Milford Brigham, 79, of Barwick, Ont., passed away with family by his side on Saturday, Jan. 10, 1998 at the Emo hospital in Emo, Ont.
Milford was born Sept. 9, 1918 in Chapple Township, Ont., where he was raised. In 1942, he joined the armed forces and served with the Canadian Forestry Corps., serving overseas for five years in England, Scotland, France, Holland, Belgium, and Germany.
It was while serving in Belgium that Milford met and fell in love with Marie Louise Magonette, and on April 17, 1946 they were united in marriage.
Milford went on to serve in Germany for a short period of time before being discharged. Following his discharge, he returned to Belgium, where he and Marie settled. He worked at a sawmill for several years before Milford, Marie, and their first three children moved to the Rainy River District, arriving in January, 1952.
They settled in Barwick, and Milford was employed with the C.N.R. and as a truck driver for several years before coming a pulp woodcutter, which he did for more than 30 years.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, hobby-farming, or simply tinkering with the car or tractor. Milford had a special love for family, and will be sadly missed by all of them.
He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Renie Brigham; brother, Marvin Brigham; two sisters; and two grandchildren in infancy, Tammy Lee and Geraldine.
Milford is survived by his loving wife of more than 50 years, Marie Louise "Mary Lou" Brigham of Barwick, Ont.; four sons, Fran Brigham and wife, Linda, of Fort Frances, Ont., Andy Brigham and wife, Dawn, of Barwick, Ont., Glen Brigham and wife, Kari, of Rainy River, Ont., and Bruce Brigham and wife, Mary Ellen, of Barwick, Ont.; three daughters, Laura and husband, Gerald Lougheed, of Barwick, Ont., Margaret and husband, August Olsen, of Brandon, Man., and Nelly Ewen and Mike Hartwich of Thunder Bay, Ont.; 15 grandchildren, Darryl, Lee-Anne, Andrea, Andrew, Glen Jr., Jeffery Keshia, Branden, Nathan, Ryan, Russell, Cara Lee, Christine, Douglas, and Dianna; five great-grandchildren, Cole, Joshua, Ashley, Brittany, and Cassey; nine sisters; two brothers; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 14, 1998 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Emo. Father Lorne MacDonald O.M.I. officiated, with interment in Barwick cemetery in Barwick.
Pallbearers were Syd Curtis, Ellard Teeple, Bob LeBlanc, Roger Irvine, Dale Berg, and Bob Woolsey.
Honourary pallbearers were Garnet Hands, Lyall Beninger, Neil Grant, Wallace Allan, Raoul Cayer, and Sid Irvine.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 840 Frenette Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2N5, the Canadian Cancer Society, Box 444, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8, or to the Emo Hospital Memorial Fund, 260 Front St., Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
JOHN EDWARD BROWN
John Brown, 81, of Pinewood, Ont., passed away Sunday, Jan. 11, 1998 at Rainy River Hospital in Rainy River, Ont.
John was born Aug. 4, 1916 in Rapid City, Man. to the late John and Emily Brown. As an infant, John moved with his family to Stratton, Ont. and at the age of seven, he returned to Rapid City to live with his aunt and uncle so he could attend school. He returned to the Stratton area and completed his schooling at Patullo.
John worked at various jobs on the Kenora Highway and, in 1939, purchased a farm in Patullo. In 1940, he moved to God’s Lake, Man. to work in the gold mine, and in October, 1942, he returned and cleared his farm and worked at cutting timber for various logging camps.
While cutting timber, John also began farming and, in 1953, was united in marriage to Else Letz, who passed away in 1980.
On March 3, 1993, John was united in marriage to Eve Pye and, in 1994, they moved and settled in Pinewood, where he lived until his passing.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening, and will be sadly missed by his family.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Else Brown.
