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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BLONDIN, Rheal - 94, passed away peacefully at Dartmouth General Hospital on April 3rd, 2026.
Born July 2nd, 1931 in Sultan, ON, Rheal was the son of the late Hormidas Sureau-Blondin of Lachine QC and Louise Larocque of Saint-Godefroi, QC. He later made Nova Scotia his home, settling in Bedford, where he lived for over 60 years.
Rheal joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1951. After many years at sea, he became a pioneer in SONAR surveillance, working with both the RCN and the USN, monitoring Soviet submarines during the Cold War. He spent the latter part of his career as a sonar foreman at the Halifax Naval Dockyard (DND).
A skilled carpenter, Rheal built his family home, a sailboat and his cherished cottage. He was rarely idle, always tinkering, building, and taking quiet pride in working and creating with his hands. He was an avid reader and liked to keep himself informed on local and world affairs. As a man of intellect and resilience, he was always eager to problem solve. Above all, Rheal will be remembered as someone who carried a lifetime of stories from his years of service and experience.
Rheal was predeceased by his wife, Denise Binard of Dieppe, France and sisters, Rita Rait and Eva Blondin.
He is survived by his six children: Louis (Tanya), Jean-Yves (Tena), Maryvonne (Terry), Michel (Cheryl), Nicole (Jerry), and Pierre (Corrine); his grandchildren: Paul (Amanda), Jennifer (Adam), Andrew (Carly), Sandrine, Christian, Andrew, Sophie, Jean-Pierre (Amber) and Emilie, as well as his great-grandchildren: Michael, Sloane, Doran, and Katelyn.
A private celebration of his life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia. (T. K. Barnard Funeral Home)
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