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 Victor Henri Jeannotte 1923 - 2010 Victor Henri Jeannotte, (known as Paul) passed away very peacefully in Dawson Creek at the age of 86. He grew up in Cut Knife and Barthal, Saskatchewan and was a resident of Dawson Creek since 1942. At the age of 19, Paul came west to the Peace River Country where he found work building the Fort St. John Airport and the Alaska Highway. That was the beginning of a life-long love of the Peace. After retirement, and much encouragement to move to the warmer south, he was adamant that he would never leave his home in the Peace River Country. In 1945 Paul and Harry bought a small farm a few miles north of Dawson Creek. Thus began a long-term farming enterprise they called Jeannotte Bros. Farms. He called his sweetheart, Doris to come to Dawson Creek and they were married and moved to the farm. In 1954 they bought the Peden farm, and moved the family and the now famous barn, to this new location. They expanded to farm 12 quarters of prime land, and in 1975 they sold the farm to Kenn Borek. (That transaction was known to be the single largest land sale in the area up to that time.) Paul was unselfish, giving of his time and attending to the needs of many. He was always on hand to help others, with their projects, no matter how big or small. He always took an interest in his children’s lives and businesses, helping out wherever and whenever he could. He was a small man with a big heart. Paul loved sports, particularly hockey. He was a life-long Montreal Canadians fan and an avid supporter of the local Canucks. He took great pleasure in watching the 2010 Olympics and took joy in every Canadian medal, especially the gold! He liked his teams to win! Paul loved music and dancing but what he enjoyed most was spending time with family and friends and he was a wonderful grandpa. He frequented the Co-Op Cafeteria for the camaraderie, often with a little joke or story to tell. He loved his children's spouses as much as he loved his children. He also had a lifelong bond with his brother Harry. He enjoyed seeing each of his grandchildren launch successful careers and was proud of their accomplishments. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and attended church regularly. Paul was a huge supporter of the church throughout his life. Although he retired from farming at the age of 52, he remained a farmer at heart, always concerned about anyone who farmed, calling up his brothers Rene and Bro to check the crop conditions in Bonanza and Fort St. John, and calling relatives as far away as Saskatchewan making sure that every kernel was harvested. For the few days he was hospitalized he was a remarkable patient. He chose comfort measures only, maintaining quiet and steadfast courage to the end. He left us peacefully last Friday afternoon. Paul is survived by his wife Doris, six children, eleven grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren, three brothers, three sisters, and many nieces and nephews. He will certainly be missed by many. He was a very BIG little man. As a fellow farmer said to him recently, So long, oldtimer. This eulogy was read by Paul’s nephew Vic Jeannotte of Fort St. John. A prayer service was held on Tuesday June 29, 2010 and a Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday June 30, 2010 at 1pm at the Roman Catholic Church. Paul was laid to rest at the Briar Ridge Cemetery. We gathered afterwards at the Senior Citizens Hall for a meal and music. The family would like to thank all who gave care and support to our Father. We thank all who came to visit over the last while and those who attended his service. |
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Dawson Creek: (250)
782-2577 Serving Fort St. John: (250) 785-2872 |
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