Aurele Ferlatte

Aurele was born in Dalhousie, NB on February 29, 1928, one of 14 children of Theophile Ferlatte and Rose Noel.

From a young age, Aurele had a strong sense of justice. Using his deceased brother’s birth certificate, he enrolled in the Merchant Navy at age 16 to fight during World War II. During his time in the war, he joined his first union, the Canadian Seamen’s Union while serving on Canadian Merchant Navy vessels. After returning from the war and following that same sense of justice, he began his career as a trade unionist. An experienced negotiator throughout his life, he worked endlessly to ensure the rights of workers. During his labour career, he was appointed to the New Brunswick Hospital Advisory board as a labour representative and participated in the introduction of Medicare in New Brunswick. After 35 years of service to the Labour movement spanning many different positions and projects, he retired from the Canadian Paper Workers Union in the role of National Secretary-Treasurer. Upon retirement, and as a lifelong politician, he ran as an NDP candidate for the Restigouche region.

A recipient of the Order of Canada, Aurele served five years as the President of the Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association. In this capacity, he tirelessly advocated for the right to benefits for veterans and their widows in the longstanding struggle for official recognition of their contribution to the war effort resulting in the Federal Government implementing a special compensation package for the Merchant Navy Seaman.

Not one to rest on his laurels, in 2004 he became the President of the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents' Rights to advocates on behalf of all seniors with the government to implement and support affordable and accessible programs that enhance the quality of life for seniors and their families.

When not organizing and agitating for a better world, Aurele enjoyed playing crib and listening to country music at his cottage on the Bay de Chaleur. A kind and generous man, he would be the first to offer you a drink and a good chat. As a long-time entrepreneur, he had a photography studio, a bowling alley, a laundromat and a bar/tavern well into his 80’s.

He is survived by his children; Monique McMackin (Heinz) of Moncton, Jean- Guy Ferlatte (Bernadette) of Saint John and Nathalie Collett (Hugh) of Comox BC; as well as, his special son-in-law, William McMackin of Moncton; Brothers Roger, Guy (Heather), Andre (Iva) and Robert (Claircy) Ferlatte; sisters Camille Wallace, Claudette (Art) Guitar, Estelle (Raymond) Doucet; Grandchildren: Alisha McMackin (Andrew), Adam McMackin (Teri), Cassian Ferlatte (Emily), Tahlia Ferlatte (Brady), Corban Collett and Stefan Collett. Great-grandchildren: Everett, Ethan, Azie, Logan, and Wyla along with many nephews and nieces.

Aurele was pre-deceased by his wife Maxine (Arseneault) Ferlatte and Nellie McIntyre, sisters Tony Barry and Jeanne Jessop and brother Eddy Ferlatte.

We would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Administration and Staff of the Villa Renaissance.

For those who wish, donations can be made to an organization of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Maher’s Funeral Home, Dalhousie

(506)789-1699 or toll free (855) 404-1699 email: [email protected]