Gerard Martin Maurice Lapaire

Gerry was born November 12, 1913, the sixth child in a family of 15, on the family farm, Meyronne, SK. He attended Mathieu School in Lafleche and later Sharon School in the Willow Bunch district. At an early age, he broke horses and herded sheep. He rode saddle broncs in the local rodeos at Desautels, Rivards, at Verwood and Willow Bunch. In 1936 he married Corinne Proulx and resided in Willow Bunch. Over the years, Gerry drove transport truck from Regina to Bengough with his brother Paul, ‘Lapaire Transport’, hauling produce, hardware, livestock and fuel, operated ‘Commercial Café’ with Maurice & Germaine Durand, he then worked in the Wilson & Scott General Store. In 1944 they moved with their two young daughters to the Gustave Bouffard farm northeast of Willow Bunch, then moved eight miles southeast of Willow Bunch. Their home was open to friends and neighbors and they had lots of good times. Gerry served on many local boards and committees: School, Wheat Pool, Co-op, Church, Snowplow Club; Credit Union, Rural Municipality, Senior and Centennial committees, Knights of Columbus and the Hills of Home club. He also helped organize Rural Crime watch in the area. Gerry enjoyed relaxing times of playing cards, fishing, hunting, reading, playing pool and especially visiting with friends. He always had time to enjoy the company of anyone who dropped in. In the mid 2000’s Gerry moved to Assiniboia. Gerry was predeceased by his parents, his wife Corinne, six brothers and six sisters, Gerry is survived by three daughters, Doris (Emile) Giraudier, Anne Caragata and Paulette Lapaire; eight grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren; two sisters Therese Gaudet and Germaine Nicklen as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Prayer Vigil was held Thursday, May 16th, 2013 at Ross Funeral Chapel. Granddaughter Louise Gel read Scripture and a Poem. Funeral Mass was celebrated Friday, May 17th, 2013 at St. Ignace Roman Catholic Church, Willow Bunch, SK. Father Joy Montiague, celebrant. Honorary Pallbearers were: Larry & Lois Deblois, Andre & Doris O’Reilly, Lorraine Fiset, Con & Carol Paliuk, Ron & Cherry Marshall, Don & Kathy Stevenson, Maurice & Jeanette Blais, Gerry Paradis, and Marie Arsenault. Pallbearers were: Paul Giraudier, Jeff Donnelly, Ken Berggren, Dennis Quintin, Rick Lapaire and Johnny Lemieux. Cross Bearer was Aime Paul and Altar Servers were Rita Walters and Denise Farwell. Daughters, Doris and Ann placed the Pall and daughter, Paulette lit the Pascal Candle. Readers were Louise Gel and Tracey Scheschuk. Offertory Gifts were presented by Nichole Donnelly, Cindy Caragata, Marni Berggren. Communion Minister was Doris O’Reilly. A tribute was given by Rosetta Lang. Music Ministry was provided by the Willow Bunch Church Choir. Interment followed in St. Ignace Roman Catholic Cemetery. Masses may be said or donations in Memory of Gerry can be made to the Hills of Home Seniors Centre. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com.