Thursdays with Tio Dallas — with Joshua Nin

— with Dallas and his sister Barbara

I had the pleasure of enjoying Dallas as a friend during the late eighties in San Francisco. Back then  I visited the Gordons often and Dallas and Sabine were guests for dinner after the opera. The conversation was lively, and I absolutely loved the way he laughed. His laugh was contagious and filled the room. What a marvelous man. Once I moved to bgermany in the 90's I lost touch until finding him again on FB just a few year ago. I was happy to be in contact again and we shared posts frequently. The kind of man was is happy to communicate. He made me feel like, life was a wonderful experience. I am grateful to have had him as my friend. Rest in peace, I know you afre in a good place now, the world is a better place because you were here!

Horacio Cifuentes

On my mind heavy today I keep hearing your deep voice and I keep looking at this last piece of mail i got from you just a couple weeks before you left and wishing I can just call you one last time but it’s okay I know you are on one heck of journey now and can’t wait for us be to join you someday.

"Mr. Leblanc" reminded me to comfort myself with dignity and not expected silliness He kept me from straying into negation at a pivotal point in my life. I am forever grateful. 

I was fortunate enough to meet Dallas Leblanc when I was 13 years old when he taught at Westborough junior high. He was extremely charismatic with an infectious laugh and outlook on life. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to chat with Dallas on Facebook every now and then. I always looked forward to reading of his adventures or gleaning some advice he’d offer to me still all these years later. 

His lessons, I will take with me forever, and I wish to impart something he taught us on to all of you today. 

“Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.”

Carl Sandburg

It’s been 42 years and not a week goes by that when I need to slow down and address others wants, needs, or wishes, that this quote comes to mind and the voice of Dallas echoes in memory. 

You were my teacher, you were a friend, and you’ll forever be remembered and miss. Fly!  Be free!!  Explore the newest of horizons!  We will all meet again…. Love ya my friend. SB

Dallas wrote this poem to describe Sabine's creation of portraits.

Portrait of Dallas by Sabine painted about 1979

Mr. Leblanc was the most inspirational teacher I’ve had in my lifetime. He was my 7th grade Geography teacher at Parkway Junior High School in 1987/88. I’ve had many other great teachers throughout my life, but Mr. Leblanc was just special. He embodied everything an amazing teacher should be. Years later, we reconnected through FB, which I am so grateful for. He truly made this world a better place.

It was strange timing. Of all days, I happened to ask my sister, “I wonder what ever happened to Mr. Leblanc?” She paused, then told me she had just seen in our Westborough Junior High School Facebook group that he had passed away—only a few days earlier.

Mr. Leblanc was one of those rare teachers who left a lasting impression on every student who crossed his path.

To put it simply: he made me feel good about myself.

And when a teacher makes a child feel that way, something powerful happens—our capacity for learning suddenly feels limitless.

I grew to love poetry in his class. I remember telling him I wasn’t an artist. He didn’t care. He told me to do it anyway.

I don’t think he ever knew that the words he shared with me after class one day would stay with me forever. They helped shape the woman I’ve become—and they continue to guide how I learn, how I love, how I parent, and how I lead.

That day, he asked me to stay after class. I thought I was in trouble.

Instead, he looked at me and said, “Why did you say that in class? ‘I’m not the smartest kid, so why do you keep picking me to lead the ‘thought for the day’?’”

I told him that everyone knew “Paul” was the smartest kid, and I felt bad that he never got asked to lead.

Mr. Leblanc smiled and said:

“My dear Maya, you are the smartest kid in class. Do you know why? Because I see your thirst for learning and the joy it brings you. Never lose that joy.”

That moment changed me. I felt seen. 

Educators like Mr. Leblanc completely redefined how I understood the word “intelligent.” He changed the trajectory of my life.

I later married someone who also had Mr. Leblanc in middle school. He hated school. But he loved Mr. Leblanc. His English class was one of the few he looked forward to and was always prepared for. If a teacher can inspire a kid who hates school to love English and poetry, you know they’re exceptional.

His charisma and his unique approach to teaching made him unforgettable.

I’m sorry I never got to tell him how much he meant to me.

There will never be another Mr. Leblanc.

And I hope someone in his family reads this- so they know just how much of an impact he made on the world.  He was an amazing educator with a beautiful soul.

From Leonard's mother.

I will always remember and cherish the magical times that my husband Bernie and I spent with Dallas and sabine, his amazing zest for life was contagious. the walks we took on Sundays through out SF were magical and always ended by having a delicious lunch. I was honored that he asked me to dance for his 50th birthday. I loved to share and talk about music and opera with him. I will miss him dearly. erena

A Tribute to Mr. LeBlanc 🕊️

Over 28 years ago, I walked into a middle school classroom not knowing that the man standing at the front—eccentric, bold, larger than life—would change my life forever.

Mr. Dallas LeBlanc wasn’t your average teacher. He was a force. A spirit so full of joy, curiosity, and wisdom that he made the world feel bigger, more magical, and more possible. He lit up every room with his brilliant smile and captivated every heart with his commanding voice.

He opened my eyes to the beauty of poetry, the weight of history, the adventure of travel, and the depth of love. Through the years, we became pen pals—exchanging stories, triumphs, heartbreaks, and laughter. He stood by me during my darkest times, celebrated my brightest, and never missed a birthday—each card handwritten, each word chosen with care.

In these last few years, I made it a point to visit often—cherishing beach walks, deep conversations, snapshots, and timeless memories. Every moment now feels like a precious gift from a man who lived with purpose and poured his heart into everyone lucky enough to know him.

Dear Maestro Mio,

Thank you—for your thoughtfulness, your unwavering support, and for loving so completely. You were my teacher, counselor, mentor, friend… and chosen family. I love you into eternity. 🤍🕊️

To every teacher out there: Please never underestimate the power of what you do. You may not always see it, but you are changing lives. You changed mine.

#ThankYouMrLeBlanc #TeacherTribute #LegacyOfLove #EternalGratitude #TeachersMatter #restinpower

Several years ago, Dallas picked me up and said he was taking me somewhere! He wouldn’t tell me where we were going and we drove for miles and miles and miles! Finally, we ended up in Palm Springs California! At the very end of Palm Drive in Palm Springs there’s an Indian reservationThere’s a trading post and then you hike down into the deep canyon , which happens to be the largest fan palm oasis in the world!. it was amazing huge fan palms everywhere you looked, and it was 108° that day! We had a great time, taking pictures and hiking through the canyon! Later on after our hike, we had lunch at Lulu’s Café ,, a kind of 50s vibe café, and actually the place we first met years ago,,  Dallas was like that, full of surprises , he always found some interesting adventure to peak my interest! I cherish all the adventures  we had through the years , Dallas will be ever missed, and ever loved!

...I once blindfolded Dallas and walked him through Fisherman's Wharf into the Waxmuseum. I then took the blindfold off in front of the yellow brick road Wizard of Oz scene-with Dorothy,the tin man, Lyon and scarecrow!