Fernand Joseph St. Louis , 85, transitioned to the Light on Sunday, June 3rd 2018 at Au Château Home for the Aged, surrounded by family, friends and to the sounds of his favourite music.
He leaves his wife of almost 53 years, Gisèle (Nadeau), Luc, his son, Anne Gingras ( Bill ) , his two grandchildren Alexandre and Marc-André ( Elizabeth ); many nephews, nieces and close friends.
Born and raised in Sturgeon Falls, the son of Wilfrid and Antonia ( Dompierre), Fernand was a lifelong resident of our beautiful community.
In his high school years, Fernand was an avid athlete and loved to participate in high school sports, where he excelled in football, hockey and pole vault. He met his wife Gisèle in a serendipitous moment and they married at Sacré-Coeur church in Sturgeon Falls on June 29th 1964, where they began their lifelong journey of building a home and a family.
After working for more than 38 years at Abitibi Mill – then McMillan Bloedel and Weyerhauser, Fernand finally retired and had the opportunity to enjoy life partaking in his favourite hobbies. He was an incredible artist, an astronomer, a writer, a reader, a poet , a sculptor , a lover of nature , and a calming presence in many lives.
Fernand had a passion for people and inspired many on his different passages. He would take out his little black pen, find an old piece of paper or a napkin and sketch drawings for people. Numerous people smiled as he left them behind a little piece of his wisdom to carry in their hearts.
In the past year, Fernand had been residing at the Au Château Home for the Aged, a perfect residence – fitted to the desires of a very private man. There, he had the opportunity to visit his beloved wife and to meet the incredible individuals who were to become his second family. He rekindled many friendships and cemented many new ones. He became the resident artist, the voice of confidence , the loving old man in the room at the end of the hall who always listened and advised on many matters . As he took his last breaths on Sunday night, it was evident that he had chosen his final moments to be amongst those whom he loved so very much – and in a place where he felt respected, cared for and mostly, loved.
The family would like to thank the many people who journeyed with Fernand over the years. Heartfelt expressions of gratitude to Dr André Behamdouni, his lifelong physician and friend, Dr Wadhwa, his neighbor and confident, and his most recent special friend Dr Hendridge, and to the absolutely incredible family he had at Au Château – especially those working in the Secteur A : your kindness shall always be remembered as you have become part of our most intimate personal circles.
A celebration of life will be held for Fernand later in the Summer. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Théorêt Bourgeois Funeral Home. Donations to the Au Château Home for the Aged kindly appreciated.
‘ What a beautiful day …’