LEROUX, Rene Leroux

It is with deep sadness and heartache that we announce Rene passed away peacefully on Sunday March 15th, 2026, at Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg, in his 85th year, following a brief illness.

Predeceased by his parents Ronnie and Muriel Leroux and sister Rejeane Patton (Leroux). Survived and loved by his wife Gwen (O’Brien) of 60 years, cherished by his daughter Linda Bickle (Leroux) and son-in law Ryan Bickle and loving grandson Carter Bickle, brother Jack Leroux and nieces and nephews.

Rene began his teaching career in North Bay in 1961 and spent two summers teaching in the Indigenous Communities of Attawapiskat and Moosonee in Northern Ontario. In 1966 Rene started teaching at North Addington Education Centre, Cloyne, where he met his wife, Gwen O’Brien. They were married in 1967 and in 1973 welcomed their only daughter Linda.

Rene built a strong sports program for the school, successfully competing at district and provincial level competitions. He took great pride in the traditions he created for his students, especially the annual three day Grade 6 trip to Niagara Falls. He was equally proud of leading the effort to revitalize the school library, ensuring students had a welcoming space to discover a love of reading.

Rene taught catechism at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church for several years. He was a chartered member of the Land O’Lakes Lions Club and instrumental in the formation of the club in the community where he served as Zone Chairman and Deputy District Governor for Central and Eastern Ontario.

One of Rene’s greatest joys in life was his grandson, Carter. When Carter was young, the two of them spent countless hours side by side in the garden. As Carter grew older and discovered his love for hockey, Rene became one of his most loyal fans. He proudly attended countless minor hockey games and tournaments, and later many OHL games, always cheering enthusiastically for his favorite goalie. Watching Carter play and following his journey in hockey filled him with immense pride and happiness.

Visitation will be held at the Milestone Funeral Homes – Northbrook Chapel on Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm. Celebration of Life will be held in the Chapel at 12:30 pm. Graveside Service to follow at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkinson’s Canada, Canadian Cancer Society, St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, Flinton.

“Rene Leroux”

He has achieved success,

Who has lived well,

Laughed often and loved much.