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Gary Robichaud

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Gary Robichaud (September 13, 1962September 8, 2005) was a Canadian teacher and politician, and leader of the Island New Democrats political party in the province of Prince Edward Island.

File:Garyrobichaud.jpg
Gary Robichaud after the 2003 PEI Provincial Election

Robichaud was born in Saint John, New Brunswick. He spent his childhood on Prince Edward Island, attending Evangeline Regional High School and then the University of Prince Edward Island.

Robichaud began teaching in rural Manitoba, where he met his wife, Jacqueline. In 1995, he moved back to Prince Edward Island to become a high-school teacher in Summerside. For many years, he taught at Three Oaks Senior High School, where he became a favorite to students and fellow teachers.

Joining the Island New Democrats, Robichaud ran in the 2000 election, doing well for a New Democrat in P.E.I. In 2002 he ran for the leadership of the party, winning with 62 votes over Ken Bingham with 18 and Debroah Kelly-Hawkes with 4.

He was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer in late 2003. On June 23, 2005 he announced his resignation as New Democratic leader due to his poor health. He passed away on September 8, 2005 in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. He is survived by his wife, Jaquie, and his daughter, Julia.