ROGER LAFORTUNE

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ROGER LAFORTUNE Roger LaFortune of Penticton, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2009 with his family by his side at the age of 75. He is survived by his loving wife in their 27th year of marriage, Marilyn. Loving family; five children, Renee (Peter), Paulette (Brad), Paul (Dawn) Christine (Bill) and Julie; six grandchildren, Ryan, Dustin, Robin, Gabriel, Marcel and Jean Paul; three great-grandchildren, Aurora, Trenton and Kristien; three sisters, Cecile (Yvon), Lyse and Odette (Gilles) as well as many nephews, nieces and other family members throughout Canada. Sadly predeceased by his first wife, Carole, parents, Victor and Lucienne LaFortune and sister, Therese. Roger was born in Joliette, Quebec on September 4, 1933. He was the fourth of five children born to the late Victor and Lucienne LaFortune. Roger received his education in Montreal at College, St. Jean Breboeuf. He was known for being very outspoken his whole life, which landed him in trouble many times throughout his career. Roger called a spade - a spade. He served for 33 years in the Canadian Armed Forces (Air Force) and reserves being stationed throughout Canada and Europe. He loved hockey and represented the Armed Forces as a goaltender. He attended the Penticton Vees games as an avid supporter and really loved watching their skills improve over the season. Roger married Carole in 1956 and they had three beautiful children together. In 1978 Marilyn came into his life and they married in 1982, raising two more beautiful children together. After his military career he joined the Corps of Commissionaires in Winnipeg and fully retired in 1993. After Marilyn retired in 1996 they moved to Penticton where they have enjoyed a wonderful and full life together, travelling on bus trips to casinos all over the northwest states and across Canada to visit friends and family. Being very active, Roger volunteered in the Penticton community for theatre, Iron Man, Peach Classic Triathlon and Fest of Ale. Roger loved being on the stage and entertaining people. Roger with his beautiful singing voice, acting, dancing and joking he touched the lives of everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. He was stubborn and determined and would not back down from a good fight. Roger was a wonderful, generous loving father and husband who laughed at life's problems and kept everyone who knew him laughing right to the very end. He will be missed by the coffee gang at Cherry Lane where he enjoyed meeting his friends and chatting almost every day. The family would like to thank Drs. Yves Clouatre, Bruce Hedges, Neil Crofts, Susan Cooper, Dr. Mostowy, The Integrated Health Centre and the staff at the Penticton Regional Hospital, Palliative Care and the Moog Friends Hospice House for all their support, guidance and assistance during Roger's illness. If friends so desire memorial tributes may be made directly to the Kidney Foundation or Cancer Society in Roger's memory. Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Providence Funeral Homes: parkview@vip.net. Providence Funeral Homes Parkview Chapel 250-493-1774

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 06, 2009