John R. Fournier

FOURNIER John R. (Jack) 3635 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dad and grandpa John (Jack, Jake) Fournier in New Westminster, BC on October 9th, 2007. The first of two sons born to John and Margaret Fournier in New Westminster, BC on July 29th, 1933 where he completed both his elementary and secondary education. He graduated from Duke of Connaught High School before entering the Canadian Services College at Royal Roads, Victoria, BC in September, 1952 as an Air Force cadet. At Roads, Jack was noted for his active participation in intramural basketball, debating, and skylarking. Following his graduation from Royal Roads, he transferred to the Royal Military College (RMC), Kingston in September 1954, majoring in Economics and Political Science. At RMC, Jack used his impressive size (6' 3Ä) to try out for - and make the College's Football II team. During summer training, Jack was to be found with fellow Navigators at RCAF Station Winnipeg. After graduation from RMC, Jack entered the University of British Columbia in 1956, and received his Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1957. He was again posted to Winnipeg, serving as a Navigator in a Search and Rescue Squadron, and as the Navigator of a VIP Squadron for the Air Officer Commanding. After taking the staff navigation course in Winnipeg, and attending the RCAF Staff School in Toronto, Jack was posted as an instructor at the Air Navigation School in Winnipeg. Jack's next posting, in 1965, was as an Air Force Staff Officer at Royal Roads. Having been sent back to BC, he resigned his commission in 1968, vowing never to leave BC again! In his civilian career, Jack served 30 years in the Pulp and Paper Industrial Relations Bureau (the Bureau), an organization that did all the bargaining for management, and most of the contract administration, for the BC pulp and paper industry. He traveled extensively throughout the province as a job evaluator for the Bureau. He lived in Coquitlam, BC until his retirement, when he moved back to New Westminster. Retirement interests included cruises to Europe and Russia, military history, golf, and volunteer activity the latter with the Royal Westminster Regiment's Museum and Historical Society. He oversaw the restoration, on behalf of the Regiment's Historical Society, of 19th Century field howitzers at Westminster Quay. He loved to spend time on Salt Spring Island where the family had a summer cottage. His love and knowledge of history, particularly military history is well known to all his family and friends. He is predeceased by his first wife of 33 years, Elaine Lorraine Graham. They were married in 1958 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and raised two children, son Cliff (Donna), and daughter Diane (Greg) in Coquitlam, BC. Jack was very proud of his three wonderful grandchildren, Matt, Rachel and Elleen. He is also survived by his brother Robert (Bob) Fournier and his ex-wife Elsie Fournier. The Fournier family would like to say thank you to the staff at Thornebridge Gardens and the Royal Columbian Hospital for their care during his time there. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at the Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3789 Royal Oak Avenue, Burnaby BC at 10:00am with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the charity of your choice. Dad...a final salute...the flag is at half mast.