HENRI J. (SHORTY) LABBE

Henri Labbe, 98, of Rainycrest Home for the Aged, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., formerly of 319 Nelson St., passed away at his residence Thursday, Jan. 11, 1001.
He was born Feb. 14, 1902 in Montmagny, Que. to the late Adolphe and Mary Labbe. Henri was the youngest of the family of two sisters and four brothers. He came to Fort Frances in 1920, and worked at the family fishery with his two uncles both at Lake Superior and Rainy Lake.
He then continued on with logging in the area in the capacity of “cookee” when he took up cooking seriously.
During WWII, Henri joined the Forestry Corps, and served overseas until his discharge at the end of the war, when he returned home. Back home, Henri turned to restaurant management, where he owned and operated the “New Lunch Cafe” until his retirement.
On Aug. 5, 1961, he was united in marriage to Marie Colleaux, the love of his life.
Henry was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus, of which he held the position of 4th Degree. Henri was very active within the community throughout his life, and was well-liked and well-known by everyone regardless of age.
He was predeceased by his wife, Marie Labbe, on Oct. 17, 1989; two sisters, Marilda and Marie-Louise; and four brothers, Emile, Odilon, Arthur, and Joseph.
Henri is survived by his cousins, Marianne Gagne of Fort Frances, Ont., Jeannette Pearson of Santa Rosa, Cal., and Romuald Gagne of Fort Frances, Ont.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2001 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances. Father Eugene Whyte O.M.I. officiated, with interment in Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Frances.
Music for the service was provided by Rita Moorhouse and Heather Mihichuk. The Royal Canadian Legion Br. 29 Colour Party provided the military tribute.
Friends visited Monday, Jan. 15, 2001 from 6:30 until 8 p.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances. Parish prayers were offered at 7 p.m., led by the Knights of Columbus.
Pallbearers were Steve Gagne, Peter Gagne, Robin Gagne, Keith McRae, Bob Barron, and Gerry Parent.
In memoriam donations may be made to Riverside Foundation for Health Care, c/o LaVerendrye General Hospital, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7, or to St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 206 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B8.