Robert Julien Francoeur

1951-2020

““Musicians want to be the loud voice for so many quiet hearts” ~Billy Joel

 

“Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted” ~John Lennon

 

Robert Julien Francoeur was born November 12, 1951 in Prince Albert, SK.  He grew up in Victoire, SK.  After high school he obtained his Auto Body Repair Certificate from the Saskatchewan Technical Institute in Moose Jaw.  He also obtained an Explosive Actuated Tools Certificate from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton.  Additionally, he acquired his Level 1 in Fire School from the Saskatchewan Fire College.  These experiences impressed vivid memories for Bob; he re-lived those times by sharing stories with friends and family.

 

After working as a Tradesman in Car Mechanics, Autobody, and Carpentry, he used his journeyman carpentry experience to start his own business, “Bob’s Interior” in Canwood, SK.  He worked in Canwood and surrounding communities for 30 years.

 

Bob was deeply connected to nature.  His love for animals and his respect for the land and its offerings was his guiding force.  He passed this love and connection to his three children.  He taught them everything he knew about hunting, fishing, and survival from the land.   There was a stillness that nature brought to Bob.  He was a passionate wildlife conservationist and incredibly knowledgeable about the wildlife species in North America.

 

“Great stories happen to those that can tell them.”  These words from Ira Glass encompass Bob’s life.  He told stories to everyone about everything.  He shared stories from his life, joyous and painful, and he told his stories in such a passionate way that you felt the experience with him.  Once Bob became a “papa” he had even more stories to share.  His heart grew bigger and bigger with each grandchild.  Because of his storytelling and loveable personality, Bob was a loyal friend.  His friends were family to him.  He loved cooking and baking using family recipes.  Everything he cooked was prepared with love for others.  His kitchen was always open and if you went to visit Bob, you wouldn’t leave empty handed or with an empty stomach.

 

Bob loved music and movies.  His blockbuster collection of movies kept him busy when he was not hunting or fishing.  Bob danced always and loved to hear the beat of a good tune.  You could hear him singing before you knocked on his door for a visit.  He grew up in a family of musicians and drumming was his passion.  His love and appreciation for the art of music was instilled in his children and grandchildren.

 

The image of the heart is everywhere.  Bob wore his heart on his sleeve.  His passion, emotion, and love for life was present every day.  His life lessons and his dedication to being the best Dad and Papa he could be was felt by everyone who knew him.  He vocalized his love and pride to everyone.  He would want you to do the same.  Rest in Peace Papa Francoeur.

Robert will be lovingly remembered by his children:  Danny Francoeur(Debbie) of St. Walburg and children Hadyn and Holden; Marie Aline Tupper of Saskatoon and children Ostyn , Annika, Emry, and Cohen; Teresa Farrell(Jason) of Creelman and children Lindon, Isabelle, and Dawson.

His siblings Gilles (Yvette) Francoeur of Victoire SK.; Sylvie Francoeur(Cliff Shockey)of Saskatoon SK; Larry (Anita) Francoeur of Salmon Arm BC; Ronald Francoeur of North Battleford SK.; Albert(Carol) Francoeur of Shell Lake SK.; Suzanne Francoeur of St. Albert AB.

 

Predeceased by his parents; Gerard and Evelyn(Savard) Francoeur

His nephew James Boyenko

Memorial donations made in Robert’s honour may be directed to Lake Country Wildlife Federation Box 1056, Shellbrook, SK. S0J 2E0

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences may visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Shellbrook, SK. 306-747-2828.

 

 

• Date : 2020-12-02
• Location : Canwood, Sk.