REV. DEACON JEAN FONTAINE (JOHN)

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REV. DEACON JEAN FONTAINE (JOHN) On January 17, 2011, Jean (John) passed away at the age of 86. He was born January 27, 1924 to Solas and Marietta Fontaine in St. Boniface, MB. Remaining to cherish his loving memory are his children Laurent (Judith), Dolores McDougall, Guy (Michele), eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, his sister Therese Marcoux (Lucien), sisters-in-law Luciana Pike, Delia Fontaine and brother-in-law Gerry Wilcott. He was predeceased by his wife Aline (Lavallee), brothers Emile, Antonin, Joseph, sister Juliette Wilcott and son-in-law Richard McDougall. As a young man he worked for Keewatin Box, St. Boniface Creamery and helped his father and brothers haul and deliver wood. In 1944 he started working for Winnipeg Electric as an apprentice mechanic and after 42 years of hard work, he retired in 1986 as the General Foreman for Winnipeg Transit. During his career, he also had the energy to devote time to other endeavors over and above his devotion to his family. He played trombone as a member of the Fanfare La Verendrye, worked part-time at Rogers Tomboy, served as Secretary for the Union Nationale Metis de St. Joseph (St. Emile), was a long standing board member of the Chalet Louis Riel, sang and directed the choir at St. Emile Church for many years. On December 2, 1984 he started his second career as Rev. Deacon John, a lay apostolate, serving and ministering at St. Emile Parish. He also volunteered and ministered at the Golden Links Lodge. Reaching out to Alzheimer patients through music and song gave him great happiness. His warmth and compassion provided peace and comfort to many. Even after his second retirement in 2006, he continued evangelizing whenever an opportunity presented itself, to the benefit of those who wanted help and guidance. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of 6A West Family Medicine of St. Boniface Hospital for the care and compassion given to our Father. Prayers will be held on Friday, January 21 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Emile Roman Catholic Church, 556 St. Anne's Rd. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on January 22 at 11:00 a.m. also at St. Emile. Interment will follow at Green Acres Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery 1 Green Acres Lane, Springfield (204) 222-3241 Hwy. #1 East inside the Perimeter at Winnipeg Condolences may be sent to: www.greenacresfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 20, 2011