Allan Stewart Lafford
Born In: Sydney
Born: February 7th, 1996
Passed in: Potlotek
Passed on: June 23rd, 2013
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Allan Stewart Lafford on June 23, 2013.
Allan was born in Sydney, N.S., to Harriet Battiste and Benji Lafford on Feb. 7, 1996. Allan’s most notable quality was his genuine love for smiling and bringing a smile to the face of others. His funky Lafford laugh forced others to laugh alongside him, whether they wanted to or not. It was in Allan’s character to tease his brothers and sisters, as well as his parents, whenever he saw an opportunity. His favourite saying was, “You know what? You know what? I don’t have the slightest idea!"
Allan is survived by his parents, Harriet, Potlotek and Benji Lafford, Eskasoni; his brothers, Jake Battiste, Ben Lafford, Ekkian Lafford, Potlotek, Jason Maloney, Indianbrook; his sisters, Mary Susan, Amanda, Eleanor, Potlotek, Madeline, Mount Uniacke, Santana, Eskasoni. Allan was the chosen child of Elizabeth Benoit whom she raised from birth. Allan is also survived by his girlfriend, Mikayla Hill, Sydney. Stewart Benoit, Georgia, USA and Mary V. Marshall, Potlotek, were given the responsibility of being Allan’s godparents. Allan experienced the joy of being an uncle to Harmony, Jennifer, Evelyn, Zachary, Linden and Tyson and was on his way to becoming a godfather himself to Shyla-Mae Roberts.
He was predeceased by his brother, Jervis Park, his maternal grandparents, Jacob and Madeline Battiste, his paternal grandparents, Ben and Helen Lafford and a maternal uncle, Jacob Battiste Jr.
Perhaps the greatest loss that Allan suffered was the loss of his best friend, Melissa Marshall, a loss which he never completely got over. Allan shared a special relationship with his mentor, Pi’kun Poulette, who started his own spirit journey in February. Allan’s journey into the spirit world began on a special day, his grandmother’s birthday. We believe that Madeline was there to greet her grandson, take his hand, and guide him on his journey. Although here for only a short time, Allan lived his life to the fullest! He was an avid Montreal Canadiens fan, loved to fish, hunt, play basketball, hike, visit with friends and play his guitar. He was a traditionalist in his heart and lived for pow wows and participating in sweats. Allan was honoured to receive his spirit name, Tall Standing Black Bear, in a ceremony conducted by his mentors Frank and Josie Augustine of Elsipogtog, N.B. He received his sacred colours at this time as well – Green, Brown, and Blue.
Allan’s ultimate goal was to become a member of the RCMP. With his untimely death, he gets to be a hero in another way. Allan was an organ donor and as such, saved the lives of five people ... people he didn’t even know. This is so typical of Allan — to help whomever he can, whenever he can.
Visitation will be held at the home where Allan grew up — the home of Elizabeth Benoit, 323 Stimuk Rd., Potlotek (across from Mi’kmawey School). Visitation will begin at 7 p.m., Thursday. Funeral mass will take place at the Immaculate Conception Church, Barra Head, on Saturday, June 29, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Lourdusamy Mariadoss officiating. Interment to follow in the Immaculate Conception Parish Cemetery, Barra Head.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the C.H. Boudreau Funeral Home in Arichat.
To send words of comfort to the family or to light a candle in memory of Allan, please visit www.chboudreau.com.
