July 19, 1942-November 9, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dad, grandfather, great-grandfather and husband at the age of 82 years.

Dad was born in Meadow Lake, SK to Albertine (Larose) & Armand Lafond and was the youngest of 12 children. He was raised on the family farm in Laventure, SK. His siblings were a lot older and had either moved away or were busy with working on the farm. So, to beat the loneliness his best friends were his dog and Shetland pony. He also had a very special bond with his mom and spoke often of her.

Anyone who knew my Dad or briefly met him also knew his love for animals. As I write this, I have a smile on my face…oh the stories I could tell! As a child it seemed like everytime he left the farm we would end up with a “new family member”. To us it was normal and welcomed the new addition with open arms and lots of love to go around. We welcomed Mitsy, Brandi, Tipsy, Jake, Patches, George, Lassie, Bridgette, Cinnamon aka Cindy, not to mention all of our horses, cows, and pigs (yes they all had names 😊). Our neighbor had a horse (Blaze) and was in the pasture all by herself – Dad felt she was lonely and would go visit her daily. We had a neighbor’s dog (George) who would run away and come to our farm – Dad took him back everytime except for one day Dad had a conversation with the owners saying George was lonely and yes George came to live with us. Lol. Dad went to visit relatives and yep you guessed it he came home with Tippy and Jake because in Dad’s opinion these dogs needed a new family.  These are just a few of the stories of how dad had so much empathy and love for animals.

Dad loved having a good time! We would have family get togethers with our cousins, aunts and uncles with a good hearty meal made by my mom . Dad would entertain with his guitar, and everyone would join in singing the songs he loved. By the way he self-taught his guitar skills. He also enjoyed a good game of cards and checkers sometimes cheating to get us all riled up! He had a hearty laugh that I can still hear😊

While working for his brother Toby at the Texaco Service Station in Holbein, SK he met the love of his life. A local gal Darlene (Bruce) stole his heart. A whirlwind love affair transpired and continued for 57 years.

Dad worked many jobs but being his own boss as a cat operator was what he enjoyed the most. He had the ability to visualize how & what a finished project would look like. He did everything from building roads, clearing land, planting trees and fought forest fires.

When Dad retired his new passion was travel. Every winter they would pack the old 1978 Chev truck & camper (his pride & joy as it was his very first and only new truck he bought) and headed south of the border for warmer weather. We still have that truck in our family and will be forever cherished.

We had a memorable family trip to Kaui, Hawaii in 2016 celebrating their 50^th anniversary in style!

Dad loved his family and would light up whenever we were with him. We will miss him dearly.

Real is survived by his wife Darlene, daughter Debbie (Trevor), daughter Julie, grandchildren Ashly (James), Shae-Lynn (Austin), Taran & Remi. Great grandchildren Jason, Jade & Maceon. Sisters Noella Franceour & Muriel Franceour (Rene), sister in law Laurette Lafond, his god children Claude Lafond, Gilbert Lafond and Elaine May, numerous nieces, and nephews.

Predeceased by his parents Armand & Albertine Lafond, sisters Rolland Turgeon, Yvette Gaetz brothers Gerald, Lionel, Fernand, Toby, Norman, sister Paulette (infant), brother Aimee (infant) niece Angel Turgeon, nephew Ivan Francoeur & many in-laws.

• Date : 2024-11-09