Obituary of John Robert Lafontaine

LAFONTAINE - Mr. John LaFontaine of Yorkton, beloved husband of the late Lucy LaFontaine passed away on June 29, 2017 at his home. John Robert LaFontaine was born on April 12, 1922 at Crescent Lake, Saskatchewan the son of Louis and Sarah LaFontaine. His father passed away in a tragic accident just prior to his birth. John's mother remarried and he soon became a part of a blended family. John was a good man. He worked hard and he loved his family. He had his faults but they were few and he has lived a life that gave pleasure to the Lord. John never had a formal education. He started working for local farmers when he was twelve years old. He was well respected for his knowledge of farming and for his willingness to work hard. He worked for a number of years for Jake Loewan and became great friends with his son Gerald as well as a number of local farmers. In 1954 John fell in love with Lucy Mary St. Pierre. They married December 29, 1954 and raised eleven (11) children and three grandchildren Lyndsay, Ryan and Jerrett. John loved his children and grandchildren. John and Lucy were married for 56 years before her passing from an extended illness on March 22, 2011. John's love for his wife endured. He would go to the graveyard every day to clean the graves of his wife and his daughter Holly. His needs were simple. His love of family was strong. John loved the outdoors. He trapped muskrats and mink well into his seventies and he and his friend Walter Pelletier were doing fencing when he was in his eighties. John and Walter spent many hours exploring the fields and old homesteads out at Crescent Lake and surrounding area. He liked to say he was going out to visit Bob Winters. John was especially close to his brothers Norman and Gilbert and sisters Agnes and Marie. Gilbert passed away in Regina many years ago but his older brother Norman would visit often, always with a story or pulling a prank on his younger brother. John maintained close family relations with his brothers Alex Boyer and Pete LaFontaine from Turtle Mountain who he would visit from time to time and his brothers and sisters; Wilfred Flamont, Violet Flamont, Rose LeDoux, Isabelle Pelletier, Elizabeth Hydamacka, Sarah Desjarlais, Gina Strulow and Lawrence Flamont. He enjoyed spending time with his family or calling to catch up on family news. John was the last surviving member of his large extended family. He was a man of character whose love for his wife gave his family strength and stability through the years. He took great comfort knowing that his wife and daughter are celebrating in heaven and it gives us great comfort to know that he joins them there now. He was very proud of the accomplishments of his wife, his children and his grandchildren. Because he never had the opportunity to get an education his goal was for his family to be educated. His desire for education can be measured by the number of diplomas hanging on the wall of his living room. Diplomas that celebrate the achievements of his children and grandchildren include degrees and journeyman trades: education, administration, business, medical doctor, lawyer, nurses's aides, plumber, electrician, carpenter, cement finisher and professional truck driver. He is predeceased by his wife, his parents, Louis and Sarah, all his siblings, his daughter Holly and his grandson Michael. John leaves to celebrate his life his children, Vaughn LaFontaine, Patricia Bigstone, Robert and Sandra LaFontaine, Lynn and Martin Macleod, Clara LaFontaine and Bob Brazeau, Sandra Lerat, Mona LaFontaine, Mae and Ivan Cote, Milton LaFontaine, Nicole LaFontaine and Calvin Brass, and 23 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, friends and family. Hebrews 6:15 (KJV)15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. Prayers were held on Monday, July 3, 2017 and the Funeral Mass on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Francis Hengen as the Celebrant. Accompanist's were Lorraine Lysak (Vigil) and Jayne Senger (Mass). Members of St. Gerard's Choir led in the singing of the hymns, Amazing Grace, Psalm 62, Precious Lord Take My Hand, Morning Has Broken, Song of the Angels and How Great thou Art. Michelle Kennedy paid tribute to Grandpa following the Vigil. The cross bearers were Myles Pelletier and Gerard St. Pierre. The readers were Lynn and Martin Macleod, Michelle, Kendon, Travis and Tashina Kennedy. Serving as gift bearers were Travis Kennedy & Vanessa Brass. Named as honourary bearers were Bruce White, Barry Pelletier, Myles Pelletier, Barry Kennedy, Walter Pelletier and Calvin Brass. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Ryan LaFontaine, Jerrett LaFontaine, Jon LaFontaine, Jordan Brass, Daniel Pelletier, Ivan Cote Jr., Gordon LaFontaine and Patrick LaFontaine serving as the casket bearers. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com Service Information Monday, July 3rd, 2017 7:00pm, St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church Tuesday, July 4th, 2017 10:00am, St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery