FAYETTEVILLE — Kevin Mark LeBlanc,

50, of Fayetteville, Ark., died peacefully on February 12, 2024, following an extended illness.

Kevin was born on January 4, 1974, to John and Rena LeBlanc in Fitchburg, Mass. He spent his early years on his parents’ horse farm in Ashby,, Mass., feeding the farm animals and working with draft horses alongside his father.

Kevin moved with his mother to Harrison, Ark., 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 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine in six 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, Mass., Donna Crowley (LeBlanc) of Paxton, Mass., Michele Lavin (LeBlanc) and her husband Kevin of Princeton, Mass.; his aunts, Cheri Nadeau and husband Dennis of West Jordan, Utah, and Julie Millsaps of Harrison, Ark., 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.

Condolences at www. beardsfuneralchapel.com