Alfred Francis Lauzon

Alfred died peacefully in his sleep at Sault Area Hospital in the early hours of Tuesday, June 30, 2026, after eating apple pie and singing songs with his family. He was 99 years old.

Alfred’s story begins in Portovelo, Ecuador where he was born to Philip and Jovita Lauzon. He was raised alongside his siblings, Louis, Carmen Elizabeth (Betty), and Mary Ellen (Cookie) in the Andes Mountains. Alfred completed high school in California after the family immigrated to the United States. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1945. He attended university and met his wife, Cathie, in San Francisco. Throughout much of his career, Alfred worked as a physicist and is listed in the American Men of Science 1966. Later, during the Vietnam War, Al and Cathie decided to move their young family to Canada.

It is impossible to contain a spirit as large as Alfred’s in a few words. He was a pilot, a poet-scientist attuned to the music of the invisible world, a great teacher, wonderful father, and the best person you could ever have at your side when the chips were down. He was never afraid to speak out, to stand up to unjust systems, to live a fully authentic life.

He was an adventurer, hiking across the High Sierras and piloting small planes cross-continent. Those who loved him were super lucky to be brought along for the adventure, because he did bring us along. He was a true and steadfast family man.

He returned to university in his 80s, where Alfred is fondly remembered by a generation of younger people for his revolutionary heart and his thrifted Tupac Shakur jacket.

Alfred is predeceased by his wife and partner in life, Catherine Anne Lauzon, another true adventurer.

Alfred is also predeceased by his oldest child and only son, Thomas Anthony Lauzon. Together, they shared a love of building and inventing.

He leaves behind his three beloved daughters, Margaret (Peggy), Cecilia and Barbara, who all have treasured memories of hiking, camping, flying and adventuring with him. We learned about life following in his footsteps.

Grandpa Al’s spirit will live on through his grandchildren, Andrea, Shannen (Josh), Jasmine (Chris), Lexie, Misha (Adam), Shelby, Jamie (Michelle), and Jerry (Laura). Proud Great Grandpa Al to 10 great-grandchildren.

Al also shared his life with more beloved animals than we can mention here. Most recently, our sweet dog, Bernie, visited Grandpa many times in his final days.

The family would like to thank the Hospitalist and Palliative care departments at Sault Area Hospital, the staff on wards 3B and 3C, and everyone who extended their kindness on the last leg of Alfred’s journey on this planet.

A celebration of Alfred’s life will be announced by family at a later date.

In Alfred’s memory, please remember to eat apple pie. A piece of chocolate would also not go amiss. Raise a glass of Pabst Blue Ribbon. Go outside. Fight like hell for the most vulnerable. Wear your Tupac jacket.

The people you love never really leave you. They ring like a bell in your heart forever.

Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East, 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Lauzon family.