François Després, 99, of Moncton, passed away peacefully at the Veterans’ Health Centre on Sunday October 10, 2021. Born in Cocagne, he was the son of the late Eric and Anna (Bourgeois) Després.
He was a Corporal with the Régiment Maisonneuve, PQ during WWII. Upon his return, he worked for Canadian Westinghouse in Moncton and Halifax becoming foreman until his retirement. Once retired, he studied at Université du 3e âge. He was a member of the Pastoral Committee and volunteered at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC. He also volunteered at the Veterans’ Health Centre (10 years), the Christ-Roi Residence and Red Cross Meals on Wheels. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus of Moncton and the Golden Age Club of Dieppe.
He was a loving father, a very caring and generous man who was very proud of his family. He loved spending time at his cottage by the Cocagne Bay, he enjoyed going to dances at the Golden Age Club, reading, gardening, nature, fishing and telling jokes. He became an artist in his seventies.
He will be sadly missed by his six children: Lucille Donegani (Doug) of Riverview, Eric (Elena Calvo) of Gatineau, Gérarda (Janice Langis) of Dieppe, Charles (Marie-Line) of Fredericton, Annette (Charles Robichaud) of Riverview, and Claude (Shawn Steele) of Moncton; 10 grandchildren: James, David, Stephen, Daniel, Elisabeth, Raquel, Sébastien, Nathaniel, Justin, and Gabrielle; eight great-grandchildren: Samantha, Kyle, Cynthia, Brooke, Michael, William, Eva, and Aliza; one brother, Donat (late Oliva) of Moncton; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and Mary Hayward.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Rachel (2012); two sisters: Gracia Després and Jeanne Cormier (Delphis); one brother, Joseph (Florence).
The family will receive condolences at Frenette Funeral Home, 88 Church Street, Moncton (858-1900) Thursday from 4 to 6 pm only. The veterans will hold a service of remembrance at the funeral centre on Thursday at 4 pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Christ-Roi R.C. Church, 300 Dominion Street, Moncton, on Friday October 15 at 11 am. Due to the new regulations, face covering are mandatory, and proof of vaccination and government issued identification card are required to enter the funeral centre. The funeral mass will be videotaped, and the video will be available on his obituary on our Website at the end of the day. Interment will be in Our Lady of Calvary cemetery in Dieppe. In memory of François, a contribution to Doctors Without Borders or Red Cross would be appreciated.
Words of comfort and donations may be made at www.frenettefuneralhome.com