COURTEAU, John Leon
May 11, 1920 – Feb. 19, 2011

John passed away peacefully at age 90 on Feb. 19, 2011 at Three Links Manor, Kelowna, B.C.

He was predeceased by his beloved first wife of 49 years, Therese Moyen (1991), son Rene (1989), sister Anna Ares (2009) and brother Pierre (1991). He is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Dolores “Del” Turgeon and her 5 daughters, Vivian (Richard) Ingram, Annette Turgeon, Simone (Ric) Burchill, Ida (Bruce) Watson, Claudette (Norris) Plante and their children and grandchildren. He leaves to mourn his 5 children, Larry (Vivianne) Prince George, B.C., Jerry (Stefanie), Ottawa, ON, Rita (Al) Werstiuk, Murielle (Ray) Provencher, and Estelle (George) Switzer, all of Edmonton, AB; 10 grandchildren, Valerie (Aaron) Menzies, Velinda (Tony) Pellegrino, Jason (Rhonda) Courteau, Dan (Carlina) Courteau, Ray Jr. (Carrie) Provencher, Michelle Provencher, Lisa Werstiuk, Krista (Cory) Plamondon, Kyle and Jennifer Switzer, also 8 great grandchildren, Andrew, Benjamin, Sofia, Vienna, Jaida, Tyler, Travis and Ayla, 3 siblings, Therese Fortier of Saskatoon, SK, Maria-Ange Bouvier, of Barrie ON, Andre (Sylvia) Courteau, of Edmonton, AB, and numerous nephews and nieces.

John was a multi-faceted diligent worker in many different fields, starting as a lumberman, farmer, store owner, mayor, councilor, salesman. The last job was his most rewarding, where he excelled for 26 years as a first class well rounded financial and insurance advisor with Mutual Life, from age 43 until his retirement at age 69. He was a world traveler, an avid coin & stamp collector, who enjoyed playing bridge and golfing to relax. He wrote history and biography books, and was on countless decision-making boards of hospital, school, church, town council, reunions and family anniversaries. He was a man of tremendous convictions & deep abiding faith. He kept our entire family on the straight & narrow, with his dedication, personal example, generosity and encouragement. He was very involved with the Knights of Columbus, past Grand Knight, and attained the 4th degree Honor Guard Level.

Dad & Mom, with the beautiful harmony in their relationship of 49 years, fostered in all of us a desire to aspire and live up to the same level of purpose & commitment in our marriages. A few years later, Dad again chose another special lady to walk the future with. That was our step-mom, Dolores Turgeon, who faithfully embraced her role as wife and grandmother to our family for the past 17 ½ years. What a beautiful couple they have been, and even to the end, both having health issues, but together in the same long term care facility in Kelowna. John will be sadly missed by all his family, friends and neighbours in Kelowna and Zenon Park.

Many thanks to the dedicated staff & social workers at the Three Links Manor for their assistance & much appreciated help.

Those wishing may make memorial donations to a charity of choice.

A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at Immaculate Conception Church, 839 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna, BC from 9:00 – 10:45 am with the Funeral Mass following at 11:00 am with Bishop Eugene Cooney as celebrant. A Viewing will be held in Zenon Park, Sask., Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011 at 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm from Our Lady Of The Nativity Church. Funeral Mass at 2:00 pm with Father Jim Kaptein celebrant. Private graveside service by the family. Reception to follow in the church hall. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.

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