Ralph Richardson, 87, of R.R. #2, Devlin, Ont., passed away Sunday, April 26, 1998 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont. He was born Aug. 19, 1910 in Sunnyside, County of Durham, England to the late John and Isabel Richardson.
Mr. Richardson came to Canada in May, 1927 and settled in the Devlin area, where he had lived since. He had worked as a lead charge hand at Victoria Plywood, where he was employed for 20 years, retiring in 1975.
He also served for five years with the Naval Reserve Engineering Branch in the Royal Canadian Navy.
He enjoyed the simple things in life, and loved birdwatching, fishing, and gardening. He also was interested in photography, leatherwork, and carpentry.
He is survived by his two sisters, Edna Miller of Fort Frances, Ont. and Bessie Hicketts of Thunder Bay, Ont.; and his adopted daughter, Katheryn Pettis of Devlin, Ont.
Also surviving are four grandchildren, Norman, Tammy, Kevin, and Joleen; three great-grandchildren; nephews, Gary Miller and wife, Diane, of Crozier, Ont., Jack Miller of Atikokan, Ont., Dian Webb of Dryden, Ont., and Edward Hicketts of Kamloops, B.C.; nieces, Betty Whatley and husband, Jim, and Joyce Essa and husband, Reg, all of Thunder Bay, Ont.; as well as great-nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 28, 1998 at 10 a.m. at Green Funeral Home. Rev. Garth Clifford officiated, with interment in Devlin cemetery in Devlin.
A private family visitation was held Monday, April 27 at Green Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Gary Miller, Jack Miller, Norman Pettis, Darryl Shine, Brian Wilson, and Ed Fautsch.
The Royal Canadian Legion Br. 99 "Colour Party" from Emo performed their Legion tribute following the funeral service.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 840 Frenette Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2N5, or to the charity of your choice.
HENRY `HANK' ROUSSEAU
It is with regret and love that we announce the passing of Henry (Hank) Rousseau, 74, on Monday, April 13, 1998 at his residence in Disrali, P.Q.
He leaves to mourn his wife, Jeannine (Le Houx); and their three children, Carl (Héléne Desrouchers) of Blainville, Lyn (Louise Litourneau) of Disrali, and Caroline Rousseau of Montreal; four grandchildren; and his brothers and sisters, Alice (Orville Oyloe) of Hibbing, Mn., Eva (Gordon Abbott) of Fort Frances, and Emile (Joyce Perry) and Arthur (Vera Beyak) of Thunder Bay, Ont.
Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Margaret (Orton) of Fort Frances, with other in-laws in Quebec; as well as nieces and nephews, Raymond (Janis Perkins), Lori (George Elliott), Dawn (Herb Hughes), Mark (Jackie Gaddu), Renée, Doug, Ann Marie, and Brent Rousseau, and many more in Quebec, the United States, and Ontario; and many cousins.
He was predeceased by his mother and father, Anna (George) and Arthur Rousseau; sisters, Yvonne (Roger Le Moyne) and Therese (Jack Marchand); and brother, Roland (Margaret Orton).
He was born in Fort Frances, attended St. Mary's School, and joined the Canadian armed forces in Winnipeg in 1940. He served in Canada and Europe.
He always enjoyed spending time with his family on Rainy Lake, in particular the family cabin on Little Bear Island.
Later, his work brought him to Theftford Mines, where he met his wife, Jeannine, of 39 years. He resided there ever since until his death.
In memory of Henry (Hank), donations may be made to St. Mary' Church in Fort Frances.
ANNIE O'CONNELL
Annie O'Connell of Rainycrest Home for the Aged, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away suddenly at her residence Thursday, April 23, 1998.
Annie recently celebrated her 90th birthday.
She was born March 30, 1908 in Big Fork, Ont. to the late Patrick and Mary O'Connell.
Annie attended school in Big Fork. In her earlier years, she was a volunteer Girl Guide leader. She also worked in housekeeping for the priests in Atikokan, Ont., and later as waitress at the New Lunch Cafe in Fort Frances until her retirement in 1973.
Following her retirement, Annie moved to Green Manor, where she resided for many years. She was an active member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, the Catholic Women's League, and the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 29.
For enjoyment, Annie loved to do needlepoint and embroidery work. Throughout the years, Annie also loved to travel, and had travelled to Ireland, and toured the United States and Canada.
She was predeceased by four brothers, Roy, Dan, Huey, and Stanley O'Connell; two sisters, Nellie Medhurst and Francis Burke; and three siblings in infancy.
Annie is survived by her loving nephews, Fred Grozelle and wife, Pat, and John Grozelle and wife, Mable, and their three children, John Jr., James, and Jennifer, all of Fort Frances, Ont.; her niece, Carla Grozelle, of Armstrong, B.C.; nephews, Mike Grozelle of Winnipeg, Man., Dale Miller of Thunder Bay, Ont., and Doug Medhurst and wife, Lois, of Fort Frances, Ont.; and by many other nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Monday, April 27, 1998 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances. Father Lawrence Conlon O.M.I. will officiate, with interment in St. Mary's cemetery in Fort Frances.
