February 10, 1964 – June 8, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Scott James McLeod, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, coach, and business man.
Scott was born on February 10, 1964, in Fort Frances, Ontario, and spent his early years growing up in Emo, Ontario. Before beginning high school, his family relocated to Fort Frances, where Scott’s passion for hockey continued to flourish. His dedication to the sport led him across the border to attend high school in International Falls, Minnesota, where he proudly played for the Falls Broncos. In his senior year, Scott was honoured to serve as team captain, demonstrating the leadership qualities that would define him throughout his life.
Following high school, Scott pursued his hockey dreams in UMD in Duluth, Swift Current, Saskatchewan, where he played junior hockey. His love for the game then took him to Anchorage, Alaska, where he continued his hockey career while attending the University of Alaska Anchorage. As a member of the Seawolves hockey program, Scott excelled both on and off the ice, ultimately earning his Business Degree.
During his years in Alaska, Scott developed a passion for coaching and mentoring young athletes. Among his proudest achievements was leading the Alaska All-Star Team to the 1996 USA Hockey Midget Tier I National Championship. He loved sharing stories from that unforgettable season and spoke often of the remarkable group of young players he coached, including future NHL standout Scott Gomez. The friendships, memories, and success of that team remained a source of pride throughout his life.
In 1997, Scott returned home and proudly took over the family business, DeGagne Equipment in Emo. For nearly three decades, he built upon the legacy established before him, serving customers throughout the Rainy River District with integrity, knowledge, and genuine care. Scott’s passion for John Deere equipment was matched only by his appreciation for the many friendships he developed with customers, colleagues, and community members over the years.
In December 1998, Scott married the love of his life, Cherie. Together they built a beautiful life centred on family, love, and countless cherished memories. Scott was a devoted husband and a proud father who found his greatest joy in supporting his family. Together they have so many fond memories traveling to many sunny destinations, swimming in their pool and fishing on Rainy Lake.
Scott leaves behind his loving wife Cherie McLeod; his daughters Abbey and Megan; and his treasured grandchildren Corgan and Mia, who brought immeasurable happiness to his life.
He is also survived by his parents Wayne and Rita McLeod; his father-in-law John Walton; mother-in-law Carmen (Dennis) Barras; his sisters Wendy (Lee) Carpenter and Sandra (Matthew) Weir; his sister-in-law Jocelyn (Tom) Vielgut; and his beloved nieces and nephews Christopher, Brooke, Madyson, Macey, Austin and Mason; along with numerous extended family members and friends.
Predeceased by his grandparents Jim and Jane McLeod and Jean Baptist and Marie Antoinette DeGagne.
Sports were woven into the fabric of Scott’s life. If he wasn’t at the arena playing hockey, coaching behind the bench, or cheering from the stands, you could often find him on the baseball diamond, or on the golf course chasing the perfect shot. Whether on the ice, the field, or on the fairways, Scott loved the camaraderie, competition, and friendships that sports brought into his life. He believed that sports built character, created lifelong bonds, and brought people together. Many of his closest friendships began in a dressing room, on a rink, on a field.
Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in the countless memories he leaves behind and the lasting legacy of love, friendship, and dedication that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
A Funeral service celebrating Scott’s life was held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts in Scott’s memory.
Forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.
