June 15, 1935 – April 5, 2022
at the age of 86 years:
It is with great sadness and fond memories that we announce the passing of Lawrence Joseph Filiatrault at 86 years of age at Shuswap Lake General Hospital after a lengthy illness.
Lawrence was born in Maillardville to Leo and Mary Rose Filiatrault. The family moved to Quesnel where Lawrence spent his formative years and started school. He also lived with his older sister in Nelson, BC where he finished his schooling. At age 16 he returned to Quesnel and worked at a variety of odd jobs until he went to work at the Cariboo Farmers Co-op that launched him into a 12 year career in the Dairy industry, He attended the Agriculture School at UBC to study and earned his Pasteurizing ticket. He worked in a number of areas of the Dairy Field before moving to Salmon Arm in 1963, where he operated 3 businesses over the next 50 years. He opened the first business with his father – L & L Motors. He was one of the first 4 Datsun Dealers in Canada and enjoyed that business for a number of years. He and his wife Margaret opened and ran Fili’s Deli for a few years, and when that business sold, he started Frames by Filiatrault which he ran until he retired at age 75.
Lawrence belonged to two service clubs and was an alderman in the Village of Salmon Arm for two years. When the Village and District amalgamated, he decided not to run for Council again as he wanted to spend more time with his growing family. Lawrence met and courted his wife in Quesnel. They married in 1959 in Vancouver. Their two sons were born in Vancouver in 1961 and 1963; and the third child – a daughter was born in Salmon Arm in 1967. The family spent their leisure time camping and fishing all over the province for a number of years; having many wonderful adventures and experiences. They also had a memorable trip camping and travelling in Mexico. Lawrence was also known as a skilled ‘fly fisherman’.
Lawrence was bitten by the travel bug when he travelled to Japan in 1969 as a guest of the Datsun Motor Company. He and Margaret travelled to Hawaii a few years later on a trip organized by Bob Hall of the Big R., but had to wait for further extended travel while business took precedence. They did travel back and forth to Japan to visit their sons and families during those years. In 1994 they took a year off and spent time in Japan, other South Asian countries, and the UK, and travelled Continental Europe by car. Other travel included trips across Canada and around the province.
Lawrence was proud to be a Canadian, loved Salmon Arm and cherished his family. He was predeceased by his parents and older brother Bert. Left to grieve are his beloved wife Margaret of 62 years, and his children, Christopher of Vancouver BC, Stephen of Japan and Michelle of Cherryville, BC: eight grandchildren – Norio, Tyler, Eugene and Sarah of Japan, Emily, Elisha and Davis of Lumby and Enderby., Leo of Sorrento and three great grandchildren, his two beloved sisters – Lorraine and Leota (Lee) Salmon Arm, BC, sister-in-law Norma, Aldergrove, and their children. Lawrence was close to many members of his extended family; fondly remembering his nieces, and was especially grateful to his nephews who were helpful over the years, and during his months in the hospital.
Lawrence was thankful for and appreciated the many nurses, doctors and specialists who cared for him in the hospital. He also appreciated his personal physician Dr. Weicker who cared for him for a number of years.
A private family Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
Condolences to you Margaret and the entire family.
Dear Margaret, Maarten and I send you our condolences with the passing of Lawrence. The picture in the paper showed his big smile that he always gave us when we met him. He has framed mostly many Steve Mennie’s for us, always giving me good advice what backing to use. You are in my thoughts Margaret while you are missing Lawrence a lot. So many good memories for the adventurous life you lived together!! Love, Joosje
Sending deepest sympathy to Steve and the entire family. May Angels surround you all.
Dear Margaret and Family, we were saddened to hear the news of Lawrence’s passing. He was a fine man, direct, honest and with a sense of humour and always with a twinkle in his eye. We still enjoy the craftsman level work Lawrence did framing our household pictures and photographs over the years he was in the Frame shop. His enthusiasm, participation and support of the Japanese twinning program were awesome. Love to you and your family Margaret, Wayne and Linda Spencer
My condolences to you Margaret and your family. .RIP dear Lawrence.
Dear Margaret
So sorry about your loss, Lawrence was a wonderful guy. Always fun to be around and wonderful stories to tell. You two had many great
adventures together……..I know you will miss him greatly.
Love and prayers
Mary R
Very sorry Margaret, to see this announcement. Our deepest sympathies !to you all 1 Heather asks that she also be included in this message.
Dear Margaret.
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Lawrence. You were so full of delightful memories and stories of the years you had with Lawrence and the family. I always enjoyed hearing of your adventures.
My condolences to you and your family.
Virginia Pukas
Margaret, my sincere condolences to you and your family in the loss of your husband. Huge hug to you. Florence Brown
Our deepest sympathies Margaret and family. So sad to hear that Lawrence passed away. I loved hearing his many stories. Loved to go on camping and fishing trips. Huge hugs
So many great memories ❤️
Marg and family. We are so sorry to hear the news of Lawrence passing. We remember our former next door neighbor as a kind and generous person who was never shy about giving guidance and suggestions from his porch towards my landscaping our back yard. When asked Lawrence, would always volunteer his truck towards our many needs. He will be missed and always remembered. Lots of love directed your way.
My dear Margaret, how sad I am to learn of Lawrence’s passing. You two had an such an amazing life together, raising your children and then in retirement. I so loved hearing your stories of hiking, camping and fishing. The many fond memories will ease your sadness in his loss. Love you, Margaret.