Leo Paul LaChance, 81     SANFORD -- Leo Paul LaChance, 81, of Estes Lake died Thursday at Maine Medical Center, Portland.     He was born in Sanford Sept. 28, 1925, a son of Joseph L. and Marie Jeanne (Desharmais) LaChance. He was educated at the former St. Ignatius school and was a graduate of its high school.      At age 17, he enlisted in the Navy during WW II, serving in the Phillipines. Following his discharge he returned to Sanford. At a younger age, Leo Paul worked at the former Palace Diner. He later was employed at the former Huff Florist, Universal Shoe and Cyanamid, (now Cyro).     Trying to convince International Industries (now IHOP) for years to come to Maine, he finally got his wish with the opening of IHOP at the Maine Mall Rd., in South Portland in September of 1973. He operated the restaurant until 1994, retiring after suffering a stroke.     A life long resident of Sanford he was a communicant of Holy Family Church, a member of Sanford K of C, the V.F.W., and Portland Chamber of Commerce.     Survivors are two sisters, Vivianne Kepka of Monroe, Conn., and Mrs. Raymond (Aline) Normandeau of Shapleigh; and several nieces and nephews.     A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Thursday in Holy Family Church. Burial will be in St. Ignatius cemetery. Arrangements by the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter St., Sanford. Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com.    Leo Paul LaChance