Obituary of Louis Joseph Alphonse LAFLAMME

August 31, 1932 – Lévis, Québec
June 29, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Louis Laflamme beloved husband of  Michèle Laflamme (née Crevier) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2020 at the age of 87. 

Louis was born in Lévis, Québec on August 31, 1932. He moved to Montreal after University and worked in the construction industry most of his time there. His unique step was as a result of an accident while working on the St-Lawrence seaway locks system in 1958. After a long stint in hospital and much rehabilitation, he escaped to the beaches of Miami where he met Michèle. They were married 6 months later in Montreal in 1963.
     
They raised their two children in St-Lambert, on the south shore of Montreal, while he worked at Simpson Sears. Eventually he ventured on his own to operate his own construction company.  Despite being a busy business owner, he always made time for others by serving in Kiwanis both in Québec and eventually in Alberta when he moved his family there in 1982. He was club president, and in the late 80s became Governor. Throughout his service in this organization, Louis and Michèle traveled the globe and made many lifelong friends worldwide and oh the parties!!!!!

Louis accomplished much through his life and was particularly proud of his children and grandchildren, his time serving in Kiwanis and his last career at Suncor as an estimator!

Louis enjoyed woodworking, specifically making heirlooms for his grandchildren, entertaining friends and family, in particular anything requiring the use of fire or diving in the pool fully clothed. Flambé, ginormous fires in the fire pit fuelled in part by gasoline always kept Michèle on standby with the fire extinguisher. It was all about the family, friends, the memories he would help create by putting on a show. He came by his last name honestly.

Louis had many memorable vacations starting with the one in Miami, travelling as a single man that would change his life and marital status, then others with his wife and children. Many boxing days were spent on the road driving through blizzards on route to Florida to visit with Michèle’s parents, wintering there and taking the kids to Disneyworld. He always made a point of vacationing with Michèle alone whether it was to surprise her with a cruise for their tenth wedding anniversary on the Michelangelo or travelling to France for Kiwanis business. While in France, they were hosted at Clos de Vougeot, where dressed in their finest formalwear, received the “Chevalier du Tastevin” accreditation which he displayed proudly in every home including his long term care room. He would speak of other favorite vacations including their annual pilgrimage to Old Orchard Beach with close friends and children in tow while still living in St-Lambert. Shortly after his family joined him in Alberta, Louis rented a motorhome to show his family what Western Canada had to offer. Well it was a version of the movie RV! Driving such a big beast though the Rockies was an experiment in holding their breath to say the least!  He was always a thrill seeker!

He will be remembered as “Ti-Oui” to his brothers, nieces and nephews. To his grandchildren, he was grand-papa and to his friends he will be remembered as crazy Louis!

Louis’s favourite sayings were “Oué l’beurre” because he loved his butter, a few French swear words that can’t be printed and in the last few months it was “Yabadabadoo”!

He will be most remembered for his love and devotion to Kiwanis, his love of entertaining and the show that went with it, getting under your skin but most of all, his love for his family.

Besides his loving wife, Louis is survived by his daughter Marie-José (Bob) and their children Christine, Nicholas and Daniel in Fort McMurray, Alberta; and his son Eric (Kelly) and his children Marc, Senna and Ben in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He is also survived by his two brothers, Georges (Louise) and Gilles (Lucie); and sister-in-law Denise of Lévis, Québec; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Louis was predeceased by his parents, Georges and Marie-Ange; brothers, Robert, Denis (Raymonde) and Paul; and sisters, Luce, Gertrude (Paul-André), Germaine and Céline.

A Louis style celebration will take place at a later date when gatherings are safer.

Louis’ family would like to thank the staff at Intercare Southwood Fairview unit for taking such great care of him and stepping in as family when we they couldn’t be there, particularly these last several months. 

Toujours dans nos pensées, toujours dans nos coeurs! 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kamp Kiwanis in his name at kampkiwanis.ca, under the donate tab, choose canadahelps.org donate button or send cheques to: Kamp Kiwanis, 241091 Range Road 42, Calgary, AB T3Z 2X5

In living memory of Louis Laflamme, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD SE, CALGARY, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.