DENIS FAVREAU
Denis Favreau passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at the age of 83 years. He was born June 9th, 1926 in Zenon Park, SK. Denis grew up on a farm and in 1945, at the age of 19, after a 6 week training course at Normal School, he embarked on a teaching career. His first teaching assignments were at Treasure and Goyer Schools near Zenon Park. After meeting the love of his life, he taught in Domremy, Tisdale, and finally Prince Albert at Riverside High School and Carlton Comprehensive, retiring in 1981. During his teaching career, he completed his Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts at the University of Saskatchewan, and a Master of Arts (Teaching of French) Degree at Simon Fraser University. He was a passionate supporter of the francophone community in Saskatchewan and following his retirement was instrumental in the establishment of the Prince Albert French School. Because of his love of teaching, Denis seized the opportunity to teach French courses through the University of Saskatchewan at the SIAST Academic Centre. Denis enjoyed reading, gardening, traveling and especially loved music. For many years he organized Les Jeunesses Musicales du Canada concert series in Prince Albert and was Vice President for Western Canada. He directed the St Joseph Church Choir in the 60s, in 1987 joined the newly formed French choir Entr’Amis, and rediscovered ‘fiddling’. There were many family road trips across Canada, the United States and as empty-nesters they adventured to Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. With the arrival of grandchildren, Denis and Gabrielle focused their travels throughout North America celebrating special occasions with them. Denis is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Gabrielle (née Georget); his daughters Sharyn and her daughter Emi-Liën of Calgary, AB, Laurelle (Don) Verdery and her step children Amanda, Sara and James of Morris, CT, USA and Joylyn (Mark) Skoko and her sons Sébastien, Zacharie and Jonathon of Calgary, AB; his sisters Rachel (Ray) Haller, Pauline (Urbain) Moyen, Sr. Rosanne Favreau; his brothers Fernand, Bernard (Bernadette), Richard (Rita) and Michel, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Eugène and Andréa (née Hudon) Favreau; a brother-in-law Roland Lalonde and a sister-in-law Résina Favreau. Prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30 from River Park Memorial Chapel. Sister Renée Buliard will officiate. Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Maurice Fiolleau at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31 from Sacred Heart Cathedral, 1401 – 4 Avenue West. Interment will take place in The Garden of the Old Rugged Cross, Prince Albert Memorial Gardens. It is the family’s request that those wishing to place memorials may do so to the charity of the donor’s choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Don Moriarty, Funeral Director.