Paul Leduc, one half of the celebrated Leduc Brothers tag team and a respected wrestling promoter, has died aged 89.

The Quebec wrestling legend passed away on August 30, leaving behind an extraordinary career that began during the territorial era and continued through his later efforts to support professional wrestling in his home province.

Born Léodard Mimeault on November 10, 1936, in Mont-Louis, Quebec, Leduc entered the wrestling business in 1957 after training in Quebec and Mexico. He began performing at just 18 years old, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 195 pounds.

Leduc became best known for teaming with Michel Pigeon, who competed as Jos LeDuc. Although they were not related, the pair were presented as brothers and became famous as the Leduc Brothers. Their memorable lumberjack presentation helped turn them into one of the era’s most recognisable tag teams.

The duo enjoyed championship success across several territories. In January 1969, they defeated Yvon Cormier and Bob Sweetan to capture the International Tag Team Championship in Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling.

They later competed as the Canadian Lumberjacks in Florida. In 1973, the team defeated Dusty Rhodes and Dick Slater to win the NWA Florida Tag Team Championship.

The Leduc Brothers were also major attractions in Quebec throughout the 1970s. Their rivalry with Maurice “Mad Dog” Vachon helped Grand Prix Wrestling attract huge crowds, including 17,008 fans in Quebec City. It remains the largest recorded attendance for a professional wrestling event in the city.

Leduc created another unforgettable moment in December 1971 when he married his wife, Pierrette, inside the Montreal Forum. Nearly 15,000 people were in attendance for the remarkable ceremony.

After retiring from the ring in 1978, Leduc began a new chapter of his life and worked as a media distribution executive for Quebecor.

His passion for wrestling never disappeared. In 2000, he founded the Fédération de Lutte Québécoise. The promotion initially operated until 2006 before returning intermittently and eventually closing in 2022.

Leduc faced several serious health difficulties later in life, including heart attacks, strokes, bladder cancer and cardiorenal syndrome. He is survived by his children, Carl, Yan and Kim.

Wrestling historian Pat Laprade confirmed the news of Leduc’s passing, writing:

“Sad news in the wrestling world.”

Paul Leduc will be remembered not only for his success inside the ring, but also for his lifelong contribution to wrestling in Quebec. WNS sends its condolences to his family, friends and everyone who enjoyed his work.