Obituary of Laventure Alphonse

The family of Alphonse Laventure are deeply saddened to announce Alphonse's passing on March 17, 2008 at the Evergreen Health Centre at the age of 94 years. Alphonse was born in St. Fortunat, Quebec, and when he was just a year old, his parents, siblings and extended family members moved to Saskatchewan. The area they homesteaded in became known as Laventure. Alphonse attended school until the age of 12 years, achieving a grade four education. He had a very good understanding of math. Alphonse bought his first quarter of land at the age of 23 years and a second quarter at the age of 26. Here Alphonse established his family upon getting married in 1943. His grandson, Dennis, now lives there. In his twenties, Alphonse and his first cousin dug wells using horses. A lot of the older well in the area are a result of their efforts. Throughout his farm life, Alphonse always had a small herd of cows and a continuous supply of hogs to feed his family. He farmed until 1971, after which he rented his farm to his son Roger who purchased it in 1974. Alphonse continued to help and operate equipment into the early eighties. During the later years, Alphonse spent a lot of time fishing, trykeing, snowmobiling and visiting friends. Alphonse is lovingly remembered by his children Fernand Laventure of Dawson Creek, BC, Rita (Leon) Bonneau of Victoire, SK, Therese (Ron) Blocka of Leoville, SK, Louise (Wayne) Melin of Saskatoon, SK, Roger (Arden) Laventure of Leoville, SK, Lise Laventure of Saskatoon, SK and Aline Kozlowski (Rick Erickson) of Redcliff, AB; 22 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren; his sisters in-law Gisele Laventure, Kaye Fontaine and Marie Fontaine; his brother in-law Andre Fontaine as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends. Alphonse was predeceased by his wife Alice in 1983, his parents Norbert and Emilia Laventure and his sisters and brothers. The prayer service was held on Monday, March 24th, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, March 25th, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. both from St. Therese R. C. Church in Leoville. The celebrant was Rev. Fr. Bernabe Millan Sajonas and the cross bearer was Shelley Bettker. The music director was Ed Samson and the choir was accompanied by organist Denise Kuzyk. Dennis Laventure read the eulogy and the honorary pallbearers were all relatives and friends who shared in Alphonse's life. Active pall bearers were Kyle Kozlowski, Ryan Melin, Daren Laventure, Jamie Laventure, Stanley Blocka and Roger Bonneau. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Alphonse was laid to rest in the Leoville Cemetery.