Alan LeSage

Alan was a kindhearted soul that was always helping others that needed a hand. Alan’s nickname was “Scuber” which in the urban dictionary means “good friend”. Alan loved his favorite coffee shops like Bucks where he could socialize and could usually be found at St. Vincent’s thrifting for treasures. Alan loved to play the drums, stamp collecting, antiques, fishing, deer hunting and being out camp near the Dead River Basin. Camp was his place of refuge where his friends could visit and share some stories. Most of all Alan loved all of his dogs dearly, they were his little companions that he loved to spoil.

Alan was a proud Army Vietnam Veteran (11B) of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, who served 4 campaigns and earned: The Bronze Star, Awarded the Army Commendation “V” Medal for Heroism, The Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Bar and Marksmanship Marksman Badge. Alan spent most of his life working at the Tilden Mine for Cleveland Cliffs, where he retired after 25 plus years of service.

It was no secret, Alan suffered from PTSD from his time in the service, most of his life was spent trying to recover from that trauma. In his later years, thanks to support groups and advanced understanding, Alan was able to receive care to help manage his emotional rollercoaster. He took part in Meet The Media on Public TV13 discussing living and coping with PTSD and some of his story was published in “The Long Road Home” by Balzarini. Alan was exposed to Agent Orange in the military and was battling the challenges of Parkinson’s.

Alan was preceded in death by his Father Leonard J. LeSage, his Mother Helen A. LeSage (Matheson), three brothers Ronald LeSage, Michael LeSage and Peter LeSage and a stepson Scott P. Ayotte. Alan is survived by his sister Marilyn Koski (LeSage) of Gladstone and brother Jerry LeSage of Ishpeming, two sons Sean and Denise LeSage of Elizabeth, CO and Jason LeSage of Marquette, MI, previously married to Carol Linna of Ishpeming, two grandchildren that he loved dearly Kaylyn & Addison LeSage. Over the later part of Alan’s life, he found his partner, soulmate and caretaker with Sue Carello of Ishpeming. Alan said many times that the Lord has blessed him with bringing Sue into his life and that he loved her so dearly. Alan was a man of faith, always reminding his children to stay close to the Lord. He would always say “I lived a good life and I’ll be ready when the good Lord takes me”.

Some Gave ALL, ALL Gave Some and AL gave to his family and friends.

The family is planning a gathering in the spring to celebrate his life with proper military burial.

Alan’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com