Honourary pallbearers will be all of her family and friends.
In memoriam donations may be made to Friends of Animals Foundation, Box 545, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8, or to the charity of your choice.
ELSIE BEATRICE (ARNOLD) DUSTIN
Elsie Dustin, 71, of 452 Third St. E., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Sunday, June 29, 1997 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances.
Elsie was born March 13, 1926 in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., to the late John and Latti Arnold. At the age of four, Elsie moved with her family to the Fort Frances and Alberton area, where she had lived since. On March 25, 1946, Elsie was united in marriage to Herbert Charles Dustin, and together raised their family in Fort Frances.
She was very well-known throughout the area for the numerous years of great mail courier service that she provided. Elsie enjoyed doing her beautiful creative crafts and participating in craft shows for years. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and her numerous friends.
As a mother, she always had a loving and caring hand, smile, and a heart of gold. She was never too busy to listen or give you a loving hug or touch. She has always been loved, and will always be loved by numerous family and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, Herbert Charles Dustin (Oct. 19, 1973); and sisters, Rita Arnold and Hazel Paulson.
Elsie is survived by daughter, Rhonda, and her husband, Murray DeGagne, of Fort Frances, Ont., and their son, Justin; son, Dewayne Dustin and his wife, Jean, of Dryden, Ont., and their son, Jeffrey; son, John Dustin and his wife, Roxann, of Fort Frances, Ont., and their sons, Johnny, Bradley, Todd and Curtis; daughter, Judy Bruyere of Thunder Bay, Ont., and her children, Dale, Jim, Clifford, Shelley and Lisa; numerous great-grandchildren; sisters, Gladys and her husband, Dean Whalen, of Fort Frances, Ont., and Eleanor and her husband, Cyril Chabot, of Emo, Ont.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Elsie will be sadly missed by her family and friends but will be reunited with her loving husband of over 27 years, Herbert Dustin.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 3, 1997 at 11 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Patrick Playfair will officiate, with interment in Riverview cemetery in Fort Frances.
Friends may visit Wednesday, July 2, 1997 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.
Pallbearers will be grandsons, Justin DeGagne, Jeffrey Dustin, Curtis Dustin, Todd Dustin, Brad Dustin, Johnny Dustin, Dale Smith, Jim Smith, and Clifford Bruyere.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Box 444, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 840 Frenette Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2N5.
MARGUERITE ELLEN MCKINNON
Marguerite Ellen McKinnon, 86, of Woodyatt Township, Ont., passed away Thursday, June 19, 1997 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
She was born March 3, 1911 in Woodyatt Township to the late David and Annie Hamilton.
Marguerite lived in Woodyatt Township all of her life. On Sept. 2, 1931, she was united in marriage to Cameron McKinnon and raised their 12 children. Marguerite loved gardening and preparing meals for her family and friends. She also loved to attend bingo when able, and really enjoy playing cards with family and friends.
Marguerite was predeceased by her husband, Cameron McKinnon, on March 4, 1997. She also was predeceased by one son, Bud McKinnon, 1982; two granddaughters, Kristen McKinnon in 1984, and Pauline Fraser; and by one brother, William Hamilton.
She is survived by her 11 children, Katherine and husband, Fred Fraser, and Ken McKinnon and wife, Marilyn, all of Devlin, Ont., Shirley and husband, Ken Cain, of Atikokan, Ont., Jeanette and husband, Herman Anderson, and Lorna and husband, Dennis Robinson, all of Crozier, Ont., Allan McKinnon and wife Betty, of Devlin, Ont., Jim McKinnon and wife, Sandra, and Keith McKinnon and wife, Mickey, all of Crozier, Ont., Brian McKinnon and wife, Shelly, of Devlin, Ont., and Bev and husband, Peter Bond, of Fort Frances, Ont., and Garry McKinnon and wife, Dawn, of Atikokan, Ont., 28 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Clara Hamilton of Devlin, Ont.; two nephews, Bruce and David Hamilton; and one niece, Norma Lundy.
Funeral services were held Monday, June 23, 1997 at 2 p.m. at the Christian Reformed Church in Emo, Ont. Elaine Frazer officiated, with interment in BoxAlder cemetery in BoxAlder, Ont.
Friends visited prior to funeral services on Monday afternoon at the Christian Reformed Church.
Pallbearers were her grandsons, Ian Fraser, Ken Fraser, Greg Cain, Allan Cain, Kevin Cain, Brent Robinson, Darren Robinson, Michael Anderson, Brad Anderson, David Bond, Trevor McKinnon, Rob McKinnon, Derek McKinnon, Jeff McKinnon, Chris McKinnon, Tyler McKinnon, Craig McKinnon, Mike McKinnon, and Cody McKinnon.
