RUSSELL JOURDAIN

In the early hours of Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, my loving husband of 52 years was welcomed home.
Russell was born at home in Couchiching First Nation on April 30, 1941 to the late Samuel and Margaret Jourdain.
On Sept. 7, 1959, he married the love of his life, Annabelle, and together they raised five children of whom he was extremely proud.
Russell was a hard worker all of his life, but his family always came first.
He touched the lives of many, both old and young, by offering friendship and a helping hand, always with a sense of humour.
He was a member of the minor hockey association for 12 years, a number of those years as a coach. He also loved to travel, go to family get-togethers, play his guitar, and, most of all, watch his 14 grandchildren playing in his yard.
He spent much of his time woodworking, and doing arts and crafts. He loved creating special pieces of work for each of his children and grandchildren. Each piece was handcrafted with love and was received knowing it was made especially for them.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Annabelle; and his five children and 14 grandchildren, Shelley (Mike), Michelle (Ryan), and Jessica Shute; Sherry (Curtis), Heather, Ashley, and Aaron Jeffers; Dana (Kevin) and Jordain Doyle; Shawn (Amanda), Michael, Nikolas, Brent, Isabella, and Rebecca Jourdain; and Shane (Jennifer), Erika, Amber “Red,” and Thomas Jourdain.
He also is survived by his brothers and sisters, Josephine, Raymond, Riley, Linda, Verna, Glen, and Judy; and 23 nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Couchiching.
A luncheon will follow at the Couchiching multi-use centre.
In memoriam donations may be made to either the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com