Gary Ledeau
ARLEE — Gary Ledeau, (77), long-time resident of Arlee, left this world to begin his next adventure on July 28. Born to Damien and Valerie Bisson Ledeau on Feb. 9, 1943, Gary was raised within the heritage of the French settlers of the Missoula/Grass Valley area before it was “discovered.”
After Loyola High School and the U.S. Army, adventures and exploits included: railroader with Northern Pacific; commercial fisherman in Kodiak, Alaska; cross-country private plane ferry pilot; sawyer and horse logger. In 1981, he built his residence in the Schley area and created a magical retreat dedicated to appreciation for the natural world and a simpler lifestyle of coexistence, peace and harmony.
His interests included: gardening, botany, ornithology, wildlife biology, painting, photography, furniture design, family and local history, poetry and philosophy.
His wide circle of friends included the Sacred Heart community, Killdeer Artist Guild and snail-mail correspondents.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bobby.
He is survived by his daughter, Maya (Adam); his granddaughter, Zella, and his treasured cousins.
Cremation has taken place. A remembrance ceremony will be arranged at a later date.
He will be greatly missed but not forgotten by his neighbors. Au revoir mon amie.
