LEBANS, DONALD GERARD - Donald Gerard Lebans, 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday April 7, 2012, in Moncton after a lengthy battle with Lewy Body dementia. Born in Blackville, he and his family lived in various parts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia before moving to Moncton in 1954. An accountant by trade, Don started his career with CN. After receiving his CMA designation Don moved to the broadcasting business, where he became the controller of Eastern Broadcasting. In 1974 he realized his dream of becoming a business owner and purchased MacArthur’s Flower Shop. Shortly thereafter he purchased MacArthur’s Nurseries and founded Jensen Exotic Plants. With his work ethic and strong business acumen he quickly grew these organizations into successful businesses. He could usually be found greeting and spending time with customers at MacArthur’s Nurseries. Like his parents, Don was well known for his generosity as well as his sense of humor; many of his family, friends and business associates were victims of his practical jokes. He supported a number of organizations with donations and fundraising, including the YMCA, Hip Hip Hooray and Holy Family Parish. Don was an active member of the Moncton business community, was past president of the Moncton Chamber of Commerce, served on the board of Regents of Universite de Moncton, and was a member of the Rotary Club and Elks Club as well as the board of advisors of the Moncton Hawks AHL hockey club. As a former hockey player he enjoyed mentoring Moncton Hawks players as well as coaching several minor hockey teams. An avid dart player and golfer, Don enjoyed playing cards with his friends and brother Elks and took particular pride in taking their money. He was a long time member of the Moncton Golf and Country Club and always looked forward to Friday afternoon games and road trips with the “Nummies”. One of Don’s greatest pleasures was entertaining at the family cottage at Parlee Beach, where he was well known for his parties. Despite having a debilitating form of arthritis, Don always had a positive attitude and lived life to the fullest. He was an inspiration to his family, friends and community. Don cherished and faithfully loved his wife Irene. Together they enjoyed spending part of the winter in Florida. He adored his family and in particular his grandchildren. Don is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years Irene (Donnelle); daughters Susan, Wheaton Settlement, Patty (Sheldon), Bedford, NS; sons, Stephen (Jeanine), Moncton and Geoff (Judy), Dartmouth, NS; grandchildren, Maggie, Alyssa, Samantha, Logan, Jordan, Kasey, Cody and Connor; great grandson, Austin; sisters, Peggy Taylor (Alan), Jackie Holtom (Larry), Faye Rammage (Peter), Terry Voth (Rick), Pam Coughlan (John); brothers, Reg (Cecile), Rick (Maura), John (Cathy), Paul (Suzanne) and Peter (Krista); dozens of nieces and nephews, and too many friends to count. He was predeceased by his parents Merle and Reg. Many thanks to friends and family who faithfully visited Don, and special thanks to the staff of ProTem Health Services for going above and beyond and providing exemplary care.
Visitation at Ferguson Knowles Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton (858-1995) on Tuesday from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Don’s life will be held at St Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday April 11, 2012 at 11:00 am. A reception will be held in the Parish Hall following the Mass. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28” In Don’s memory, donations can be made to the Arthritis Society or the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Online condolences at www.fergusonknowlesfh.com