JOSEPH ERNEST FONTAINE

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JOSEPH ERNEST (ERNIE) FONTAINE Joseph Ernest (Ernie) Fontaine passed away at the age of 93, on January 21, 2017, at Actionmarguerite St. Boniface, with his "bien-aimée" of 63 years, Gisèle (Mulaire), and his family at his side. Left to cherish his memory are his children: Michel (Diane), Nicole (Raymond), Claudette (Stefan), Luc (Helen), and Lynne (Sieg); grandchildren: Janelle (Sean), Stéphane (Dasha), Julie (Tyler), Michel (Christine), François (Chantal), Karine (Bryan), Catherine (Chelsey), Alexander (Andrea), Christian, Dielle, and Eric; great-grandchildren: Matthieu, Sarah, Marc, Isabelle, Alexus, Zachary, Nathalie, Tristian, Kailyn, Callum, and Scarlett; his sister: Irene Wand, as well as many sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents: Alphonse and Marianne (née Beauvais); brothers Joseph, Henry, Pete, George, Léo, Louis, Tony, and Sammy; and sisters Lina and Yvonne. Né à Winnipeg, le 18 février, 1923, Ernest a servi avec les Winnipeg Rifles durant la deuxième Guerre Mondiale. Il a été embauché par le CPR en 1941 en tant que chauffeur de locomotive à vapeur. Après plusieurs années comme conducteur de locomotive, Ernest prit sa retraite en 1985. Il aimait bien voyager mais sa grande joie était sa famille. Ce sont ses petits-enfants et ses arrière-petits-enfants qui lui ont donné beaucoup de bonheur et de plaisir. Papa avait un bon sens d'humour et il aimait beaucoup chanter. Ses neveux et nièces diront bien: "Oncle Ernie, You Are My Sunshine". Ernest was born in Winnipeg on February 18, 1923. He served with the Winnipeg Rifles during the Second World War. He was hired on the CPR in 1941 as a fireman then became a locomotive engineer, retiring in 1985. Ernie enjoyed travelling for many years but the greatest joy of his life was his family. In his later years his grandchildren and great-grandchildren gave him much pleasure. Dad had a great sense of humour and loved to sing. Many nephews and nieces will say: "Uncle Ernie You Are My Sunshine". The family would like to extend special thanks to staff and spiritual care providers at Actionmarguerite Centre Taché 4AB, and to Résidence Despins, as well as the many visitors who came to see him. The Funeral Mass will be held at the Saint Boniface Cathedral at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 27, 2017. Prayers and a Eulogy Tribute will take place at 10:00 a.m. A private family interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, CancerCare Manitoba, or to a charity of one's choice. LECLAIRE BROTHERS 475 Provencher Blvd., in care of arrangements, 204-775-2220

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 25, 2017