It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Lee Brunette on January 6, 2023 after a short battle with cancer.
Lee was predeceased by his parents Harold and Frieda (née McKinnon) Brunette.
Survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years Barbara and his two children Jason and Rachel. Also survived by his younger brother Jack.
The family wish to thank the many doctors and nurses for their exceptional care. A special thank you to Lee’s family and many friends who did so much in our time of need.
A celebration of Lee’s life will be held at a later date. If desired, donations in Lee’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (https://support.cancer.ca) or Advocates for Northern Animals (http://klana.ca/index.php/our-supporters).
Always in our hearts…
We were saddened to read of Lee's passing. He was our insurance agent for several years and very supportive when we adopted our older children. He was always cheerful and kind when we met him. So sorry that another Kirkland Lake icon is gone!
OMG, in shock and saddened to see of Lee's passing....Thinking of you all at this very sad and difficult time.
Thinking of all of you at this very sad time. Lee was a great guy and will be missed by all who knew him. RIP Lee. The Barnes family.
My deepest condolences. Lee was a great guy and one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I enjoyed working with him at CJKL. My best to Barb and family.
condolences to the Brunette family and friends from Ginny and I
Lee was one of the kindest, most generous, funniest … we worked together for many years and became friends. Lee brightened up a room with his smile and effervescent personality. Everyone loved Lee and his hugs.
My sincere condolences to Barb and family and friends. I will miss Lee.
So shocked and sadden to hear of Lee’s passing, our heart felt condolences to you and family. He was the greatest guy, and #1 when he sold us our house eight years ago. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Rest easy my friend.
Thinking of you during this very sad time. Lee was a great guy and his smile could light up a room. You are in our prayers
Yvon and Isabelle
Charbonneau
Our sincere condolences to you and the family. He was a great fellow, he will be missed
Deepest sympathy and condolences in your time of loss.
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Lee. As you know, we had fond memories together when we resided in Kirkland Lake and owned a small business there. Lee was our local radio station sales rep at the time but quickly became our good friend. Lee was easy to get to know, laugh with, and ask for advice. We are heartbroken over the news but know he is one of the good guys and will have a special place in heaven. We are sending our condolences to you all. Kirkland Lake has certainly lost another great! Rest easy, Lee! Bob and Shannon Galarneau
My deepest condolences. Lee was a terrific man.
So sorry to hear about Lee’s passing so suddenly. He was like a brother to me and I will always love him. Sincere condolences to you from us Joe & Carole
So sorry for your loss our deepest condolences to you and your family and friends
So very sorry to hear of Lee's passing. He was such a nice, kind man. My sincere condolences to his loved ones.
We are so very sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. May your memories bring you comfort.
Condolences on your sudden loss. Lee was a big personality and he will be sadly missed but he also left many great memories. We wish you all the best as you grieve. We hope you can take comfort in the support of friends and in sharing those memories.
Paul, Patricia & Chad Arney
I am sorry for your loss.
I am so saddened to hear of Lee's passing. He was charming, funny and just so good to me over the years. I will miss his wonderfully, deep voice and sage advice. Rest in peace my friend.
Omg another great man taken from everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, he was a man with a smile that lit up a room he was kind wnd gentle soul. We had the pleasure of speaking with him at the realtor in October. He will be missed for sure r.i.p Lee
Our deepest condolences. Such a wonderful friend & occasional colleague for so many years, we will miss Lee's insights and sense of humor.
Barb, I am so sorry to hear about Lee. We became good friends when I was working. My sincere condolences! He will be missed.
Lee has had a unique presence and like many others I have enjoyed that fact. I smile when I recall the day Lee appeared to be in shock. This was very far from his usual demeanour of calm. He patted each of his pockets vigorously that day and his movements were quick and vigorous. Not the Lee I normally observed. Such strange behaviour. I thought to myself he must be a lookalike. Moments later I discovered the likely cause of his panic. On the ground about twenty yards was a wad of cash. I picked up the wad and approached
Lee with a smile and watched his panic melt as I extended my hand with the wad and asked if that was his.
Instantly the panic melted and Lee calmly whispered thanks. That was a special moment for us both. Life in Kirkland Lake works that way, just like good food. I enjoyed knowing Lee was in town and thank him.
I had the privilege of having Lee as my CJKL radio rep for a number of years while managing the KL Mall. He was terrific to deal with, always helpful with suggestions. Lee would often come to the mall and for a morning 'cuppa' with our rag-tag group of hilarious mall-miscreants. (Linda Sancartier Bordin, Brent Seaton and (the late) Jimmy Dodds and myself). The fun times at The Met coffee counter, never ended and he was one of the funniest people I ever met. One time I had my 4 yr old daughter tag along with me to work. Lee scolded me royally because I wouldn't let her blow bubbles in her chocolate milk glass. Recently I sent a video of my grandson doing exactly that. His kind response was.."I absolutely love it...that kid is gonna grow up the right way". Lee was so devoted to his wife and family, his job and the town of KL. Deepest condolences to the Brunette Family.
I am so sorry to learn if Lee's passing. We grew up together in Cobalt and reconnected on FB. I also taught Jack at Cobalt PS. Frieda was a McKinnon girl and my parents were great friends with her family. I am very sad reading this. Rest in peace Lee.
Sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. Sending hugs and prayers to each of you.
I am so very sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to the Brunette Family.
Sorry for your loss and offering our condolences.First met Lee in the late 70's when you relocated to KL and he sold us our insurance policies and later became our "ad guy" at CJKL. Later on we became golfing g buddies and eventually Lee made a career change and obtained his real estate license ce and came to work for us. That is where we saw his compassion for people.
Glad we were able to help in shuffling you back and forth to Sudbury for treatments. Going to miss our conversations going over to Rouyn to watch our Huskies play. Rest in peace.
My condolences to Lee’s family on your loss. On my many visits to Kirkland Lake, Lee was a tremendous help to me. He would share whatever he could with me which made my job much easier and for that I am great full. He would give me all the time I needed. Such a kind and great person.
Victor Palangio AACI, P.App (retired)
Sylvia and I offer our deepest sympathy on Lee’s passing.
We spent the evening recalling so many fond memories. Times spent together in Cobalt as boys and our weddings as we entered adulthood.
Then their were all the fun times we had when we both lived in Sudbury before the children. Do you remember the brandy snifter?
In recent years our visits have been far too few, but you both have never left thoughts.
We will miss Lee and hope that your memories and stories of times together provide you and your family comfort.
Sincere condolence Barb
Dear Barb
We are so sorry to hear about Lee. Our healing thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please know that your loss is deeply felt and you're in the thoughts and hearts of so many who care. May it comfort you to know that your sorrow is shared.
Our deepest sympathy and love,
Nicole, Kevin McKinnon and family
xo
So sorry for your loss, Heartfelt condolences.
I have been a very close friend of Rachels for many many years but have just recently gotten to know her parents on a friendship basics. Lee has been taken from them far to quickly with this horrible cancer scare and my heart breaks for them. I truly know how much he will be missed but has left them with so many fond memories. Go in peace Lee and i will miss you also. Your friend Gloria.
Our condolences on your loss of Lee. A great guy who started as a work acquaintance but soon became a wonderful friend. He is missed.
Sincerely
Brenda and Bruce Culp
