In his installation speech, Roméo LeBlanc said "If  I am to be known for anything, I would like it to be for encouraging Canadians, for knowing a little bit about their daily, extraordinary courage. And for wanting that recognized." Installation speech, February 8, 1995.

He achieved this ambition when he launched the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award in 1996.  The award recognizes the everyday courage and dedication of ordinary people, caregivers, family members who cared for a loved one, and people who have made extraordinary contributions to their families, communities or country.  Since its establishment, almost 500 volunteers and caregivers across this country have received this award.  Governor General LeBlanc recognized dozens of recipients in 14 different ceremonies while visiting communities across the country. 

While it can be said that he achieved one of his ambitions with this award, Roméo LeBlanc achieved something else of immense value, not only during his years as Governor General but throughout his life: he showed that with honour, one may tread a path from humble beginnings to hold the highest office in the land, and live a life that exemplified love of country, personal humility and integrity.

Roméo LeBlanc is survived by his wife Diana Fowler LeBlanc, son Dominic, daughter Geneviéve and sister Emilie Gallant.