December 4, 1938 – November 19, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Gagne on November 19, 2024, at his place of residence in Atikokan, Ont., at the age of 85.
Dad will be forever remembered and deeply missed by his daughters Lori (Robert Koroscil) and Brenda (Roger Roy).
Grandpa Pete dearly loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him much joy over the years. He will be forever missed as all his grandchildren loved to spend time with him, playing cards and teaching “him” how to use his electronic devices or sharing stories of his “when I was your age.” Grandpa also taught them how good old fashioned hard work and dedication would get you where you needed to be in life. He was without doubt loved, admired and respected by all of them. Left to mourn and cherish his memory are his grandchildren Jesse Koroscil (Tani), Bobby Koroscil, Joe Koroscil, Nick Roy (Erica), Kristie Sinclair (Matt) and great grandchildren, Aaron Koroscil, Gemma and Wyatt Sinclair and Anna Roy.
He was predeceased by his wife Phyllis in June 2020; his parents Leopoldine and Hector Gagne; siblings Toni Duclos, Elise Grouette, Lillian VanNorman, Alphonse Gagne and George Gagne; as well as numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. He is survived by his sister Yvonne Briese of Winnipeg, Man.
Pete was born on the family farm in Pinewood where he grew up helping his Mom and Dad run the farm, learning many and varied skills required to keep the farm running. Pete was just newly married and just 21 years old, and along with his wife Phyllis, they took over the family farm when his father passed away.
This would entail much hard work and very little cash flow for several years. Pete loved the farm and didn’t really consider it a hardship, although now that they had a young family he would need to take on outside work to keep the farm and continue making a living.
In 1965, Pete took a job at Steep Rock Iron mine in Atikokan where he moved his family. Even still, every summer vacation and days off revolved around the farm, baling hay and keeping up the numerous jobs required to keep the farm running smoothly. Many sacrifices were made to keep the dream alive.
As the years went by Pete was able to obtain his millwright ticket and provide a good life for his family, he also drove cab in the early years to earn extra money, and the kids looked forward to him bringing home a case of Pepsi and chocolate bars with his tip money.
When the mine closed down in 1979 and jobs were scarce, Pete managed to get a job at the Dryden mill as a millwright and travelled back and forth to Atikokan until their youngest daughter Brenda finished high school. They eventually bought a nice house in Dryden and made many lifelong friends there, and enjoyed living and working there for many years.
Once Pete was closer to retirement they built a nice little house with a front porch at the farm with the help of the sons-in-law, Roger and Rob. This became their new favourite place to be. Dad spent many hours “playing” as he liked to call it, with his tractors and equipment, gardening and going on casino trips with Phyllis to the states.
He lost his beloved wife Phyllis in 2020 after more than 60 years together and was lost without her for a long time. Later that same year he sold his home in Dryden and moved into a brand new apartment in Atikokan, where he spent his winters, but still going back to the farm every summer until the winter months. During his time in Atikokan, he would spend many hours with his daughter Brenda and son-in-law Roger, going over for supper frequently and uptown for coffee and pie or apple “cridders” with Brenda, his new BFF. He also made sure his apartment had two bedrooms, the extra bedroom was for when Lori would come to visit, he called it “Lori’s room.”
For the last year of his life, he spent many happy hours with his special friend Bonnie Gushulak. They were quite a couple about town, going to music concerts, listening to country music for hours, even spending some time at the farm. Bonnie loved to cook and Dad loved to eat. It was nice to see Dad happy again, living his best life. We used to tease him how busy he was, carrying on like a teenager.
One thing that people will remember about Pete was his twinkling eyes, smile and warm personality, you couldn’t help but like him. There was something a little extra special about him, his humour and sharp wit stayed with him right to the end. He will be forever missed and never forgotten.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at the Riverview United Church, 169 Pine Crescent, in Atikokan.
In June, Dad will be making one last stop at the farm “The Lorenda” for a private family gathering with interment to follow where he will be laid to rest with Mom at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Rainy River, Ont.
If friends so desire, donations can be made to the Atikokan Riverview United Church Roof Fund in remembrance of Dad or charity of your choice.
Honorary Pallbearers are Roger Roy, Rob Koroscil, Larry Rothwell, Henry Mason, Bob Brandow, Harry Hillier.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
