Obituary of Francis Mereal Lavoie
It is with sadness that the family of Francis “Fran” Lavoie announce his peaceful passing. Fran's long and courageous journey with cancer ended on July 5, 2023 at the Red Deer Hospice while in the company of his wife.
Francis was predeceased by his parents Wilfred and Cecilia and brother Leonard. Francis will be dearly missed by his wife Connie of 46 years, children and grandchildren Curtis (Leanne, Declan, Nyah, Annika), Carmen (Tayis), Adrien (Chris, Sloane, Marison), Gregory (Susan, Phiola, Lucah, Raelyn) and Kelsey; as well as his siblings Janet (John), Gerald, Valerie (Ken), James (Rick) and sister-in-law Barb. He will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives, friends and neighbours. Francis was devoted to being a good father, husband, community-member and steward to the land. His love of mechanics, music, nature, and practical jokes was an inspiration and delight to those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Fran was born in Calgary, AB and spent his early years in Beiseker creating various mechanical inventions and helping out in his parent's butcher shop. After some years in Calgary, Fran settled on an acreage in Red Deer County where he made a home for his children Curtis and Carmen (with former spouse Gail Cleveland), and where he and Connie built their home and raised Adrien, Gregory, and Kelsey. This was also where Fran and Connie hosted regular gatherings and reunions for family, friends, and co-workers. Fran could always be counted on to say a heartfelt grace and give a tastefully humorous toast. Fran was also a source of care and support- especially in the passing of his parents as well as his in-laws Don and Ethel Sharpe.
In his professional life, Fran moved to Red Deer Alberta to work as a telephone technician with Alberta Government Telephones in 1959. During his 35 years with AGT, Fran was known for his practical jokes, as well as his eight years of leadership as the president of IBEW Local 348. After retiring from AGT, Fran drove pilot trucks as a 'hot shot' for many years.
Fran's many adventures and contributions included his time as a member of Wild-rose Harmonizers Barbershop Choir, Alberta Land-Steward program, Red Deer Square-dancers, Poplar Ridge Community Hall Maintenance Team, Telephone Pioneers, Gaetz United Church, and as a leader for the Poplar Ridge Cub Scouts program. Fran's legacy includes the planting of hundreds of trees, the repair and maintenance of numerous cars and household appliances, and the housing and feeding of countless wild birds. May Fran's spirit continue to inspire others in singing, dancing, creative problem-solving, gathering with loved-ones, and caring for nature and the other beings of the Earth.
Fran’s family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Red Deer Hospice for being so attentive and kind to Fran while he was in their care. They would also like to extend a thank you to friends and extended family, as well as Nurse Nancy (Alberta Health Services) for their care of Fran and support of Connie while they adjusted to the challenges and additional healthcare needs in navigating Fran's cancer and cancer treatments.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 29, 2023 at Gaetz Memorial United Church, 4758 – Ross St., Red Deer AB at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers and cards, donations to the Red Deer Hospice Society , 99 - Arnot Ave., Red Deer AB T4R 3S6 (reddeerhospice.com) would be greatly appreciated. Condolences to Fran’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Francis” in the subject line.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944