Honourary pallbearers were her granddaughters, Cheryl Pruys, Shannon Hansen, Diane Duncan, Stephanie Cousineau, Michelle McKinnon, Kim McKinnon, Kelly McKinnon, Tanya McKinnon, and Melissa Bond.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Emo Hospital Memorial Fund, 260 Front St., Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
IDA SOPHIA ‘SOPHIE’ CRAIG
Mrs. Sophie Craig passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Residence in Winnipeg, Man. on Sunday, July 6, 1997 in her 84th year.
Sophie, formerly of Fort Frances, Ont., was born in Mattawin Station, Thunder Bay, Ont. on Sept. 5, 1913 to the late W. Aloysius and Sophia Primeau. She was raised and educated in Sprague and Winnipeg, Man.
Sophie was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) Craig on Nov. 11, 1937 in Fort Frances, where she resided for more than 50 years. She and Bob also lived a few years in Kenora, Ont., and together they lovingly raised their family of seven children.
After raising her family, Sophie worked for a time for Eaton’s, the Fort Frances Clinic and several years at La Verendrye Hospital on evening admissions.
Sophie was actively involved in the Fort Frances community throughout her life. She served on the Fort Frances library board, the executive of the Catholic Women’s League, and was involved with St. Mary’s Credit Union in its early years. She also was a founding member and an active volunteer at Sister Kennedy Centre, served as a volunteer at the La Verendrye Hospital gift shop, and started the St. Mary’s Brownies and served as Brownie leader.
Sophie enjoyed reading and listening to music, she was a lover of nature, and especially little children. She cared about people and helping others. Most of all, Sophie loved God and her family.
Sophie is survived by her children, a loving mother of James and his wife, Carolyn, of Peterborough, Ont., Dianne and her husband, Werner Hauri, of Steinbach, Man., Allan of Toronto, Ont., Marie Chambers of Newmarket, Ont., Robert and his wife, Betty Ann, of Newmarket, Ont., Joe and his wife, Rosario, of Dundas, Ont., and Ted and his wife, Betsy, of Fort Collins, Col.; sisters, Lou Marten, and Betty and her husband, David Burns, of Winnipeg; and brother, Cecil Primeau of Osoyoos, B.C.
She was the dear grandmother of 21 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband of over 46 years, Robert Craig (June 20, 1984); brother, Jim Primeau; and sister, Mary Derrick.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 10, 1997 at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances. Father Neil Haight O.M.I. will officiate, with interment in St. Mary’s cemetery in Fort Frances.
Friends may visit Wednesday, July 9, 1997 from 7-9 p.m. Parish prayers will be offered at 7:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.
There also will be a memorial mass at St. Joseph’s Residence in Winnipeg on Saturday, Sept. 6, 1997 at 4:15 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to La Verendrye General Hospital Memorial Fund, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7, St. Joseph’s Residence, 1149 Leila Ave., Winnipeg, Man., or to a charity of your choice.
ALBERT LOUIS DOUCETTE
Albert Doucette, 83, of 320 Hammond Rd., Crozier, Ont., passed away Tuesday, July 8, 1997 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Albert was born Nov. 18, 1913 in Howy (Prudomme), Sask. to the late Ferdinand and Julie Doucette, moving to Crozier in 1937. Albert joined the army in 1939, and served in England, North Africa, Italy and Holland during WWII. He was honourably discharged in November, 1944.
On Jan. 21, 1947, Albert was united in marriage to Elsie Everson, and together raised six wonderful children in Crozier. He worked as a trucker until 1952, after which he completed his welder’s course and was employed by MandO/Boise Cascade Canada Ltd. for 25 years. He advanced to the position of millwright by the time of his retirement in 1977.
During retirement, Albert enjoyed spending time gardening, yard work, chasing raccoons from his garden and beavers from the back pond. He also enjoyed fishing, and spending time with the family.
Albert was predeceased by his parents, Ferdinand and Julie; sisters, Cecile and husband, Edgar Braconnier, and Grace Coté; brothers, Henry and first wife, Dorothy, and second wife, Irene, and Alphonse and wife, Irene.
Albert is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elsie, and their six children, Roy and wife, Jodell, of Ranier, Mn., Brian and wife, Bonnie, Judith and husband, Dorian Lindholm, of Fort Frances and Sherry and husband, Glendon MacGregor, of Thunder Bay, Linda and Loring Fichuk, and Nancy and Embert Green of Fort Frances; 11 grandchildren, Jason and Jeffrey Doucette, LeAnn Doucette, Anna and Amy Lindholm, John and Brent Cournoyer, and Ryan MacGregor, Jason Fichuk, and Elissa and Timothy Green; great-granddaughter, Tia Rae Doucette; his brothers, Andre and Marcel; sister-in-law, Audrey; brother-in-law, Fred Coté; and numerous nieces and nephews.
As per Albert’s wishes, cremation will take place in Thunder Bay and a memorial service will be held Friday, July 11, 1997 at 1 p.m. at the Knox United Church Fort Frances. Rev. Patrick Playfair will officiate, with interment in Riverview cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memoriam donations may be made to the Fort Frances Legion Branch #29, P.O. Box 92, 250 Church St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M5.
