With overwhelming sadness and disbelief, we announce the peaceful passing of our husband, father, and grampa, Patrick Anthony Lebel, at the age of 72, on June 1, 2025. Though we knew his time was coming, it arrived much sooner than we had hoped. Just three weeks ago, he seemed perfectly fine, and no one, least of all him, had any sense his time was running out. Over the past year, he bravely fought a private battle with cancer, one that, at every turn, he appeared to be winning.
Left to remember him with love and keep his spirit alive, are his wife, Patricia ‘Patti’ Lebel, and his children: Rick Lebel, Tricia Lebel (Tim Inkster), Matt Lebel, and Chris Lebel. Among those who will miss Grampa most are his grandchildren: Mary Jean ‘MJ’ Lebel, Benedict ‘Benny’ Lebel, and Miona ‘Mio’ Lebel, whom he treasured beyond words. Dad also shared a longtime and special friendship with his brother-in-law Mike Zelinski (Calla Antonuk). He was always a devoted uncle to Tammy, Krista, and Michael, and a loyal friend to Guy, Danny, and Hawk. His siblings, Mike Lebel (Karen Fields) and Rose Lebel (Dennis Mayhew), and extended family acknowledge his passing with respect and remembrance. Waiting for him on the other side were his parents, Fern and Mary Lebel, his baby sister Debbie, and a whole crew of colourful French-Canadian aunts, uncles, and cousins. We’re sure they’re drinking boxed wine, playing cards, sharing great food, and having one unforgettable reunion right now.
Dad was born in Thessalon, Ontario, and moved to Sault Ste. Marie as a child. He met Mom in his early 20s, and together, they shared 50 eventful years. Over those years, they filled their lives with unforgettable adventures and memories. Even after Dad ‘accidentally’ left Mom at a gas station in Montreal during one of their early trips, she still kept traveling with him. There were summer van trips across the country to Quebec and New Brunswick, with Dad driving through the night while the rest of the family slept in the back. He made countless journeys across Canada to help each of us kids settle into new cities and homes. Mom and Dad even had a few adventurous trips to explore China. In recent years, Dad made numerous excursions out west to visit and spend quality time with his grandkids. But Dad’s most cherished journeys were the ones aboard his prized possession — his Victory Jackpot motorcycle, with Mom on the back. He spent an entire winter customizing it into a true work of art. We only wish he could have experienced one more ride.
Not only was Dad kind, caring, thoughtful, stubborn, and witty, but he was also cheap. If there was a deal to be had, Dad found it. Was there a limit of two boxes of cereal at the store? No problem. He’d line us each up with a $10 bill and have us each buy the limit. Free donuts and coffee for seniors at the Calgary Stampede? Dad went through every separate line, coming out with six times the donuts he should’ve had. Dad wasn’t above going back and forth to the same two businesses to have them keep undercutting each other, which we all experienced with him at least once in our lives. When Dad hit the age of ‘senior’, he took full advantage of every discount out there. Value Village on a Tuesday was a particular favourite. And for years, if the meal was free for kids 12 and under, we were all 12 (or younger).
Dad loved ice cream cones, watching football and baseball on TV, collecting coins, doing puzzles, and, most of all, his family. Dad was always there for us, whether it was fixing cars, swapping tires, or tackling jobs around the house. When we were kids, he built us a basketball court and a hockey rink with real boards in the backyard. He drove us to early-morning figure skating lessons, swim team practices, and chauffeured us to the YMCA, Cubs, and school events. One time, on the day he had knee surgery, Dad made it to the field on crutches to film Chris, who was having one of his regular football superstar moments. Even as adults, he was happy to be our late-night DD after a night at the bar. He always made time for his family, putting our strange interests ahead of his own without hesitation. One of the biggest impacts he had was as a coach for each of us at one time or another. For years, Dad was a fixture at T-Ball, baseball, softball, and nearly every hockey league in the Sault, including at the Soo Pee Wee and with SRHA Girl’s Hockey. Through sports, he met and supported hundreds of kids in town, helping them learn, grow, and develop into decent humans. And he only got in a few ‘disagreements’ with parents and other coaches along the way.
Our family would like to sincerely thank everyone who was on Dad’s team for the past year especially Dr. Spadafora and Louise, Dr. Lam, Dr. Buehner, and nurse Cathy (who didn’t make him want to have a cardiac event).
Family and friends are invited to visit on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm at O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St, SSM). A Memorial Service will follow in the chapel with Father Peter Nwachukwu officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please spend some extra time with your loved ones, listen to some Bruce Springsteen, and make it a priority to have regular check-ups with a doctor. If you'd like to make a memorial donation, Dad always supported the Salvation Army and St. Vincent’s, so that would be a meaningful tribute to him.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).