It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gary Joseph LaFroy, who left us on January 5, 2025, at the age of 79 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Gary was born on October 18, 1945, in Port Arthur, Ontario to Louis and Alma LaFroy. He grew up in Thunder Bay and helped raise his 10 siblings.
Gary married Ellen Marie Covello on August 1, 1970, in Atikokan, Ontario. Together they shared 18 years of love and companionship.
Gary is remembered for his love of family and friends. This is a man of honour, courage and perseverance. He was an amazing Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, Uncle, Cousin and Friend.
Gary loved sharing his camp on Trout Lake with numerous family and friends. He was a man to celebrate with, laugh with, talk to, and listen to the life lessons he always offered. He was always the man who would say “do you want a cup of tea, or a rum and coke?”. He cherished his Sunday morning visits with the boys at Joe’s shop, and enjoyed a good western movie or an afternoon siesta on his swing.
Gary took great pride in being a grandfather and uncle. He cherished every moment spent with Ellen, Adam and all his nieces and nephews. Between driving them to sports practices, taking them on ice cream dates, picking them up from school when they were sick, always cracking jokes, and sharing stories, his love for them was unwavering. They were his greatest joy.
Gary worked at Saskatchewan Wheat Pool for 35 years where he made many lifelong friends.
Gary is survived by his son John (Michelle), daughter Amy (Ronald), grandchildren Ellen (Jamie), and Adam (Grace). Siblings Eleanor, David (Linda), Jack (Karen), Patricia, Dale, and Ardeen (Doug). Brothers-in-law Frank (Valerie) and Tom (Nancy) Covello. In addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins along with great nieces and nephews.
Gary is predeceased by the love of his life Ellen LaFroy. Parents Louis and Alma LaFroy, Siblings Louis (Faye), Doreen (Ken), and Marie. In laws include Frank and Emily Covello, Joanne and Marcel Chedore, and John Covello.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, at 11am. There will be a Celebration of Life at the Current River Community Centre following the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to Adult and Teen Challenge Thunder Bay or St Vincent De Paul Society.
We will forever cherish the memories and legacy of Gary LaFroy. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
