Obituary of CHARBONNEAU – John

August 28, 1934 – May 9, 2011 It is with great sadness that the family of Jean Louis (John) Charbonneau announces his peaceful passing on May 9, 2011 at the youthful age of 76. Ti’ Ouis was born on August 28, 1934 to Elzire and Wilfred Charbonneau of Gogama, Ontario. At 17, John joined the Air Force and served proudly at Sea Island, BC, Cold Lake, AB, 2 Wing, France, 4 Wing, Germany and ended his military career in Camp Borden, ON. During his initial posting in Cold Lake, he fell in love with, and married his lifelong sweetheart, Doreen Matheson. Johnny then led his family on incredible adventures across Europe culminating in six months of beach front camping on the Island of Sardinia. Upon returning to Canada, John and Doreen began a new chapter in their life at teachers college in North Bay, ON. His rare dedication to teaching transformed the lives of students in Foleyet, Elliot Lake and Timmins, ON. He and his wife retired to Calgary, AB to be close to their children. John had an insatiable love of life, and lived every moment to its fullest. He was joyfully spontaneous, and though you never knew what he would do next, you could rest assured that it would be a party. John’s home overflowed with warmth, love and laughter. When you walked through his door, you were welcomed by the most generous of spirits, and the liveliest of stories. You knew instantly that this was an experience that would not soon be forgotten. John was surrounded by his deeply devoted family in his last moments. He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Doreen Charbonneau; his two children, Andy Charbonneau (Jacyln) and Brenda Davis (Paul); his two grandchildren, Leena and Cory Davis; his brothers, Larry (Gertrude) and Andre (Sue); his sisters, Beatrice (Eldon), Marie and Cecile (Roland); sister-in-law Violet and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Elzire and Wilfred; his siblings, Fernand, Yvette, Maurice, George, Claudette, Marie and Marcel, and brother-in-law George. Johnny lived his life with integrity, passion and commitment to his family, his students and his country. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Catholic Church (541 Silvergrove Drive N.W.) on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. You may forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. John loved flowers and they are welcome at the church. If you would prefer to make a donation in John’s name to his favourite charity, the Salvation Army, 420 – 9 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0R9 Telephone: (403) 410-1111, www.salvationarmy.org. In living memory of John Charbonneau, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.