It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our loving husband, father, and grandfather, Orielle De Gagné, 76, of Fort Frances, Ont., on May 10, 2008 at La Verendrye Hospital with his family by his side.
Orielle was born Nov. 21, 1931 in La Broquerie, Man. to the late Valeda and Odilas De Gagné. Orielle moved with his family to Alberton Township in 1935, where he grew up on the family farm.
On July 31, 1952, Orielle was united in marriage to the love of his life, Pearl Plourde, and together they made their home in Fort Frances.
Orielle started his working life in construction and then spent many years as a caretaker for the Catholic school board. He also served on both the public and Catholic school boards.
Orielle was instrumental in the planning of Columbus Place apartments, where he was manager for 15 years until his retirement.
Active in the Knights of Columbus, Orielle held positions of Grand Knight and District Deputy. As a member of St. Mary’s Parish, his faith was an important part of his life.
Orielle had a great love for the outdoors, and he and Pearl spent many years camping and fishing at different spots throughout the district. Recent summers were spent at Oak Grove Camp, where they made many friends.
Dad’s joy was sharing his love of camping with his grandchildren and time spent around the camp fires. He showed great pride in his grandchildren, always there to watch their many activities.
Other hobbies included carpentry, gardening, and bird-watching.
Orielle was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Laurence, Charlie, and René; sister, Lucille; sisters-in-law, Madelaine De Gagné and Rose Marie Ireton; brothers-in-law, Edward Plourde and Jean-Paul LaFleur; nieces, Caron De Gagné and Jana Rae Ireton; and nephew, Paul LaFleur.
Orielle is survived by his wife, Pearl and sons, Randy (Cathy), Michael (Sheri), and Robert (Penny); seven grandchildren, Christina (Darren) Love, Ryan, Gavin (Danielle), Kalon (Susan Mercure), Joshua, Sarah, and Spencer.
Also surviving are eight sisters and brothers, Felix (Elsie), Emile (Bernice), Edmond (Claudette), Lillian (Mike) Bodnar, Yves (Kathleen), Lorraine, Maurice (Patti), and Laura (Ron) Tausendfrende; sisters-in-law, Eleanor De Gagné, Mona De Gagné, and Sharon Plourde; brother-in-law, Ed Ireton; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances. Fr. Francis Pudicherry will officiate, with interment in Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Frances.
Dad would say to mom, “What I always wanted most in life was a loving family, and I have one.”
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 920 Frenette Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3N4 or the Canadian Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 655, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M9, or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M9.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com
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