April 13, 1936 - December 30, 2011

We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of our dear father and grandfather, Lionel Albert Chrétien at his home in Kamloops, B.C.

Lionel (Nel) was predeceased by his wife, Agnes (Una) Brown Morrison on June 5, 2009, parents Hector & Irene, and older brother Hector

He is survived by his four children, Jacques (Corinne), Jamie (Cathy), Andrée (Thane), and Jean-Paul, grandchildren Déja, Jelise, Cade, Hannah, Hailey, Joshua, Amanda, and Dustin, as well as siblings Gilles (Bune) ChrÈtien, Claudette Morrow, Margaret Coon, Olive Meyer, Gerald Chrétien, Dolores Mowry, extended family Barbara and Garth Carr, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dad was born in Sudbury, Ontario and raised in Peterborough, Ontario in a farming community. Later he attended St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, where he majored in economics, as well as Osgoode Hall law school, at York University in Toronto, Ontario.

In Peterborough, he met the love of his life, Una, a young, vibrant redhead who had just immigrated from Scotland. After graduating, he moved to Vancouver for a fresh start, first selling vacuums and surviving on peanut butter sandwiches. He sent for Una shortly thereafter, and they were married on May 19, 1962, in Vancouver, B.C.

Dad continued on in business, soon managing trust companies in Vancouver, Abbotsford, Victoria, and finally in Kamloops, where he settled with Una to raise his family. Here, he opened his own mortgage company, Haliburton Mortgage, which he operated for over 30 years. Dad was involved in numerous building projects and real-estate ventures in Kamloops throughout his life, and retired a very successful businessman.

Dad loved to sing and had a deep appreciation for music. He played the banjo and the ukulele and would often break out in song with his tenor-like voice in public places. He sang from his soul. Dad loved getting together with friends and family over a bottle of red wine for some laughs. He was an avid hockey fan, playing into his late 30's, and then continued to coach many rep. teams in Kamloops as his sons grew up. He was a true blue Habs fan. He was passionate about fishing, gardening and especially cooking; many will remember his Chinese food, ribs, and baked beans. In his retirement years, he and Una enjoyed summers at their cottage at Paul Lake, floating on the barge with their children and grandkids.

Dad was one of a kind. A loving father, quick witted, a philosopher, and a silent philanthropist. He had a huge heart, and was known to reach out to those in need, whether it was giving them money, an odd job, or a place to stay. He always had an extra guest at the dinner table. Raised a Catholic, Dad had a strong faith and trust in God.

Dad will be missed by those who knew him. Dad, it gives us peace to know you are finally with Mom again, and all your friends and family that passed before you.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Church, 200 Chilcotin Way, Kamloops, B.C., on Friday, January 13, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Mass will be celebrated by Father Peter Nguyen. A reception will follow at 133 West Battle Street.

In lieu of flowers, Dad would appreciate an act of kindness or a donation to Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice.

Arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service Ltd., ph. 250-374-1454. Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com