> Details

Advanced Search:


Regular Search
❮ Go Back to Listings
LIONEL JOSEPH LAVALLEE Obituary pic

LIONEL JOSEPH LAVALLEE

Date of Passing: May 07, 2014

Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

LIONEL JOSEPH LAVALLEE 1930 - 2014 After a fulfilling life, Lionel passed away at his home on May 7, 2014. Left to cherish his memory are his children, grandchildren, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his loving wife Judy in 2002. Dad was born in St. Joseph, MB. He farmed for most of his life - first as a way of life then as a hobby. He was a jack of all trades and master of none, but always loyal and dedicated to the work he did. Lionel worked at the Winnipeg Tribune and Winnipeg Free Press for over 20 years then he finally decided to "retire" and went to work for Skyward Airlines and King's Transportation. Dad had a unique sense of humour and loved a good joke. He enjoyed giving the people around him nicknames which often stuck. Never without an opinion, Dad was rarely at a loss for words. He was always willing to help anyone who needed it and never forgot those who helped him. He expected no less of others than he expected of himself. Dad absolutely refused to attend his own funeral. He said that if someone wanted to pay their respects, they had 83 years to do so. Therefore, in keeping with Dad's wishes, cremation and a private family burial has taken place. He can finally sleep in after 4:00 am! The family would like to acknowledge and thank everyone for the cards, calls and prayers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 30, 2014

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

  • I'm so upset to find this. I was just thinking about Lionel. I stopped working at the Country Inn in December 2013. He used to stay almost monthly with us. He'd come in asking where "Smiley" was, and occasionally, would call me Doofy instead of Smiley. He was such a fun, loving man. Never a dull moment when he was around - a jokester for sure. He loved room 126, and when I couldn't get him that room, that's when my nickname went from Smiley to Doofy. Of course, it was all in good fun. He was so sweet. I'm truly blessed to have met such a great guy. Rest easy, Lionel! - Posted by: Daryan (AKA Smiley) (Former Front Desk worker at Country Inn in Grand Forks) on: Jul 03, 2015

  • I recently heard about the passing of Lionel from a guest. I have many fond memories of him. He used to come stay in GF with his beautiful daughter and family a few times a year. I used to work the front desk during the night shift and Lionel would keep me company telling me silly stories all through the night. At 6AM when his favorite store Menards opened he'd say goodbye and be on his way. My regards to the daughter and grandchildren. I will miss him as he always had a comment about something to make anyone smile. - Posted by: Liz ( maid/reception at the Country Inn & Suites Grand Forks) on: Dec 21, 2014

  • When Judy got sick Lionel was devasted. He didn't say much or ask for help. But you could tell he was sad and scared of what may happen. He was relieved that his two oldest daughters took control and felt comfort in that. When his health began to fail, he was too proud to ask for help. He dealt with life as it came. In the last few years he had spent a lot of time with his brother Claude. I had many talks with him. Rest assured he was proud of his children. Wishing peaceful thoughts to the family. We have lost a good man. - Posted by: Mike Freeman () on: Oct 23, 2014

  • I was surprised to her of Lionel's passing. He was one of those people who you thought would always be around. Proud, private and personable - rough around the edges, but underneath a softy. Will miss him at the coffee shop. - Posted by: George Santos (Friend) on: Sep 30, 2014

  • So sorry to hear of Mr. Lavallee's passing. He drove our school bus to Stonewall. At the time I hated it as I knew we would always get to school and back. But looking at it now I know he was only making sure that we got to school, and got there safely. We all probably had the best attendance record in the system! I thank him for helping me achieve my educational goals... - Posted by: Tanis Pownell () on: Sep 25, 2014

  • I remember Lionel when he bartended on weekends. He was a joy to work with and always made sure that everything was done right. He would often stay later to ensure everyone got home safely and refused to overserve the customers. At the end of the evenings he would purchase treats for his children from the vending machines using his tips. He wanted them to know he was thinking of them when he was working. My regards to the family. - Posted by: Gail Byrne (Friend) on: Sep 02, 2014

  • My sincere condolences to Lionel's family. I met Lionel way back in 1974 when I was 18 going on 19. He hired me to work afternoons dropping off Tribune newspapers on street corners for kids to deliver after school. I was finishing grade 12,taking classes in the morning so this worked out perfect.Lionel was one of the nicest guys I had ever met.He would always stop what he was doing [usually working] and take the time to talk to you. Even though I had not seen Lionel for many years,I still thought of him often and the fun times I had working with him. Sincerely, Doug Black - Posted by: Doug Black (former employee) on: Aug 30, 2014

❮ Go Back to Listings