Kevin Mark LeBlanc, 50, of Fayetteville, Arkansas died peacefully on February 12, 2024, following an extended illness.
Kevin was born on January 4, 1974 to John and Rena LeBlanc in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. He spent his early years on his parents’ horse farm in Ashby, Massachusetts feeding the farm animals and working with draft horses alongside his father. Kevin moved with his mother to Harrison, Arkansas at age 17 and was a 1992 Harrison High School graduate. He spent the next two years as a student at UCA, eventually transferring to the University of Arkansas and earning a BFA in Graphic Art Design.
For many years he worked at the Northwest Arkansas Sign Shop, designing and making signs, as well as applying vinyl stripes and emblems to many local police and emergency vehicles. Kevin eventually started his own handyman business, helping many Fayetteville residents with a variety of projects and repairs. Truly a jack of all trades, he spent the past few years as a gardener and landscaper, taking great pride in his work and the relationships he formed in the process.
Kevin was an avid outdoorsman and music connoisseur. Most weekends he could be found on a river, a hiking trail, or at a local music venue checking out a new band or an old favorite. One of his proudest accomplishments was completing the Appalachian Trail in 2002. He hiked 2200 miles from Georgia to Maine in 6 months. He also loved spending time with his many friends and dreaming up or participating in any kind of shenanigans he or we could scheme up and talk each other in to
Kevin is survived by three sisters, Cindy Charon (LeBlanc) of Leominster, MA, Donna Crowley (LeBlanc) of Paxton, MA, Michele Lavin (LeBlanc) and her husband Kevin of Princeton, MA, his aunts Cheri Nadeau and husband Dennis of West Jordan, UT, and Julie Millsaps of Harrison, AR, and several cousins. He is also survived by his “feast of friends” whom he collected throughout his life, and his “fluffy furry friend” Minnie the cat. He was truly larger than life and our loss is immeasurable.
A celebration of life will take place later this year when we’ve all had some time to mourn, and can truly celebrate Kevin. Announcement forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in the name of Kevin “Pinecone” LeBlanc – 2002.
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
Sincerely heartbroken. Love you KML.
You were true to yourself every step of the way. You collected stories , experiences, and wonderful people. Your passing has been as punk as your life and I think you’d be proud. I’ll carry you in my heart until we meet again, Sweets. Love you, miss you, keep it rad at the take out for the rest of us ❤️
Tomorrow it will be one year. It’s all just unreal. I think about you literally every day. I hope you’re getting to explore wherever you are. Until we meet at the takeout ❤️🎃
Kev I can’t wrap my head around this. I am glad we remained steadfast friends despite our difference. I’ll see you at the takeout brother.
Kevin was a kind, genuine person. His early passing is both sad and tragic, especially for his friends and family but also for people that didnt get the opportunity to meet him! He will be missed greatly.
Kevin became one of my boys, as the bestie to my son in law and a great friend to my son. He never met a stranger and you were always better off knowing and loving Kevin. He would do anything for you, just had to ask. You’ll be missed young friend! God Bless!
Keb, you are so missed and forever loved. I can’t begin to fathom what our next birthday will look like without you. Thank you for being my friend, my birthday buddy, and part of my ‘family of friends’.
“All the best people were born on the 4th. Jesus, Elvis, Keb leblanc and Hannah”. You told me that every year and it’ll forever be ingrained in my mind. Thank you for the years of wonderful memories that can never be replaced or forgotten. Love you, my friend, and I too will see you at the take out.
Sorry for your lost
All of it true ❤️. But there’s so much more. Knowing him was a gift to me. We had so many very personal conversations. Our last one was to meet up for more fun and laughter. I mourn the fact it never happened. I’m glad I just found this obit. I hadn’t seen it. Yes! We need a fun memorial. It would be my honor to be there. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Melinda
I just talked with you a few weeks ago, and it’s been wonderful to reconnect in Fayetteville after HHs so many years ago. Your ideas on music were my favorite; despite not ever being able to play guitar. I can’t either. Love you, Trout
Kevin took care of my yard as well and as my house. He would come tend to everything and sit on my porch and chat. Now every time I go on the porch, I miss him.
A whole year without you in the world. How is this true? I think it doesn’t feel true because you affected so many people, shared yourself and your enthusiasm and spirit so well…. You’re somehow still around, and I dare you to be more so in whatever way possible! No one plays board games and watches Jarmusch like you. And no one loves Halloween like you, but I’ll sure do my best every year on your behalf (and mine because I love it, too) Miss you, friend.