In the early morning of December 24, 2023, Kenneth (Ken) Duguay, a loving and true husband, caring Dad, proud Grandpa/Papa, devoted brother, father-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, friend and neighbour passed away peacefully at Maria Hospital.
Ken was born in the picturesque village of Gascons. He was the third eldest of seven children to parents Edward and Annie (Assels) Duguay. Ken then moved to Shigawake. He worked in the Murdochville mines where he received his apprenticeship as an electrician and took his skills to Elliot Lake. Back in Shigawake, he became a master electrician before moving on to Blind River, Mount Wright and Port Cartier. Ken owned and operated a mechanic garage next door to the house he built with his father and brother. After moving home to Shigawake to stay, he went on to have a successful career as an electrician, as well as a teacher of mechanics, welding, and carpentry at Gaspe and Bonaventure Polyvalent Schools until he retired in 1998. Then he turned to what he loved: working in the woods, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.
Ken served as Mayor of Shigawake from 1987-2013, 26 years which he enjoyed immensely. Ken became a director of the Agricultural Society and was so happy to see the current direction progressing so well. Ken was a founding member of the Gaspesia Cultural Association which offered many activities to Shigawake’s youth over the years. A resident of Shigawake referred to him as “A pillar of the community and a role model for all. His capacity for service in the community was very inspiring.”
Ken will forever be remembered as a kind, generous and hardworking man who was so very proud of his Gaspesian roots and family.
Ken is survived by his loving and cherished wife of 42 wonderful years, Sarah (Sullivan) Duguay. He was the proudest of Dads and leaves behind to mourn his son Darrel (Ondina), his daughters Shelley (Louise) and Crystal (Lewis), who loved him dearly.
Ken adored his grandchildren. He was Grandpa and Papa to Anna, Amelia, Rhea, Graham, and Alexandra, who will always remember him as the best Grandpa and Papa ever. As Graham (grandson) would say, “Papa, my hero.”
Ken is predeceased by his parents Edward Duguay and Annie (Assels) Duguay, his son Mark (Guylaine) Duguay, who he missed dearly. Also his brothers Omer (Margaret) Duguay and Winston (Joan) Duguay.
Ken was a loyal and loving brother to Ruth (Ralph, dec), Gloria (Elton, dec), Ethel (Bob), and Wilma; To brother-in-law, Ken Mann (Sheila, dec), sister-in-law, Marcelle Sullivan (Bill, dec), Veryl and Tom (dec), Freda Huntington, his former wife, as well as his nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who he considered family.
There is no way to express how sorry we feel about his passing. Ken was without exception, as Ken Mann (brother-in-law) expressed, a friend and so often a mentor to all. Ken so often generously shared his incredible knowledge about how to make, do or repair anything electrical, construction, woodworking and most importantly how to be a better person.
Please take note that a celebration of Life will be held at a later date, further information to follow,
Professional services have been entrusted to the Salon Funéraire Rejéan Bélanger, a subsidiary of the HG Division network certified Distinction by the Corporation des thanatologues du Quebec and by the Bureau de normalisation du Québec.
The management and staff of HG Division offer their deepest condolences to the family and thank them for their trust.
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