John is survived by his wife, Eva Brown, of Stratton, Ont.; three brothers, Henry Brown and wife, Edna, of Pinewood, Ont., Robert Brown and wife, Nell, and Fredrick Lawrence Brown and wife, Maxine, all of Stratton, Ont.; three sisters, Mary Fifield of Fort Frances, Ont., Lily Boldero of Stratton, Ont., and Peggy and husband, Phillip Bellamy, of Devlin, Ont.; three step-children, Jean and husband, Michel, of Midland, Ont., Donald Belanger and wife, Sue, of Perkinsfield, Ont., and Charles Belanger and wife, Ena, of London, Ont.; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Jan. 15, 1998 at 2 p.m. at the Stratton United Church in Stratton. Rev. John McFarlane will officiate, with interment in Stratton cemetery in Stratton.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Pallbearers will be his nephews, Brian Boldero, Keith Fifield, Richard Bellamy, Nelson Brown, Vernon Brown, and Bradley Brown.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Stratton United Church, c/o 218 Second St., Rainy River, Ont., P0W 1E0, or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 840 Frenette Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2N5.
MARCEL GUSTAAF FAUCONNIER
Marcel Gustaaf Fauconnier passed away peacefully at McKellar Hospital, with his family at his side, on Dec. 30, 1997. Marcel was born in Parike, Belgium on May 3, 1914.
He is survived by his children, Tony and wife, Rita, Betty and husband, Bob Loveday, and William and wife, Wyoma; five grandchildren, Christel (Brad), Theresa (Rob), Chantal (David), Dana, and Tara (Wayne); five great-grandchildren; as well as relatives in Saskatchewan and Belgium.
He was predeceased by his wife, Germaine, on Nov. 20, 1988.
He was last employed with the Department of Highways (MTO) for 17 years, retiring in 1979. Marcel also was an avid gardener who took great pride in his hobby. He enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labour with his family and friends.
During WWII, while working for the Resistance in Belgium, Marcel and Germaine are credited with saving more than 50 Allied soldiers from German capture, for which they received special recognition from both the prime minister of England and the president of United States.
In 1995, he returned to England for a 50-year reunion with two of the surviving soldiers he had sheltered for several months.
A private service was held for the family.
If so desired, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
ALICE MARY ANN FRENETTE
Alice Frenette, 83, of Rainycrest Home for the Aged, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away at her residence Saturday, Jan. 10, 1998.
She was born Jan. 19, 1914 in Fort Frances to the late Solomon and Elizabeth Frenette. In her early years, Alice served with the Canadian Women’s Army Corps in Holland.
Following her discharge from the services, Alice moved to Toronto, where she was employed for many years as head cashier for McClaren’s Advertising. In January, 1992, she moved to Fort Frances, where she resided at 523 Front St. for two years.
Alice was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, and the Catholic Women’s League. For enjoyment, she enjoyed knitting, sewing, and playing cards.
Alice was predeceased by five brothers, Emeric, Onesime, Leonard, Laurent, and Arthur; and by two sisters, Estelle Green, and Aldea Hall.
She is survived by two sisters, Flora Frenette of Fort Frances, Ont., and Elize Toninato of International Falls, Mn.; and by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 14, 1998 at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances. Father Gilbert Lesvesque O.M.I. officiated, with interment in Holy Cross cemetery in Fort Frances.
Friends visited Tuesday evening from 7 until 9 p.m. at Green Funeral Home. Parish prayers were offered at 7:30 p.m.
Pallbearers were Jim Toninato, Jerry Frenette, Donald Frenette, Maurice Frenette, Bob Frenette, and Jack Green.
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.
MARJORY MARY GAGNE
Mrs. Marjory Mary Gagne (nee Gibson), 69, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 7, 1998 in McKellar Hospital (Thunder Bay, Ont.) after a lengthy battle with diabetes, kidney and heart disease.
She was the beloved wife of Albert (Bert) Gagne.
Marge was born April 18, 1928 to George and Victoria Gibson in Timmins, Ont. She received her education there, and became a hairdresser. She worked in Timmins for many years.
On June 23, 1956, she married Albert Gagne and moved to Smooth Rock Falls with her family in 1965, then to Fort Frances in 1971. In 1995, Marge and Bert moved to Thunder Bay.
Her greatest pride and joy was her family, who will miss her dearly. She will be lovingly remembered for her patient and loving nature. She loved animals and plants, and enjoyed the outdoors. Marge also loved to knit and crochet for her family and friends, and created many treasured heirlooms throughout the years.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Bert; son, Bert Jr. (Karen) of Fort Frances; three daughters, Vicki (Mrs. Steve Smith) of Thunder Bay, Mary (Mrs. Greg Herrmann) of Fort Frances, and Debbie (Mrs. Steve Tourigny) of Niagara Falls; four grandchildren, Jennifer and Joel Gagne (Windsor), and Danny and Carly Tourigny (Niagara Falls); and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her mother and father; and sister, Dorothy (Mrs. John Sears).
