It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Francis Arthur Doiron of Monks Head Road, Pomquet, Antigonish County on March 16, 2024, in the John MacLellan Palliative Care Unit of St. Martha's Regional Hospital.
Francis was born in Pomquet to the late Henry and Julia (Venedam) Doiron on February 19, 1931. At the precious age of two years old, he lost his father to an accident and was faithfully and lovingly raised by his mother Julia along with his many siblings. His mother's courage, devotion and love for family was an admired example that Francis lived each day.
As a young man who was eager to be the author of his own success, he began to work in the woods, fished lobster and eventually found his calling within the carpentry trade. Always willing to learn and attentive to the fine details, he perfected his skills to become a true master of his trade. He willingly shared his knowledge with his children, as well as many others. Dad fondly spoke of his days working with fellow carpenters throughout our province with Joe Grant Construction, A & R Venedam Construction and at St. Francis Xavier University. He had the uncanny ability to remember so many jobs, places and people that he worked with over the years. To go for a drive through Antigonish was to go down memory lane with Dad pointing out the many homes and buildings which he had worked on.
On August 19, 1954, Francis married his wonderful wife, Stella, whom he loved beyond words, and both began a new life and family. He was proud of his independence in building his own home, building his own boat and operating his small farm that provided for his family where each animal/pet had a name. As a loving husband and father, he instilled in his children the valuable lessons and rewards of hard work, taking pride in one's craft and enjoying time together. For his family, he was affectionately and lovingly known as "Père". He celebrated his children's, grandchildren's and great grandchildren's achievements and was so proud of them all. His kind and gentle guidance, wisdom and commitment to help was a valued gift to this family. We are blessed to have his workmanship around us everyday in each of our homes. Père could design it, fix it, repair it or build it and enjoyed working at something no matter what the task. He enjoyed the simple tasks of living, such as splitting wood, planting a garden, reading the Chronicle-Herald, cheering for the Blue Jays (and as he would say, "they need better pitching") and of course staying busy in the basement with his tools. A man of faith, he was a faithful member of Ste. Croix Parish, Pomquet all his life and continued to watch Mass for Shut-Ins. The many heartfelt visits, shared stories and waves at the window have made beautiful memories that will be with us forever. He will be so deeply missed.
He is survived by his loving daughter and caregiver at home, Colleen, sons Aubrey (Jo-Anne), Gerard (Johanne), Brian (Marcia); daughters Glenda (Terry) and Lynn (Dion); grandchildren, Blair (Laura), Jarret (Ashley), Maryjo (Hoyt), Élaine, François (Ryan), Kelly (Tom), Brent (Samara), Emily (Logan), Riley (Laura), Hillary (Joe), Marley and Todd; and great-grandchildren Rylan, Lila, Remi, Claire, Odin, Lumi and Valor. Also his loving sisters Rita (late Alex Landry) and Adele (Fred Benoit) and sister-in-law Marie Doiron.
He was predeceased by his loving wife, Stella (2020). Sisters Margaret (Joseph Landry), Anna, and Mary (Robert Cormier); brothers Georgie (Josephine), Leo and Dominic and cherished grandson Cody.
Visitation will be held in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College St. Antigonish, NS on Tuesday, March 19th, 2024 from 2-4 and 7-9pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 20th, 2024 at 11am in Ste. Croix Church in Pomquet with Reverend Dennis Lamey presiding. Burial at a later date in the Parish Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank St. Martha's Regional Hospital's Emergency Department and Palliative Care Unit for their compassionate care during Dad's brief stay. Also we would like to extend a most sincere thank you to Sr. Catherine MacGillivray, Fr. Gary MacPherson and Fr. Dennis Lamey for the beautiful prayers, kindness and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations in support of the Palliative Care Unit of St. Martha's Regional Hospital would be appreciated.