Raymond Lafontaine

1940 - 2018

It is with heavy hearts, the family of Amédé Raymond Lafontaine have to announce his passing. He left us peacefully on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at the age of 78. He was born on January 12, 1940 in Gogama, Ontario, the son of Amédé (Endy) Lafontaine and Blanche (Gauthier) Lafontaine. He shadowed his father in their mutual love of the wilderness; hunting, fishing, trapping and prospecting. In 1957 his family moved to their new home north of Jellicoe, Ontario on the shores of Bush Lake where he continued in his father's footsteps. Shortly after, he went to work for the Department of Lands and Forests where he manned a Fire Tower at Frank Lake. It was during this time he met the love of his life, Shirley Michaud. This chance encounter occurred when he walked into Graydon's Store and first set his eyes upon his future wife working behind the counter. After asking when she would be getting off of work, he returned 10 minutes before the end of her shift and walked her home. Unbeknownst to him, he had caught Shirley's attention too, as she recalls asking herself” “Who is this hot guy?!” From that point forward they were inseparable and they were married on July 19, 1963. Dad spent some time working for the Department of Highways out of Geraldton, Ontario operating a snowplow before beginning the rest of his career as a Supervisor for Domtar Forest Products in the Beardmore area where he retired. At home, Dad was the original “Iron Chef”, because he would concoct a delicious meal out of anything that was in the fridge or lying around. His soups and “jeblouts” were always on the go and his mastery of the French Toast is of legend. Any guests to our house were immediately greeted with a genuine smile, a resounding “Come on in!”, and repeated inquiries as to if they were hungry or thirsty. It was common that if you wanted something that he didn't have on hand, he would gladly walk to the store to get it for you. Locally Dad was known for his love of Prospecting, which he did until his failing health prevented him from continuing. This love was second only to that of his love of his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Shirley (Tsee); children Gary, Danny, Sherrie (Tsit) and husband Jason Hull, Teejé and husband Jamie Appelt; grandchildren Jolene Lafontaine, Victoria and Marina Lafontaine, Hailey and Reid Hull, Claire and Carter Appelt; great granddaughter Aspen Lafontaine; brother Raymond (Nicole); sister Raymonde (André) Turcotte and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother and father, brothers Gérrard, Silvio, Harvey and Gabriel. As per Amédé's wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held in Thunder Bay next summer. Friends so wishing may make donations in Amédé's memory to the Alzheimer's Society.

Good Night, my Chebby.
I love you.

On line condolences at:
www.jenkens-funeral.ca