Parenteau: Joseph Alfred, Sept. 24, 1923 – May 14, 2018
Joe left us peacefully on May 14, 2018 to continue his journey with the Lord.
Joe was born in L’Avenir, Quebec, the fourth child to Daniel and Rose Anna (Tessier) Parenteau. Joe grew up during lean times, in the eastern townships of Quebec, near Drummondville. It was a typical farm family upbringing with chores, school, church, and family gatherings. He had a special way with animals and had even coaxed a baby skunk to be his pet!
Being the adventurous one in the family, he came out west at the age of 17 to visit his Uncle Emile and Aunt Pearl Tessier at their farm south of Oyen. He decided to stay as a hired hand for his uncle and not knowing a word of English, it was there that he met a young local French girl (Cecile) who became the love of his life. They were married October 27, 1947 in Oyen. They eventually purchased their own farm and during the winter months would work as farm help at a ranch near Airdrie. They did this for quite a few years until it came time to start a family of their own (Anita, Leonard, Margaret). Then came the grandchildren to whom he gave many lifetime memories; Veronica picking fresh raspberries and cream for a bedtime snack, building Dallas his very own ladder; riding in the back of the truck with Debi after her first sheep riding adventure landed her in the sheep dip, building David his own corrals for his plastic farm animals, and teaching Joseph to “pee with the wind.”
Joe loved the land and took pride in good fallow and clean crops. He was very handy at wood working and was the go to guy for saw sharpening, all by hand and a keen eye. He was a man who could fix anything. As he retired from farming he became a member of the “Senate” (the coffee group) and rarely missed a meeting. He enjoyed fishing, camping, card games, and barbecues and was proud to have his own trout pond.
For many years he was the “Snow Angel” for his entire cul-de-sac along with the church and school, keeping the sidewalks clear of snow. We remember the snow blowers, brooms and brushes coming out in full force any time there was a snowfall. Dad was always the good Samaritan and so humble about doing so many good deeds.
He was a regular visitor of the sick at the hospital and would always make a point of stopping in to have a visit with his friends to help lift their spirits just a bit.
He made daily trips to the “Mall” (dump grounds) and would find buried treasures which he would bring home and fix like new again much to his wife’s begrudge. Somehow those little treasures made their way into the house and Mom would have to find a place to display them.
We have many fond memories of our Sunday drives with Dad while touring the countryside and getting our history lesson of our community. We would often fall asleep in the truck on the way home after hours of Dad talking and driving, but it was still a great adventure. He was a wonderful and loving dad.
Joe was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, school board trustee, and served on the Parish Council.
He will be missed but forever loved and remembered by his daughter Anita (Brian) Volk; son Leonard (Cathy); daughter Margaret Schultz; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Annette Brunner and Therese Parenteau; and many nieces and nephews.
He will be reuniting with family who have journeyed before him, his wife of 69 years Cecile; parents Daniel and Rose Anna Parenteau; brothers Etienne and Eli; sisters Bertha Menard, Jeanne Chatigney and Marie St. Onge; brothers-in-law George Menard, Roc Chatigney, Joe St. Onge, Jim Davies, Charles Brunner and Henry Carrier; sisters-in-law Flor-Helene Parenteau, Bertha Davies, Edna Carrier; and son-in-law Marvin Schultz.
Prayer Vigil Service was held May 18 and Mass of Christian Burial was held May 19 at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Oyen. Officiating clergy was Rev. Newton Rodrigues. Organist was Megan McBain and special music was provided by Robbie Shields. Readers were Dallas Volk and Joseph Schultz. Altar Servers were Grady and Jude Martin. Prayers of the Faithful were given by David Volk. Pallbearers were David Dick, Danny Dick, Joe Hogan, Warren Getz, Paul Lijdsman, and Glen Smigelski. Honorary Pallbearers were John Lijdsman, Henry Kroker, Jerry Kuhn, Kevin McBain, Jerry Pearen, Willie Dick, Jim Davidson, Don Bamber, Doug Jones, Paul Dick, and the Knights of Columbus.
Following the funeral service, family and friends were invited to a luncheon hosted by the Sacred Heart Parish in the Assumption School Gym.
MacLean’s Funeral Home of Oyen in care of arrangements.