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Fernand Lebel
February 17, 1930 - December 25, 2014
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<div itemprop="description"><br />Fern would like to let you know that his work here on earth is done. Choosing his exit plan on Christmas Day, Fernand decided to receive a call, a sort of an offer he couldn't refuse, for an appointment from which he decided to not return. This plan came with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family and friends (and especially his beloved mother Yvonne) for which he couldn't refuse. Job security was guaranteed at exactly 110 percent. His new mission takes Fernand to a wonderful place where he will be socializing, dancing, gardening and reading to his heart&rsquo;s content. Music, laughter, playing cards and love are guaranteed. Oh, and the Montreal Canadians will be eternally scoring to crush their opponent. Food was promised to be delicious and where you never get full. Affectionately known as &quot;Fern&quot;, he left detailed instructions for his wife and children to celebrate his mission here, which has now been completed. Low adherence to this instruction was known to not be tolerated.<br /><br /><br />Fern, dear and beloved life partner of 56 years to Darquise Gilbert (nee Crevier), he passionately loved his wife through life&rsquo;s different and difficult journeys. His unwavering commitment to marriage and sacrifice was a testament to a man respected and loved by many. Father to Andre, Pierre (and wife Pauline), and Lisa (and partner Frank), Fern formed the rock of Gibraltar for which his children have led their lives. Grandfather to three precious grandsons, Alexander, Brayden and Aaron, Fern never faltered in his pride of his three handsome young grandsons for whom he dotted on.<br /><br /><br />Characterized by his humility, selflessness, love for his family, hard work, love of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, irascible sense of humour, love of good food and play, Fernand spent many days leading the way for others to follow in his quiet and humble way.<br /><br /><br />Born and raised in St. Epiphane, Quebec February 17, 1930 to Phillip Lebel (dec. 1962) and Yvonne (nee Marquis; dec. 1945), Fern as a young man learned the meaning of hard work following his beloved mother&rsquo;s death by being the oldest remaining son (out of 7) left on the farm and taking charge while his father worked away to earn for the family&rsquo;s keep. Fern is predeceased by his brothers Arthur (dec. 1986), Charles (dec. 1991), Peter (dec. 2010), Francois (dec. 2006), Romeo (dec. 2012), and sister Marie-Berthe (dec. 1983) and is survived by his last remaining brother Roland living in Newmarket, Ontario.<br /><br /><br />In 1948, Fernand ultimately moved to Sudbury, Ontario working on the CPR and then to Marathon, Ontario where he worked for almost thirty years for American Can / James River. Fernand was a tireless volunteer for the Moose Lodge, Chapter 1750, and upon retirement in 1994, Fernand and Darquise moved to Thunder Bay to be close to their daughter, Lisa, and oldest son, Andre, and their families. An active and proud gardener, Fern spent his retirement years growing and harvesting his crop and sharing the bounty with all his neighbors and challenging his beloved family members in Sudbury, Ontario and Red Rock, Ontario to beat the size of his latest zucchini, cucumber or potato. Fernand was a tireless worker spending countless hours serving the needs of others first before his own. His testament of life is a gift of unwavering and selfless to his wife, children, in-laws and grandchildren for which he always took time to sing a happy-birthday, no matter in tune or not, and to tell his wife and children daily that he loved them.<br /><br /><br />He is now in peace and no longer suffering after many life&rsquo;s illnesses and passed away gracefully at his daughter&rsquo;s home following a Christmas of food, family and frolic. Never to let a maple tart pass him by, Fern insisted on a care package going home with him before he took his last out the door and his last breath to leave this blessed place and enjoy the next passage his beloved family before him. He will be incredibly missed by those who knew his gentle loving way and his memory will live on forever. Gratitude is extended to the staff of Thunder Bay Regional Hospital for his care in his last life moments and to the staff and friends at Sister Leila Greco Retirement Home and Hogarth Riverview Manor &ndash; these special people &ndash; the unheralded angels on earth &ndash; gave Fernand the respect, care and love he so deserved in his last years, months and days on earth. The Family is eternally grateful. We will never forget.<br /><br /><br />The Vigil for Mr. Lebel will include the visitation with the family on January 4, 2015 from 6 &ndash; 8 P.M. at Jenkens Funeral Home, 226 S. Syndicate Avenue, with Vigil Prayers at 7:00 P.M. officiated by Elenor Ash. Interment to follow in the spring in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Vigil Liturgies for family and friends will be held on January 5, 2015 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church; Funeral to follow at 11 A.M. with Rev. Gerin Louise officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thunder Bay Humane Society. <br /><br /></div>