By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
After more than half a century, Service G. L. Paradis, a Lennoxville institution, is set to close on Oct. 31. For owners Larry Paradis and his mother, Delly, the time has come to retire, bringing an end to a garage that has served local residents since Oct. 1, 1973.
“Tomorrow night at five o’clock we’re putting the key in the door, and that’s the end of Service G. L. Paradis,” Delly said in an Oct. 30 interview on location.
The Paradis family launched the garage 51 years ago, providing mechanical repairs and selling gas to locals and travelers passing through Lennoxville. Delly recalls the early days with fondness, noting, “We used to have lineups right up to the hotel … we were the lowest around.” In those days, prior to Highway 55, everyone traveled through Lennoxville to reach Quebec City, drawing crowds to the garage, some even from the wider Sherbrooke area.
Delly and her husband started the business together, but by the early 1980s, they had brought their youngest son, Larry, into the family trade. With Larry’s involvement, Service G. L. Paradis expanded, adding towing services to its repertoire. “We started with one towing [vehicle], then two, then three, and a little service vehicle,” Delly shared. This expansion marked a new chapter for the garage, one that would continue through several decades and many changes in the industry.
One of the unique features of Service G. L. Paradis was its commitment to full-service gas. When most stations in the area moved to self-service, Service G. L. Paradis continued providing service at the pump—a decision driven by customer loyalty. “We had so many loyal customers,” Delly explained. “So, we gave the service with it.” Larry recalled that some customers, particularly elderly patrons, relied on this service, with one long-time customer even remarking when it was removed a few years ago, “I had to put gas in my own car for the first time in 46 years, and it’s your fault.”
