Obituary of Harry Bernard Monette

Harry Monette, longtime Yorkton resident passed away on Tuesday, February 8th 2022 at the Canora Gateway Lodge. He was 91 years of age. Harry Bernard Monette was born on the family farm near Coronach, SK to Lucy (Whatmore Baxter) and Osais Monette on November 2nd, 1930. These were the depression years and things were tough going. In 1937 they sold 5.5 sections of farmland and moved to Regina, Saskatchewan. One of the quarter sections was sold for a market-sized pig! Harry attended and graduated from Campion College in Regina. It was during these years that he met and married Joan Marie Bilodeau on March 31st 1951. He had started working for the Regina Utility Company, and then the Saskatchewan Power Corporation. Harry and Joan lived in Harry's parents in their big house for a few years as their family was growing. David, Carol, Bruce and Keith were born in Regina and in 1955 the family moved to Yorkton where Harry had accepted a position of advancement. The company moved the family and brought them by airplane to Yorkton, where Harry met them. The family lived first on Franklin Ave. until a new house was built at the top of the hill on 5th Ave. South. Harry's parents helped with the down payment. It was there that the family multiplied with the additions of Denyse, Doug, Larry and Ron. Needing more space, they had a big new house with 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a large yard built for the family at 197 5th Ave. S. This was just at the bottom of the hill on the corner lot. This house was where the family was to spend most of their lives and created numerous memories. Everyone appreciated the room when we were there to visit with grandkids. Harry & Joan eventually sold in 2001 to live in an apartment as it was becoming difficult for them to maintain the large house and yard. Harry retired in 1985 from Sask Power and he and Joan enjoyed driving to vacations to the USA and Canada during their retirement years. Harry and Joan stayed in the apartment for about 15 years before moving into the Bentley Retirement Residences for about 3 years until their declining health made it necessary to move. In July of 2020 the couple took up residence in the Canora Gateway Lodge, Joan passed away in January of 2021. Joan's passing left a big void in Harry's life as they were married for just under 70 years. Harry was always very much about family. He taught his family many values and encouraged us all in our activities. He and Joan made many personal sacrifices to ensure that their children would have all the opportunities for education and support to follow their dreams. St. Gerard's Church was regularly treated to the spectacle of John and Harry marching all eight children up the aisle to take up two pews at Sunday Mass! Harry was also very community minded, he was a member of many service clubs in Yorkton. He was active in the ACT (Association of Community Travellers); Past President of the Rotary Club; Past President of the Kinsmen Club; Honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus #2031; a board member of the Saskatchewan Housing Authority; as well as the Yorkton Lake Regional Park Board and others. Harry is survived by his eight children: David (Jan) of Prince Albert; Carol (John) Derbowka of Saskatoon; Bruce (Colleen) of Good Spirit Lake; Keith (Connie) of Saskatoon: Denyse (Rod) Simair of Crossmount, SK; Doug (Lorrie) of Tisdale; Larry (Diane) of Saskatoon; and Ron (Louella) of Saskatoon; also 22 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren. Harry will be forever loved and remembered. The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, February 17th 2022 from St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church with Fr. Louis Nguyen as Celebrant. Lay-readers were Chris & Doug Monette & Carly Stein. Three of Harry's sons gave the family tribute. Hymns were led by members of St. Gerard's Parish Choir, accompanist was Rita Hilbig. Sons Dave & Bruce were the pipers. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery Columbarium. Urnbearers were Doug & Lorrie, Larry & Diane, and Keith & Connie Monette. Condolences may be shared at baileysfuneralhome.com Service Details. Service When: Thursday, February 17th, 2022 11:00am Location: St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church Address: 125 Third Ave. N. YORKTON, SK S3N 1C4 Interment Location: Yorkton City Cemetery Address: King St. East YORKTON, SK Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of Harry Monette November 2, 1930 - February 8, 2022 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book