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Gaetan Duchesne Obituary
He was 44.
Duchesne collapsed and could not be resuscitated, she said. Reports said he apparently died of cardiac arrest, but the exact cause of death was not immediately known.
The native of Quebec was an eighth-round draft pick of the Washington Capitals in 1981 and made the NHL club out of his first training camp.
The six-foot, 190-pound forward went on to play 1,028 NHL games, scoring 179 goals and assisting on 254, and another 84 playoff games.
After six seasons with Washington, he was traded to the Quebec Nordiques along with forward Alan Haworth and a first-round draft pick — that turned out to be Joe Sakic — for Dale Hunter and goalie Clint Malarchuk.
Two years later, he moved on to Minnesota and was a member of the North Stars team that reached the Stanley Cup final in 1991.
He finished his NHL career with the San Jose Sharks and the Floirida Panthers, retiring after the 1994-95 season.
Duchesne later worked as an assistant coach with the defunct Quebec Rafales of the IHL and the Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
He was out of hockey in recent years, running an architechtural supply business with his brother in the province’s capital.
Duchesne is survived by his wife, a daughter and a son, Jeremy, who is a goaltender with the Val d’Or Foreurs of the QMJHL.
11 Entries
May 29, 2014
Hey I'M Reeecca Huntsberry I use to Baby sit for Jeremy In Chanhassen,MN.I'm sorry to here about GAETAN. GOD BLESS
Carol, Manuel, Danny, Philip Diaz
April 19, 2007
Dear Gina, Jeremy and Chloe,
We offer you our sincere sympathy and condolescences. Both my sons were very affected by the passing of Gaetan. He was such a great joy, inspiration and role model to the kids playing roller hockey in the streets in our Cupertino neighborhood when Gaetan was a San Jose Shark. He will be truly missed.
Our prayers and hearts go out to you and your family.
Carol, Manuel, Danny and Philip
Paul and Rita Klauda
April 18, 2007
Gina, Jeremy and Chloe:
Please know that during this difficult time you are in the hearts and prayers of all of your former neighbors in Chanhassen. We count ourselves lucky to have had you living next to us during the Minnesota years, and look back fondly on those times. Gaetan was a spark in our lives, someone we will never forget. He was as fun and classy at a neighborhood barbecue in "the circle'' as he was to his many fans around the rink. In sympathy we hold him, and you, in our hearts.
Anne Kutzbach (MN Northstars 1980-1993)
April 18, 2007
Gina and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Gaetan's passing. During his time in Minnesota he was one of my favorite players to work with. His sense of humor was always welcomed by those of us in the front office. He was fun to watch on the ice, but more than that he was a good man off the ice. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
How you can show support
Peter McCook
April 17, 2007
My own brother Charles loved him as a brother. Only wish I had met him,too!
Condolences and prayers for his wife and children.
Perry and Marie Berezan
April 17, 2007
Gina, Jeremy and Chloe,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. Please accept our condolences at this very difficult time.
Gaetan was one of the best teamates and friends you could find. "The Duke" was always there "to keep the guys loose" and make sure everyone was taken care of. His larger than life personality always made you smile. Our 2 years with you in Minnesota will be treasured. Gaetan was a great man and someone that we will never forget.
Willy Volk
April 17, 2007
Gaetan was probably the nicest& thoughtful person that i knew, It was a pleasure to spend alot of time together i wish we would have spent more time together, i will miss him,we had alot of fun times with him and his family, i am very proud to say i knew him i hope i can be as good of a person that he was. God Bless and Rest in Peace
Jim Woodhams
April 16, 2007
I was so excited a week or so ago to see Gaetan Duchesne at the Fan Appreciation night for the Washington Capitals;he was one of my favorite players. May he rest in peace.
Glen O'Neil
April 16, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Gaetan Duchesne.
Shannon Anderson
April 16, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
James & Nell MacIsaac
April 16, 2007
We were so sorry to hear about Gaetan Duchesne's passing in the prime of his life. We wish to extend our condolences to his family and friends.
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