Brian Walter Leroux

July 7, 1937 - February 16, 2025

Brian passed away peacefully at the Pinecrest Home for the Aged in Kenora Ontario on February 16th, 2025. He was 87 years old.

He will be sadly missed by his sister-in-law Geraldine Tunney, Nephew Patrick Tunney, Winnipeg Mb., Niece Alison Zapata (Carlos) and Alex, Daniel and Ruby, New York; Brother-in-law Robert Ames (Linda), Niece Susan Misner (Bruce), Anya and Linnéa, Cooks Creek Mb., Nephew Michael Ames (Keira), Shane and Kristjan; Brother-in-law Jim Ames (Andrea), Nephew Joel Ames (Erin), Niece Rebekah (Blair), Kenora, Wyatt and Rose; Niece Lynne Reilly (Tim), Danielle Montoya, Lodi, California, Renee Whalen (Brian), and Cecilia Whalen, Sacramento, California; James Reilly, (Karli Grigsby, San Anselmo, California; Niece Jill Chesbrough (Mark) Mount Pleasant, Texas, Ashley Languemi, Logan and Liam, Elk Grove, California. Megan Vanasse and Remi Vanasse, Lotus, California; Niece Cathy Degagné from Lodi, California.

Brian is also survived by his sister -in-law Marlene Leroux of Kenora. He also leaves to celebrate his life, Nephew Frank Leroux (Jeanie, Patrick (Ashlyn) and family, Frank Robert (Jodi) and family); Niece Susan Loewen (Dan), Stephanie (Brady) and family, Spencer (Sydney)and family; brother-in-law Vern Aandal; niece Sandra (Mike) Salvador; nephew David (Kelly) Sundmark, Jarrod (Lauren)and Eric.

Brian was pre-deceased by his wife Marion, her mother and father of Kenora, Rose (nee Bourgouin) Ames and Milton Ames, and his brother in-law and sister-in-law Richard and Joan Degagné (nee Ames) of Galt California. Brian was also predeceased by his father and mother Frank Leroux Sr. and Henrietta (nee Francis) Leroux, sister-in-law Marguerite (nee Klementek) Leroux, brother Ralph Leroux, sister-in-law Jeanne Aandal and most recently by his older brother Frank Jr. in June of 2023.

Brian was born in Kenora on July 7, 1937, and lived and worked here for his entire life. He met his wife Marion in Kenora, and they were wed on October 10, 1958. Brian started work in the Kenora Paper Mill office and worked there for his entire life retiring after decades of productive work alongside friends and colleagues. Athletics consumed a big part of Brian’s life, and he played baseball with the Legion Branch 12 team and hockey with the Kenora Thistles. Brian gave a lot back to Athletics and helped coach several teams in different Leagues. He was particularly proud to help with his good friend Bob Johnson when it came to supporting anything to do with the beloved “Thistle Teams!” One highlight Brian was proud of was coaching the Lakewood Mustangs (AKA “The Machine”) to the 1967 OFSAA championships! He also was an avid golfer and played with Boden and the boys for several years at the Kenora Golf & Country Club. Brian also loved fishing and hunting, and a highlight of his hunting exploits took place with annual treks to the pheasant fields of South Dakota (and Boomer’s) with his brother Frank and good friends Dave Mundy, and George and Roger Van Belleghem. Brian was also a long-time fan of the LA Dodgers and saw his team defeat the dreaded Yankees in the last months of his life. His dream for seeing his beloved Montreal Canadiens re-capture their glory days was not to be, but he never let those Leaf and Bruins fans forget who won the most Stanley cups!! He would always remind the boys at the golf course of this fact-and they know who they are (one Doug N. in particular)!!

After retiring Brian continued to live with his wife Marion on Cambrian Dr. and in his later years he was challenged with some serious medical issues. In July 2018 he faced more challenges when his wife Marion passed away just short of their 59th wedding anniversary. Brian was a strong-minded man and did all that he could to maintain his independence and with the help of family and a very special friend, Laurette Warner, he did all he could to maintain his home and occasional treks to watch hockey games.

However, in the fall of 2020 after a brief stint in hospital Brian moved to Pinecrest, the Kenora District Home for the Aged and was once again re-united with his brother Frank. Brian and Frank were with each other with their hockey, baseball, fishing and hunting pursuits so it was perhaps only fitting that they could spend their last years together at Pinecrest on a different and older team. Brian was fortunate to be able to spend time at meals with Frank and was there to help his older brother as Frank’s challenges progressed. Frank’s passing deeply affected Brian but as with earlier challenges in his life, he rallied and carried on the Leroux boys’ tradition of keeping the staff on their toes with sharp wit and a great sense of humour. During Brian’s days in Pinecrest, Laurette Warner was once again a constant source of emotional and spiritual support for Brian while he adjusted to the challenges of residential care whilst dealing with the struggles of advanced age and declining health. Her strength, love and compassion made a lasting imprint on all of us who know her.

Brian and his friends and family would like to thank the staff at Pinecrest Home for the Aged for their love and care particularly in the last few days of Brian’s life. He cared deeply for the staff and would always support them with the challenges that they faced in caring for the elderly from the Kenora District-particularly when Covid was ravaging its way through our seniors in Residential care. We would also like to thank Cory Jinkerson, the Funeral Director and his team at the Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre for their Professionalism, care and compassion during this difficult time.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church with Father Larry officiating. A luncheon, supported by the Catholic Women’s League, will be served afterwards in The Notre Dame Hall. Interment will take place with immediate family after the Luncheon. In lieu of flowers, donations are greatly appreciated to the Notre Dame Catholic Women’s League and/or Pinecrest Auxiliary or a charity of one’s choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for Brian and his family and friends.