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It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our beloved father and "Papa Bear", Fern Gagnon. Fern passed away peacefully on Dec. 9, 2012 at the age of 89.</p>
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Fern was born on April 27, 1923 in St. Donat, Quebec. He proudly spoke of working in the bush at the young age of 13 and then joined the Canadian Armed Forces at the tender age of 17.</p>
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As soon as he was old enough he went overseas and was part of the 22nd Regiment, Van Doos, and proud to say he was part of the troops that liberated Holland. A few years later after the war, he settled in Beardmore, Ontario - everyone knew "Big Fern" as the bartender/bouncer at the Hotel.</p>
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It was in Beardmore that he met the love of his life, Theresa.</p>
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They left Beardmore for Port Arthur, and then Fern found his way to Manitouwadge and became a Hoistman for Wilroy Mines. The family soon followed and spent nine wonderful years in the small mining community.</p>
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In 1977 after the mine closed, Fern and family moved to Thunder Bay where he spent the rest of his days.</p>
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In Thunder Bay, he worked for Inco Mines and retired in 1984. He was able to totally devote himself to caring for his wife who succumbed to cancer at the age of 58 in 1985.</p>
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Fern's biggest desire was to join Theresa, but there would be quite a wait. During those years, he kept busy with his second greatest love - cards.</p>
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He was always an avid poker player, but as the children grew, he drew them into his world of cards. Every family dinner was followed by an evening of card games, and of course no game was legitimate unless there was money on the table. The "grey fox" often left with the pot and a big grin, saying we were all amateurs!</p>
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Oh how we will miss those evenings.</p>
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Fern will be sadly missed by his children, Susan Briere, Dennis Poulin (Kathy Poulin), Ghislaine Bielski (Bogdan Bielski), Debbie Gagnon and Firmin Dugas (Renee Dugas). He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Jessica Houle, Jamie Houle, Roland Poulin, Lindsay Poulin and Paul Bielski and numerous great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Laura and brother Lionel as well as numerous nieces and nephews.</p>
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Fern was predeceased by his parents Zenon and Adele Gagnon, loving wife, Theresa Gagnon and siblings Rose Alma, Willie, Zenon, Janet, and Rita.</p>
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A celebration of Fern's life will be held on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street, with Rev. Rey Ronquillo presiding. </p>
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The members of Branch #5 of the Royal Canadian Legion will hold their Service of Tribute in conjunction with the Funeral Service. The inurnment will take place at St. Andrew's Cemetery. </p>
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As expressions of sympathy memorials to the St. Andrew's Dew Drop Inn or the Branch #5 Building Fund would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at <a href="http://www.sargentandson.com" target="_blank">www.sargentandson.com</a>.</p>
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To family and friends, this Christmas please remember to hold close those you love, and make wonderful memories to last a lifetime, and when you hear "Grandma got Run over by a Reindeer"....... think of Fern and smile.<br />
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