JOHN LAROCHELLE

John Noel Larochelle December 19, 1938 December 9, 2011 The family of John Larochelle are saddened to announce his passing on Friday, December 9, 2011 at the RGH. Predeceased by his son Joseph at birth; his parents Fernand and Gabrielle Larochelle; brothers Leo, Guy, Rene and 3 brother-in-laws Ron Vallee, John McLush and William Nicholson. John is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Lorraine; son Rene (Bev) Larochelle, Stephan, Desiree of Calgary, AB; daughter Roxanne (Gilles) Stringer of Ponteix ,SK, son Robert (Launa) Larochelle, Braden, Gabrielle of Medicine Hat, AB. John is also survived by his siblings: Yolande (Ernie) Lemieux, Terry Vallee, Cindy Larochelle, Irene Vallee, Jules (Paulette) Larochelle, Pat (Fran) Larochelle, brother and sisterin-laws Stella (Romeo) Prive, Herve Douville, Lucille (Stewart) Meakin, Maurice (Laurianne) Douville, Yvonne (Roy) Johner, Marie Douville, Guy (Lorraine) Douville, Sister (Sr.) Anita Douville, and Roger (Janice) Douville. John also leaves behind to grieve many nieces, nephews, and good friends. John was born and raised in Ponteix and attended College Mathieu in Gravelbourg, SK. From an early age he worked for his father at the Ponteix Central Garage. John took over Larochelle Transport and moved to Moose Jaw in 1965. In 1970, John started a second company, J & F Transport and operated both companies in Regina until 1982. John was a strong advocate for the Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA) acting as a Director from 1973-76 and as President from 1977-79. He was presented a "Service to Industry" award in 1980 and also earned a STA lifetime achievement award. He also served as Chairman of the Saskatchewan Technical School Driver Training program in Moose Jaw and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. John was an avid sports fan and loved to watch hockey as well as Roughrider and NFL football games. He was a dedicated family man who enjoyed hosting numerous pool parties and BBQ's at the family home. Recently, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and visiting with his friends over coffee. A Prayer Service will be held Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at the Notre Dame d'Auvergne Church, in Ponteix, SK on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Ponteix Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a donation in John's name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 279 3rd Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 2H8 or the Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK S4P 2R3. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com