John "Jack" Papineau

1919 - 2017

The John J. Papineau has made his last voyage up the St. Marys River. Our beloved dad and grandpa passed away April 11, 2017 at the age of 97. John Junior Papineau (Jack) was born to John A. and Geneva (Willey) Papineau September 29, 1919.
He was a lifelong resident of the Soo. He spent his youth as a ""Frenchman"" growing up in ""Little Italy"" on Brown Street with his younger sister Margery. He was a 1937 graduate of Sault High School. At the age of 22 he joined the United States Coast Guard and served his country (1942-1946) during WWII. He was stationed in Puerto Rico and then the Pacific as a 2nd Class Storekeeper on a supply ship. He was so proud of his service and loved to tell stories about it.
After his discharge, he married the love of his life Lorraine (O'Connor) July 27th, 1946. At that time he also began his long career at the Soo Locks (Army Corps of Engineers) and worked his way up over the course of 38 years from a lineman to Chief Lock Master. He was our own version of ""Know Your Ships."" He could tell you all the statistics of any freighter that traveled the Great Lakes. He also had the distinction of locking the first freighter through the new Poe Lock.
In 1949 Jack and Lorraine celebrated the birth of their first born John Stephen. Two years later they moved into their permanent home at 707 E. Spruce Street where they lived for 60 years. Michelle Ann was born in 1954 and life was good in their east end neighborhood. Dad was always proud of building the best backyard rink every winter complete with floodlights for night activities. Steve kept the neighborhood boys busy working on it earning the privilege to skate.
Jack (Pappy) retired from the Soo locks in 1979. Time was then devoted to traveling with good friends and family. My parents were able to visit many vacation locations in and out of the U.S., even back to Puerto Rico which was especially meaningful to dad. Life changed dramatically in 2013 with the passing of Lorraine. Nothing can replace the companionship and love of a 66 year marriage. So dad is now reunited with mom and many of the friends and relatives that brought so much joy to his life. The family asks that you celebrate a life well lived with honesty, integrity, and a sense of humor like no other, by giving 3 longs and two short toots, which is the master salute of freighters, as you pass by the locks in honor of our dad, grandpa and Chief Lock Master and the career he loved.
John was predeceased by his parents: John and Geneva, wife Lorraine and brother-in-law Paul Quinn.
John is survived by his sister, Margery (Quinn); his son, Steve Papineau and Diane Drake; daughter, Michelle (Dan) Whitaker; grandchildren: Chris and (Sarah) Papineau, Jeff (Katie) Whitaker, and Jill Whitaker and Brenden Plemmons; great-grandchildren: Jack and Nicholas Papineau, Lilly and Mackenzie Whitaker, and Wyatt Plemmons. Numerous nieces and nephews who always took the time to make him a special part of their lives. Their visits and communications were the highlight of his life.
A special thank you goes out to the staff at Freighter View and McKinley Manor who provided exceptional care and companionship despite dad's unique personality. We will never forget your patience and sensitivity. What you do for those of us with aging parents is priceless. To War Memorial Hospital's Dr. Mackie, Dr. Pahn, and Dr. Tetzlaff, through your display of empathy and professionalism, we knew dad was in good hands. To all the nurses, CNA's, therapists, aides, and support staff. We will be forever grateful for your care and companionship in treating dad, and making him comfortable through his last days.
Visitation will be held from 12-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Friday, April 21, 2017 at St. Mary's ProCathedral Church with Father Sebastian Kavumkal as Celebrant. Burial will be in Oaklawn Chapel Gardens. Memorials to St. Mary's School would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.clarkbaileynewhouse.com