September 30, 1915 – December 09, 2015
At the age of 100 years
Francis Turgeon passed away peacefully in Shuswap Lake General Hospital, Salmon Arm on the morning of Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at the age of 100 years. Francis leaves behind his loving wife of 72 years Mary, his daughter Bonnie and her husband Jim Jeffries, foster son Joe Wallin and his wife Maureen, grandsons Kris and Darren, great grandsons and granddaughters, great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, his 9 brothers and sisters as well as his grandson Rick Wallin. Francis was born in Crystal Springs, Saskatchewan on September 30, 1915 where he lived on the farm with his parents and siblings. His parents Albert and Anna Turgeon moved to BC in 1937. On January 6, 1938 he moved to BC at the age of 22 and met his future wife Mary Whitehead who was born in Eagle Bay. They were married on February 27, 1943 and lived in Eagle Bay until 2015.
Francis was a highly respected and requested faller in the Salmon Arm area for all of his working life. In later years he loved working in his vegetable garden and shared his crops with family and friends.
On September 30, 2015 Francis, with his family and friends, gathered to celebrate his 100th birthday. He said he couldn’t believe he had so many friends. He received congratulations from the Queen and numerous government officials. He was also wished a happy birthday over the Global news stations on television. It was one of the happiest days of his life. Francis was able to make people laugh and to make jokes about himself. He never let things bother him and would make light of problems. He was a kind, gentle and caring person who was willing to give you the shirt off his back. He loved his family deeply and was a pillar for them to rely on.
Upon his request, there will be no service. If friends so desire, memorial donation’s in Francis’ name may be made to the Arthritis Society, 895 10th Ave. W., Vancouver, BC, V5Z 9Z9.
Francis was so delighted at his small birthday gathering we held for him at Yan’s Chinese Restaurant. He was excited to receive all the certificates from everyone from The Queen to The Premier of Sask and BC, and all the ones in between. He loved to laugh and he loved his family. Bonnie was his pride and Joy and Mary the love of his life.
One of the best things one can say about anyone is, That he was a nice, sincere man. He will be missed. Our sympathies to Bonnie and Jim, Mary and to his special Niece Bunny (Bernice) who has been a Godsend to all of them.
We will miss you at Birthday Gatherings Mr T.