Cremation has taken place.
A memorial service was held Saturday, Jan. 10, 1998 at 3 p.m. in St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church. Interment will take place at a later date.
A tree will be planted in memory of Marjory Gagne in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service is Sunday, June 27, 1999.
SIANI GOSSELIN
Siani Gosselin, 90, of International Falls, Mn., passed away Monday, Jan. 12, 1998 at the Falls Good Samaritan Center.
He was born May 22, 1907 in LaBroquerie, Man. to the late Joseph and Albina (Genereux) Gosselin. He came to International Falls from Fort Frances in 1951, where he worked in the grinding room and the wet end of the insulite department of Boise Cascade until his retirement in 1972.
He married the former Valentine Vien on May 31, 1934 in Manitoba.
Siani enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and travelling. He also was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church and the Moose Club.
He is survived by one son, Maurice (Jean) Gosselin of International Falls; four daughters, Denise (Dennis) Gratton, and Yvonne (John) Baron, all of International Falls, Rita (Harold) Schutrop of Minneapolis, Mn., and Linda (Marain) Kaczmar of Fort Frances, Ont.; 15 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
He also is survived by six sisters, Sr. Anna Gosselin, Malvina Tellier, Josephine Smart, and Agnes Comeault, all of Winnipeg, Man., Marquerite Lambert of Fort Frances, and Irene Lord of Garden Grove, Cal.; two brothers, Joe Gosselin of Glendale, Az., and Herni Gosselin of Golden, B.C.; and special friend, Etienette Verrier.
He was predeceased by his wife, Valentine, on Sept. 5 1987; two brothers, George and Ovide Gosselin; two sisters, Laura Lambert and Sr. Albina Gosselin; and two grandchildren, Craig Jones and Tammy Kaczmar.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 16, 1998 at 1 p.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church in International Falls. Interment will be in Forest Hill cemetery in the Falls.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 15, 1998 from 6-8 p.m. at the Green-Larsen Mortuary, with vigil prayers at 6:30 p.m.
LORRAINE LOWE
Lorraine Lowe went to be with the Lord after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Her memory will be cherished by her husband, John; and her daughters, Lynda and husband, Merv Ahrens, and Heather Cross. Lorraine also had four greatly-loved grandsons, Scott and Sean Ahrens, and Matthew and Ethan Cross.
Lorraine also is survived by her mother, Hazel Clink; her brothers, Dave (Pat), Bill (Emily), and Don Clink; and by one sister, Joyce (Norman) Barron. Lorraine also leaves her aunts, Verna Clink and Mary Crowe; and uncle, Ben Hadley.
She also has four sisters-in-law, Edna Sokoliuk, Joyce Ford of Rugby, England, Jean Schapansky, and Doreen Zwarych of Winnipeg; one brother-in-law, Ray Lowe of Poole Dorset, England; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Lorraine was predeceased by her father, Gordon Clink; and sisters-in-law, Zena Stilling and June Clink.
Lorraine was born in Barwick, Ont. on Aug. 11, 1923. During World War II, she worked at Canada Car in Thunder Bay. In 1947, she graduated as valedictorian of her class at Western Bible College in Winnipeg, Man.
Lorraine was united in marriage on Sept. 3, 1949 to John, and raised two children. She served the Lord in many ways in her church and family. In later years, her physical activity gradually lessened as Parkinson’s took its toll.
Lorraine was well-known for her love for God, her cheerfulness, and her concern for others.
The family would like to sincerely thank the Compassionate Care Unit (C.C.U.) for their kind, conscientious, and personal care of Lorraine the past two years. Lorraine’s last days were spent in comfort and dignity, and we are grateful.
The Home Care program’s support lightened the load of care and brightened Lorraine’s days. Lorraine also really enjoyed her times at the Day Hospital, and the truly special people there.
At Lorraine’s request, a family service was held. Pastor Jeff Plett officiated, with interment in Barwick cemetery.
Friends gathered at the Evangelical Fellowship Church, 560 Webster Ave., Fort Frances, Ont. on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 1998 from 2-4 p.m. to visit and offer condolences.
