andre, from long ago to today. In his short life he was loved by many. I loved the outpouring of love and memories shared, from his first girlfriend in elementary school to his new found friends along the paths he traveled.
Wherever he went, he was welcomed and welcoming.
He was my sweet coffee man who went out of his way to give a hug and share a smile. What a blessing he was in your lives, this young man.
Robyn Kellin
Gary, Deb, I think I mentioned to one of you that I remember Andre’s hug, given to me at your soup party. It was a hug as real and comforting as I have ever had from a young man and for some reason it made an impression on me. Andre had grown in his years and the hug was so compassionate and confident it stays with me. He matured from the competitive, hard working young boy we knew on the field to a handsome, intelligent, twinkle in the eye adult. Andre had been so thankfull for us stopping by the party and his smile was so genuine. And now God has a better purpose for him, which we will never understand, but I truly believe it is to teach us all something about life.
Andre touched so many and that was apparent when you welcomed all to your house in Andre’s honor. You should be so proud. We are proud to have known him and were lucky to watch him grow over the years – the best of years.
Thank you for sharing your son with the world.
Charles Wright
Andre was quite young as I first met him. I was only to see him on occasion after that as Andre moved on in his education and participation in life.
Andre will always be special to me having a daughter, Andrea.
Gary and Debbie please know you are in our prayers this holiday season. God bless.
Jordan Stagmiller
Gary & Debbie,
I’m sorry I can’t be there in attendance, Andre was a great friend and a man I could always count on (on and off the field). I have so many great memories with him that I’ll cherish forever.
I’ll miss Andre as a man, a teammate and most of all as a friend.
I hope you all the best and I know my mom is up there taking care of Andre.
Best,
Jordan and the Stagmiller Family
Lisa Saylor
Dear Deb and Gary-
I only got to know Andre from a distance. However, I heard tons of stories over the many years I had the pleasure of working with and learning from Debbie and when attending soup parties.
I was overwhelmed when I came to the house to offer condolences and support and got to see the number of others there-hear and read the stories and memories that were shared… It was glaringly apparent that Andre impacted the lives of so many others. What a testimony to his character!
I don’t pretend to understand why. I hope you feel the love that I send your way as often as I think of you.
Felicia Concholar
Dear Debbie and Gary:
We were so saddened to hear about Andre, such an amazing young man. As you grieve, know that we are remembering and honoring him. I remember Andre in many positive ways-with a big smile and always very kind. We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Although we don’t know exactly what to say, we want you to know that we are with you in thoughts and prayers and wish you comfort and peace. Our condolences to you and your wonderful family.
Sincerely,
The Concholars – Felicia, Monica, and Aaron
Nan Gillispie
Debbie and Gary,
Having heard of Andre’s adventures, accomplishments and decisions throughout his growing up years, was a true joy to experience. Having met him as a teenager and watching him grow through high school and college and then as a young adult was an even greater pleasure. I so admired him and enjoyed conversations with him. I will always think of him as a bright, shining life. His positive impact on this world will shine on. Sending you my love and condolences. We have all been blessed by the wonderful man you raised.
Nikki Wheatley
Dear Gary ad Deb,
I lost my son at age 28 in a car accident. Although it was 15 years ago, I still feel it every day and i understand what you are going through. A wise grief counselor once told me that grief is not stages, but like the road to Tucson. Sometimes it is smooth, sometimes bumpy after uphill with occasional straight aways. But, you have to keep on going forward or you never leave this pit of despair. i hope this comforts you, it helped me.
Sending my sincere condolences,
Nikki Wheatley
Nancy and John Grucky
My heart aches for you. Keeping you in my prayers.
Dennis, Barbara and Connor Kurth
Dear Gary and Debbie,
My heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Andre. Being an only child, I can’t imagine the pain. I know he was your “life” as I can relate.
May peace be with you at this tragic time.
Valerie Beuschlein
I’m so sorry, I only just found out about Andre. He was a great friend and colleague. There’s no one like him, he is simply one of a kind. I will miss his beautiful spirit. Sending my condolences to all family and friends. Love to you, Andre.
Greg Okonowski
I know that there isn’t anything I could say to take away the pain. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this awful time. Andre will be greatly missed. You have my deepest sympathies. I’m sending love and heartfelt prayers that you may find the strength you need to get through each day and find peace.