Gary Allan Lagace

Gary Allan Lagace also known as “Loon” passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025.

Dad was born and raised in The Pas, Manitoba, to the late George and Rose Lagace on August 27th, 1960, as the middle child of three; Gordie Lagace and Karen Howell. At a young age, Dad would start his working career at Correl Lumber and Logging as well as at CN Rail. On a whim, Dad went to see the late Roy H. Johnson about employment for the Town of The Pas. Johnson gave Dad the opportunity to work as the Cemetery and Maintenance Laborer working closely with his brother Gordie, where he held this position for nearly 40 years until he retired on September 1st, 2017.

Taking a drive through the Lakeside Cemetery, you would see that Dad took pride in his work. In their time of need, Dad always wanted people to feel supported and valued. Whether it was talking with them, giving them extra hugs, and even being in their photos of the time they spent at the cemetery in his work coveralls, Dad always wanted every service to feel important and special. We thought Dad retired for good in 2017, but almost 8 years later he returned to make the cemetery beautiful again. Dad was looking forward to working alongside Neil Hemauer on the many new and exciting developments to happen at the Cemetery.

Dad met Maria in 1979, and by June 1980 they began their life together and were married by July 1984. You would very rarely see them apart. They had three sons, Ryan 1986, Naithan 1990, Taylor 1994. Taylor was born on Father’s Day and delivered by Dad and a nurse who was a former Town of The Pas employee. Dad’s sense of humor came out during delivery as they both joked; “not too bad for a couple of town workers”.

Dad was able to spend time during his retirement with his grandchildren from Ryan and Ashley; Cody, Holden, Kenya, Lily 2020, George 2022, Emery 2023, and William (Patrick, Gary) 2024. Dad was called “Papa” by the little ones. Papa was Lily’s world, and he would give her the nickname Lily Ladybug. Dad was wrapped around Lily’s little fingers, getting anything she wanted from him at the store and making sure to always add items to the shopping cart for her brother George. Dad was looking forward to all the adventures at Rocky Lake with the kids over the next summer.

Dad loved the outdoors, spending most of his early years hunting with family and friends. He loved to fish all year round and it was common to see the entire Lagace family out ice fishing with a sleigh filled with toys for the kids. Dad loved Rocky Lake and wanted to retire out there, building their dream cabin in 1996 alongside the help of family and friends. We spent a great part of our lives at the lake. Dad had a green thumb and loved his giant Lilies in his flower bed. Every year expanding his flower beds with the help of Lily.

Anyone who knew dad knew he loved to cook for friends and family. Whether BBQing, Deep frying, or baking his famous butter tarts it didn’t matter. Dad always had his taste testers Darcy Richards, family and friends around to sample the numerous food experiments he concocted. 

Gary leaves to mourn his spouse and best friend of 45 years Maria, sons Ryan (Ashley Bighetty), Naithan and Taylor. Brother Gordie (Faye), Sister Karen (Mark Howell). Brother in-laws Harold Tracanelli, Robert (Lisa) Tracanelli, Frank (Stephanie) Tracanelli, Sister in-law Laurette Lind. Mother and Father-in-law Walter and Lucille Naismith, numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews. Grandchildren Cody, Holden, Kenya, Lily, George, Emery and William. Predeceased by his parents Rose and George Lagace and Father in-law Dino Tracanelli.

Before heading to bed, Dad always had a saying with Lily; “night, night, later gator” and Lily replying: “after a while crocodile, Papa”

In lieu of flowers donations to the Rocky Lake East Shore Park, c/o The Rocky Lake East Shore Recreation Committee Inc. Box 24, Wanless Manitoba, R0B 1T0, would be appreciated by Gary's family.