THIBAULT - Fern Henri of Ponteix, SK passed away in the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current, SK on Monday April 5th, 2010 at the age of 64. The prayer service was held at 7:30 pm Thursday April 8th 2010. The funeral service was held at 10:00 am Friday April 9th, 2010 at Notre Dame d'Auvergne Roman Catholic Church in Ponteix, SK with Father Raymond Carignan officiating. The organists were Daniel Roberge and Nicole Hiebert. The soloist was Aimee Sartison and the church choir. Fern's brother, Raymond Thibault, delivered the eulogy. The interment service was held at the Notre Dame Parish Cemetery. The crossbearer was Fern's grandson, Dillon Downey. The pallbearers were Sharrod Thibault, Lynn Laverdiere, Ivan Fehr, Landin Olfert, Mark Tourigny and Roger Tourigny. Fern is survived by Nancy, his loving wife of 38 years; daughters Sharlene (Ken) Schmidt of Glasgow, Montana; Rachel (Cordon) Geisam of Medicine Hat, Alberta; Noreen (Curtis) Volk of Swift Current, Saskatchewan; and Valerie Evesque and partner Jody St. Jacques of Lloydminster, Alberta; grandchildren Dillon Downey, Kennedy and Brooklyn Schmidt, Robyn, Jessica, Morgyn and Nathan Geisam, Jayden and Kierra Volk and Payton and Darris Evesque; brother Raymond (Elaine) Thibault, Robert (Terry) Thibault, Adele Thibault, Rose Thibault, Terry (Roger) Laverdiere and Lorenzo (Lulu) Thibault; mother-in-law Nettie Fehr, in-laws Elaine Fehr, Norman (Bev) Fehr, Gale (Vera) Fehr, Gloria (Rick) Olfert, Shirley (Tom) DeWitt, Seymour (Helen) Fehr, Patty Fehr, and Lyndon Fehr; as well as many nieces and nephews. Fern was predeceased by his father Lucien Thibault in 1971, his son Patrick Thibault in 1985, his mother Marie C Thibault in 2007, John C Fehr in 1985, Clancy DeWitt in 1990, Elmer Fehr in 1999, Lester Fehr in 1999, and Tyler DeWitt in 2002. Fern was born in Ponteix, Saskatchewan on March 26, 1946. He grew up on the family farm and has always been passionate about being a farmer. He bought his first piece of land in 1967 and continued to farm for the next 33 years. In September of 1968, Nancy Fehr met Fern during an evening of conversation, laughs and friendship. Fern and Nancy dated for three years before marrying on December 18, 1971. They had a deep friendship that was the strong foundation of their love and 38 years of marriage. Fern & Nancy had four daughters (Sharlene, Rachel, Noreen and Valerie) and one son (Patrick). Fern was very proud of his daughters. He recognized that they were each unique and special in their own way. A difficult time in Fern's life was when his son Patrick went to heaven in June 1985. Now, just about 25 years later, Fern is now walking through the heavenly, golden wheat fields with Patrick, sharing his farming stories and teaching him about the farming ways. We are certain that Patrick is happy to have his dad with him in heaven. Fern and Nancy have very much enjoyed their eleven grandchildren. These grandchildren were Fern's pride and joy. He enjoyed tickling their tœs with a toothpick, rocking them on the rocking chair, giving them tractor rides, hunting for gophers, roasting wieners, playing cribbage, and generally laughing and teasing all of them. Fern was an amazing Papa who will be truly missed by all of his grandchildren. Fern's grandson Dillon said it well when he said, "I love you Poppa. I'm going to be like you one day." Fern was a wonderful role model for his children, grandchildren and many other people whose life he touched. Although there was not a specific hobby that Fern had, he very much enjoyed bowling and curling. Although Fern was an excellent bowler, there were a few times when he would comment that he 'bowled like a sausage'. Fern curled with the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed watching curling on television too. Fern had many friends. Although he said that he did not like to talk, he very much enjoyed visiting with friends and family. Fern was known for many unique communication techniques. For example, many of us have sat around the kitchen table just to be scared out of our wits because Fern slammed his fist against the table! Nothing like waking everyone up! Fern also was known for his "thumbs up" way of saying that 'all is good'! During the last few days in the hospital, Fern used his thumbs up as a way to tell all of his family that he loved them too. This is now a very special communication that we will all keep close to our hearts. Fern had a valiant three year battle with cancer. Fern's nephew Sharrod aptly called him a soldier. Fern was a strong fighter. In the end, we believe that Fern won the battle with the cancer. He won an eternity with our Lord filled with happiness, health and joy; He won peace. Fern's legacy can best be described as "Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much." Fern loved his wife Nancy with all of his heart. His five children were cherished. They have eleven amazing grandchildren. His family was the most important thing to him! Fern leaves this earthly world as a man who touched so many lives ... family, friends and even strangers! Fern was compassionate beyond words. He was a good man! The family wishes to thank the many health care workers in Saskatoon and Swift Current for their quality of care, especially Dr. Serwadda and Dr. Konje. Those wishing to make donations in Fern's memory may do so to the Foyer St. Joseph, for the purchase of medical equipment, in Ponteix, SK S0N 1Z0. Special thanks to Ernie and staff from Lemieux Funeral Home, who were entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Visit our web site at www.lemieuxfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members in our book of condolences.