Kenneth Eric Joseph Leblanc

Ken, formerly of Gardner and Shirley MA, was called to glory unexpectedly and peacefully on Friday, November 10th, (after a brief hospitalization) with his wife, Ruth by his side, in his Greenville NH home where they have lived since 1988.

Ken was 78 years old. He was born in Gardner Massachusetts to Eric Joseph and Anna Elizabeth Marie (Boucher) LeBlanc. Ken attended Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Elementary School in Gardner and graduated from Gardner High School in 1963.

Ken loved playing music and was an accomplished musician. He began his musical career early, by performing with his father on a radio show at the tender age of 3. Before he was even in his teens he joined a band called the “Editones” and proceeded on from there to help form the band known as “Kenny and the Night Riders”. This band developed both local and area wide notoriety and acquired a devoted following. The group was inspired to cut an instrumental 45 rpm record (Andromeda & Swamp Rat). The band’s momentum was interrupted both by the arrival of the “Beatles” on the music scene and our nation’s increasing involvement in the Vietnam war. The band dispersed as members entered the military, married & began families. Ken joined the Army National Guard and fulfilled his full duty obligation. He considered it an honor to have served in the National Guard.

Throughout his young adult years he participated in many bands where he played multiple instruments (alto/tenor saxophone, lead/rhythm/bass guitar, and flute) He contributed his unique deep voice to many vocal arrangements singing both lead and harmony. His gifts of being able to think “in concert”, hear musical nuances and arrange music served as vital contributions to the many bands with which he played. He traveled briefly (doing musical road trips) & enjoyed seeing the country. He finally settled back in the Gardner area where he, eventually formed a musical duo which soon expanded into a band called “Champagne East” This band also enjoyed a faithful following for years, eventually serving as the house band at the “Rotor Club” in Ayer, MA.

When Ken retired from music, he developed an independently owned and operated business. K&R Fiberglass was a specialty service that employed his unique skill set (technical & artistic) that allowed him to restore damaged fiberglass bath units to a beautiful and reliable condition. With his wife, Ruth, he proudly ran this successful specialty service for 34 years.

At one point during his busy career he decided to come out of music retirement and join a band called “Crossroads”. This band included some of his life long friends and partners in the music industry. It was one of the few remaining local 10 piece bands (with a full brass section and 2-3 female vocalists). They performed in many local venues. After a few years Ken once again retired from his music career to focus on his fiberglass business. Ultimately Ken retired at 73 and closed the business due to failing health.

Ken was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed angling for land locked salmon on the Quabbin reservoir. He accumulated many of the gadgets that make fishing an art and enjoyed the camaraderie of other fishermen over their boat radios and at the Quabbin Angler’s annual gala. Even a slow fishing day, provided him with the most satisfying part of his day: peaceful time on the water, observing the bald eagles and loons.

Recently, after years of work & musical retirement, “Kenny and the Night Riders” reunited for a special dance night celebrating the city of Gardner's 100th anniversary. This event was well attended and a unique opportunity for Ken to reconnect with old band mates, school classmates and many avid followers of the original band as well as followers of many of his other bands.

Those who knew him best knew he was a man of character, hard work, humor, creativity, amiable, trustworthy, kind, a reliable true friend and the best husband/Dad/Pepe one could hope for.

Ken attended Messiah Lutheran Church for years, where he confirmed his love for Jesus and grew in faith. Ken was predeceased by his parents Eric & Anna LeBlanc, his sister Jeannine Batchelor, and her husband Gordon. He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Ruth (Aho) LeBlanc, his daughter, Wendy Sands (husband Adam) three grandchildren Amber Smith (husband Jack), Tom Sands, Noelle Sands, two great granddaughters Madison Vee and Charlotte Rae Gilbert as well as many nephews, nieces, sister & brother in laws and their families.

There will be no calling hours.

A celebration of life service will be held on December 2, 2023 at 11 am at Messiah Lutheran Church , 750 Rindge Rd; Fitchburg, MA with a time of gathering and refreshments in the fellowship hall to follow.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you donate to your local Cancer society or to any 2nd chance animal rescue association.