JOSEPH REAL FERNAND LAMOTHE

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JOSEPH REAL FERNAND LAMOTHE 1926 2015 After a lengthy illness, dad passed away with his family by his side on Sunday, July 12th. He was born in Trois Rivieres, Que to Emilia (nee Clermont) and Antonio Lamothe. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Ethel of 47 years, daughter Danielle (Ron), and half-siblings Dominique and Lisette Richard of Trois Rivieres. He was predeceased by his brother Paul and half brother Leo of Trois Rivieres. Dad grew up during the depression when jobs were scarce so his plan was always to hold two jobs in life and work hard. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1943 and had a long army career which began in Italy. His many medals include the 1939 to 1945 Star and War Medal, the Italy Star, the France and Germany Star, Cdn Voluntary Svce Medal, Defence Medal, the QEII Coronation, NATO Special Service Medal, and Canadian Forces Decoration. After the Second World War he remained in the forces which sent him to peacekeeping missions in Indochina and Cypress. In 2002, he received a medal from the Netherlands for the 1945 liberation of Holland and received a special tribute at last year's 75th anniversary of Canada's engagement in the Second World War. He was posted around the world and throughout Canada and first experienced Winnipeg during the Great Flood. In 1964 he was posted here from Lahr, Germany where he met Ethel and they married. His last posting was in CFB Valcartier where he ended his military career with the rank of corporal in 1970 and we moved back to Winnipeg. At that time, he joined the Corps Commissionaires performing security, full time initially, but always kept this as his weekend job during his 22 year career at the Victoria General Hospital. 22 years with the Corps Commissionaires earned him the Corps' long service medal. His devotion to duty and service to others ended with the decline of his health in 2002. Dad wasn't all work and no play. Hockey was his passion having played the game during his military career and he followed his Montreal Canadians whenever he had the chance. He loved to cook and putter around the yard mowing his lawn. He quickly learned that tulip bulbs had to be in the ground pointing a certain way. His military training parachuting out of planes taught him to fall off the ladder without hurting himself too badly. Although he tried to be a handyman he realized some things were best left to the experts. The annual summer vacation had us travelling Canada coast to coast with dad behind the wheel and setting up camp in record time. Board games and especially cribbage were his favourite family past times. Finance and math came easy to him and he passed on his interest in numbers. In later years, he and mom continued to travel to Quebec and fulfilled the goal of going back to Europe to show her the sights. He was the most agreeable individual you ever met with never a complaint to be heard and dad accepted everyone as they were. From his travels he was interested in world politics and had many stories and memories to share but did so quietly and without judgment. Dedication to his wife and providing for his family were the driving forces in his life even after his health failed him. He will be greatly missed and always in our hearts. Thanks to the staff on 5E at St. B for their care and compassion especially charge nurse Judy. Cremation and interment has taken place and a private service was held. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2015