NAPOLEON (MEILLEUR) MAYER

Napoleon (Meilleur) Mayer, 95, passed away peacefully April 24, 1998 at the Atikokan General Hospital in Atikokan, Ont.
He was born in St. Alair, Mn. in 1902. As a boy, he moved with his family to Fisher Branch, Man., where they homesteaded.
In 1926, he married Sara Gosselin and they had nine children.
Throughout his life, Nap did many different types of work. He was a logger, railroad man, worked for Shevlin Clark, and ran a saw filing business in Fort Frances for many years.
One of his favourite pastimes was playing the fiddle. At one time, he played on the Fort Frances radio station with the family band, “The Rainy River Playmates.”
He also participated in, and won, many fiddle contests in the Northwestern Ontario area.
He also loved fishing, hunting, and gardening.
In later years, Nap was affectionately known as grandpa to everyone. He liked the distinction of being Atikokan’s oldest citizen. He always had great stories to tell, as well as a great sense of humour. Many had the pleasure of hearing his stories and enjoying his sharp wit.
He made friends so easily, and they treasured their time with him.
Nap was a good husband, wonderful father, and grandfather. His loss will be felt deeply by his family for he was a great and very important part of their lives. The many wonderful memories will forever keep him near.
He is survived by his sisters, Josephine and Rose of Fort Frances; daughters, Pearl (Garry), Agnes (Harold), Marion (Bill), Annette (Bill), and Jeannette (Norm); sons, Don (Yvonne) and Marcel (Theresa); 32 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
He was predeceased by his parents; his loving wife, Sara; brothers, Leo, Raphael, Armand (Froggie), and Eldridge; sister, Marantine; son, Ed; daughter, RoseMarie; grandson, Trent; and great-grandson, Adam.
Memorial services were held April 30, 1998 at St. Patrick’s Church, with Fr. Ed Merchant officiating.