VIRGIL JOSEPH COUSINEAU

Virgil Joseph Cousineau, 88, of 1209 Strachan Pl., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away at LaVerendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008.
Virgil was born June 13, 1919 in Fort Frances to Wilfred and Rose Cousineau. He grew up in Fort Frances and resided here all of his life.
During WWII, he served his country overseas for five years.
Following the war, Virgil returned to Fort Frances, where he was united in marriage to the former Jacqueline Fournier on Oct. 16, 1951 and raised their family.
Virgil worked as a machinist at the paper mill in Fort Frances until his retirement following 40 years of service.
Virgil loved music and was a well-known musician, having played with almost every local band, including his own. He was very versatile being able to play almost any instrument, with the guitar being his favourite.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances.
Virgil was well-known in the community and surrounding area, and will be missed dearly by his family, fellow musicians, and many friends.
He was predeceased by three brothers, John, Earl, and Clarence.
Virgil is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Cousineau of Fort Frances, Ont.; their son, Thomas Cousineau and wife, Susan, of Oakville, Ont.; daughter, Janine and husband, Jack Tilli, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; grandson, Thomas Virgil Cousineau Jr. and wife, Robyn, of Toronto, Ont.; and three great-grandchildren, Sydney, Kennedy, and Reese Cousineau.
Also surviving are one sister, Arzella Jerome of International Falls, Mn.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place in International Falls, Mn.
A celebration of Virgil’s life will be held Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances, with Fr. Joseph Arockiam officiating.
Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Frances at a later date.
Honourary pallbearers will be his fellow musicians.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, P.O. Box 444, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8, St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church or the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church Building Fund, c/o 209 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B9, or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com