The small village of Memramcook New Brunswick was overwhelmed today with an estimated 3,000 onlookers and distinguished guests remembering the first Acadian Governor General Roméo Leblanc.

Held in the Saint-Thomas of Memramcook Church, a traditional Catholic service was held and included eulogies from former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, associate and friend Marc Lalonde as well as his son Dominic.

"He was committed to those in our society who didn't have a big voice, like fishermen. He was very much a man of the people without any ostentation," said Lalonde who had known Mr. LeBlanc since 1950.

Mr. Leblanc was remembered as an ordinary man who lacked pretension and was a man of the people.
He began his career as a journalist for the CBC and made the move into politics former prime ministers Lester B. Pearson and Pierre Trudeau. He then rose to prominence as a a Liberal cabinet minister and a senator before his appointment as Governor Genreral 1995.

On June 24th after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s, Mr. Leblanc passed away at in his home at the age of 81.

Click here for the full article in the National Post.

For cbc.ca video highlights from the funeral click here.