Robert Laurent Laferriere
It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Laurent Laferrière announce the death of our beloved father on Friday, October 13, 2023. Surrounded by family, he peacefully passed away at Huntsville's Algonquin Grace Hospice after an unexpected and sudden decline.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Thelma Eunice (nee Carr); his children, Jacqueline Françoise (Jay), Paul Etienne, and Carl Robert (Sarah); his grandchildren, Alec Mathieu (Catherine), Daniel Ka-Hei, Elliot Ka-Lok, Renée Ka-Kay, Noah Benjamin, Jonah Mathew and Eli Jacob; his siblings, Aline Woods (Lloyd, deceased), Rolande Brown (Paul), Albina Benedict (Norval, deceased), Claude (Karin), Claudette Richards (Jack, deceased), Francoise Francoeur (Roy); and his brothers-in-law, Len (Carol), Ishwar (Alberta) and sister-in-law, Eileen (Bert, deceased). He is predeceased by siblings, Juliette Niemelainen (Erkki), Gilberte Carroll (Jack), Irene Bergin (Frank), Anita Goodwin (Tim), Gerard, Joseph, Claude, Rene; his brothers-in-law, Elmer (Lorna) and Bert (Eileen) and his sister-in-law Nora Borgford (Bob, deceased). He will be lovingly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.
Robert was a licensed Class A mechanic by trade, but over the years became skilled in many others earning him the moniker “Bob of All Trades.” Together with Thelma, they were very industrious and enjoyed investing in income properties in Orillia, Kilworthy, and Gravenhurst which afforded them an early semi-retirement and allowed them the freedom to travel, enjoying many trips south to warmer climes. In his later years and up to this past year, he maintained excellent health and was happiest when he was outside cutting wood or puttering with endless home improvement projects–a week before his hospitalization he was out repainting the exterior wall of his home. After Thelma was admitted to Muskoka Landing LTC in 2016, he relocated to Huntsville, Ontario to his “little shack in the woods” to be close to her. He rarely missed a day visiting and feeding her dinner. He enjoyed the friendships he developed with the staff, residents and their families at Muskoka Landing and the family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the love, care and friendship that was extended to him through the care of our mother. He also enjoyed his association with Muskoka Seniors participating in their regular senior luncheons and becoming a volunteer dishwasher at their monthly luncheons. Never one to sit for long, he would eat and proceed to the kitchen to “tidy up”. Cleanliness was truly next to Godliness in his eyes, and he had exacting standards. May you finally rest in peace Dad. You have surely earned it.
At his request, his remains have been cremated and a memorial service will be held on November 18, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home. Reception details to follow. In lieu of flowers, and if so inclined, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Society of Muskoka, Muskoka Seniors or Hospice Huntsville would be a welcome tribute to his memory.