JOSEPH (JOS.) ANTOINE FERLAND

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JOSEPH (JOS.) ANTOINE FERLAND Jos., our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, left to join his beloved sons, Ronald and Daniel, on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at St. Boniface General Hospital. Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Olive Ferland, nee Tetreault; daughter Paulette Rochon (Fern); daughters-in-law, Elaine Toews and Debora Blakely; grandchildren, Kerry Ann Medland (Derrick), Jeremie Ferland (Sonia), Serge Rochon, Danick Ferland, Stefan Rochon, Lee-Anne Ferland, his grandchildren by marriage, Bryce, Erin and Katherine Blakely; great-grandchildren, Danielle and William Medland; and brother Alphonse (Smokey) Ferland (Georgette). He was predeceased by his sons, Ron and Dan. Jos. was born on March 3, 1921 in St. Norbert, Manitoba, the eldest son of Maurice and Josephine Ferland, at a time where meeting the basic needs of a large family had to take precedence over education. He always regretted that he had to quit school in grade 5 to work and help out at home and he held educated people in high esteem for the rest of his life. One of Jos.'s most cherished childhood memories was when at the age of six years, pepere taught him his first tune on the fiddle. It was called Ca Berger . That was the start of a life-long love of music and the joy of playing many musical instruments with family and friends. As a young man, Jos. enlisted in the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry and served his country for four and a half years during the Second World War, both as a foot soldier and Dispatch Rider. He fought in the invasion of Sicily and in the two great battles of Cassino and Ortona. He was awarded several medals for his sacrifice, most recently, a commemorative medal from the Netherlands in recognition for his role in the liberation of Holland. Although Dad was never physically wounded during the war, sadly, he carried the emotional scars of that experience for the rest of his life. Jos. met Olive soon after his return from Europe and they married on December 27, 1947. Shortly afterward they started their family. He was very, very proud of his children and spoke of them highly at every opportunity. His love for Olive and their commitment to each other was an inspiration to his children. When Olive became ill, Jos. took on the responsibility of taking care of her and managing the household. He was an uncomplicated man living in a complicated world, happiest when he was with his wife and children. He wanted nothing more from life than to enjoy their company. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 3rd, at St. Martyrs Canadiens Church, 289 Dussault Avenue. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Joseph's name to either the Winnipeg Public Library or St. Clement Church - Outreach Program , St. Clement Church, 59 Briar Hill Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4R 1H8. God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.... DESJARDINS 233-4949 1-888-233-4949

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 01, 2008