Dr. Clifford LeBlanc Obituary (1934 - 1934)

On Monday September 11th Dr. Clifford LeBlanc passed away peacefully in the presence of family members. He was 82. Cliff was born on December 26, 1934 in Weeks Island, La. and grew up in nearby Morgan City. He was a 39-year resident of Archer, FL. Cliff attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where he earned Bachelors (1957) and Masters (1959) degrees in Psychology. He further distinguished himself by representing the Ragin' Cajuns in weightlifting and wrestling, winning the NCAA Championships in his weight class, and at one time was ranked #5 in the world and first in the nation. Later in life, Cliff was an avid golfer with a single digit handicap, and for some time held the record score at West End Golf Course. After working a variety of jobs which ranged from counseling special needs students in Florida to painting water towers in Michigan, he moved to Gainesville, and in 1967 earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of Florida. In the Summer of 1968 Dr. LeBlanc was hired by the first President of Santa Fe Community College, Dr. Joe Fordyce. Cliff was one of a small group of administrators that created the atmosphere and culture of the college. This culture of innovation and student-centered education has been a model followed by many colleges across the country. First and foremost, Cliff loved his work at Santa Fe College. He served the college in many roles including; Vice President of Student Affairs, Director of Human Resources, Director of College Success, Dean of Students, and after retiring, returned to teach Psychology until 2011. College Success is a groundbreaking program designed to provide students with the skills to be achievers in the classroom. His wife Kathleen has been an instructor in the College Success program since 1992. Cliff had many interests including gardening and fishing. His home-grown vegetables and any fish that made it into the boat would end up in one of his Cajun meals, which he loved to prepare for his family and friends. A strong supporter of environmental causes, Cliff loved outdoor activities. He enjoyed telling jokes and was a master story teller. He relished taking almost any topic and telling a joke about it. He greatly valued the companionship of his friends. He was an avid reader; part of his daily routine was to visit the Archer and Newberry Public Libraries. As a child, he was noted for having read every book in his elementary school library. Cliff also built his family's home in Archer with his own hands, only accepting help for a few tasks that could not be done alone. Cliffs true love of his family was evident in every aspect of his life. He survived by his wife 41 years, Kathy. They were married June 26, 1976 in the chapel at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Cliff is also survived by three children: daughters Andree (Dave) Moran and Kathleen (Nick) Johnson, his son Paul (Vicki Shea), and three grandchildren Jason, Katherine, and Joey all of whom will miss Papa deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Libby Savoi LeBlanc, four brothers, and his dear son Mark. The family would like to extend an invitation to join them for a celebration of life at Napolatano's Restaurant on September 29th from 4-6 PM. Arrangements are in the care of Milam Funeral and Cremation Services 22405 West Newberry Road Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 472-5361