Gary Allan Leduc

(Kenora, ON)

October 25, 1951 – February 7, 2025

It’s with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend - Gary Allan “Spook” Leduc at the age of 73.

Gary passed peacefully with his loving wife Carol by his side at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital on February 7, 2025.

Born October 25, 1951 in Sioux Lookout, Ontario he left behind a legacy of accomplishments, friendships and memories.

Gary’s childhood was primarily spent growing up in Mando Camp 314, which spurred his love of hunting (with his brother Wayne) and fishing (often with his daughter Kimberly). He loved to share memories of his days growing up in camp, and later as “one of the Keewatin boys” and all their teenage antics. At that time, his only mode of transportation was two wheels - his motorcycle. Despite a serious accident in 1977, he couldn’t resist getting back on the new “chopper” his friends built for him while in recovery.

He was a master of many labour trades, including countless years following the pipeline from coast to coast, where he inherited the nickname “Spook” while working on the tar gang. He was also an integral part in the Kenora bypass and highway upgrades, often pointing out certain rock cuts that he had drilled and/or blasted. Gary was best known and well-respected for his 40+ years of drilling and often reminded people he was “the best driller this side of Texas” and had “forgotten more about blasting and drilling than anyone would ever know”. Those who knew him and his work would undoubtedly agree. Working locally in construction before purchasing his own hydraulic drills, Gary then started his own company (SPK Channel Drilling Inc.) contracting in the granite quarries for Nelson Granite, road construction and docks locally, finally retiring just a few years ago.

He was a man who prioritized his family and did everything to provide for them. He worked cross-country to send his pay cheques home and built two houses for his family. His wife, Carol, dreamed of waterfront property, and he made that reality by transforming a swamp into a beautiful paradise on Winnipeg River in 1997 telling her, “if your eyes could see what my eyes can see.” Gary also built a “moose shop”, and the workshop of his dreams where he spent endless hours either MacGyvering something up, welding, working on his drills and skid-steer, drinking a “garage floor temperature” Lakeport Honey, and helping friends with whatever they needed fixed. In recent years he took on gardening with the passion and energy he brought to everything, filling Carol’s fridge and freezer to overflowing.

There was never a puzzle, task or challenge that Gary wouldn’t take on. If he didn’t know the answer – he sure as heck would find it or figure it out. Whether it was a mechanical glitch or building issue, he would not give up until it was solved, often with an innovative solution. He also loved a good game of Crib, Euchre, Scrabble and spent hours solving crosswords with his morning coffee.

Gary was also quite the storyteller and sure knew how to make people laugh. His wit and one-liners are definitely something to be remembered. He had a positive attitude and had people cracking up with laughter - even until his last moment with us.

He is survived by his soulmate of 46 years, Carol, whom he loved with all his heart and gave everything and beyond; children Derek, Hilary (Patrick) and Kimberly, taking great pride in each of them; siblings Glen (Carole), Wayne, Shelley (Mike) and Dean (Grazyna); grandchildren Ava and Macklin Murphy, mother-in-law Jean, brothers and sisters in-law Julie (Rene), Tom (Robin) and Sandra (Glen), numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He is predeceased by his parents Fern Leduc and Jeanette Pruden, Uncle Ralph Chartrand, father-in-law Bernard “Dutchie” Wiersema, his sister-in-law Shaughn McKelvie, best friend Greg Kasprick along with many other close friends.

Our family would like to thank his Palliative Care Team, Charlene and Mike, along with the third-floor staff of LWDH, Cory with Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, and countless friends and family who have supported and helped us throughout these tough times.

A celebration of life for Gary will take place Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 3:00-6:00 pm in the Kenora Curling Club upstairs club room and we invite all those who crossed paths with Gary to come by, have a toast and share your memories in honour of ”Spook”.

“Legends don’t die; they live on in the hearts of those they touched.”