All Of The Above - Duncan's Blog

Hard Rock Miner

Gate, once a miner, always a miner. "The first snow in 1954 was in early November. I asked for a job underground. As winter set in, I was a hard rock miner. My first day underground was strange, but i... Read more →

Life and Death of a Miner

Mining accidents, particularly in the early part of the 20th century, didn't always end in death but at the very least, someone would end up maimed. Safety or the well being of the workers never interfered with profit - keeping... Read more →

Jail Was A Definite Possibility

In my many discussions with Gate Lepine, he tears up fairly often. Here's a man who lived a full life and has some scars to prove it. Yes, he enjoyed a long and loving marriage with his beloved wife Jean.... Read more →

Ray Lepine - Alone and in Prison

If Gate Lepine ever becomes famous, it will be for many reasons. His accomplishments are impressive in scope and volume. There's little doubt however that at the top of that list is his close friendship with Stompin' Tom Connors. Much... Read more →

5000 Songs and Counting

As of this writing, Gate is 83 and living in an apartment in Ottawa. His wife Jean died a few years ago. He's surviving this awful pandemic, alone with his spirit and his guitar. I first met him in 1990... Read more →