Fernand Luc Denis

December 5th 1919 – January 26th 2014

It is with hearts full of love and sadness, that we announce the passing of Fernand Denis, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  Fernand left this earth peacefully on January 26th 2014 at the age of 94, just 18 days after the passing of his wife, Cécile. Fernand was born the 6th child of seven and grew up on a farm in the St Denis area.  From a very early age, farming played an important role in his life. On January 14, 1943, Fernand married Cécile Bussière and their relationship together lasted just a few days short of 71 years. Together, they farmed in Vonda and raised their seven children.  Fernand had a great love for farming and contributed to the industry for well over 70 years. Fernand had an even greater love for his wife, Cécile, and for his family with whom he greatly enjoyed spending time. Dad was young at heart, adventurous and a life long learner.  He enjoyed laughing and socializing with family and friends, young and old. He was thankful for all the blessings that were bestowed upon him. Dad was a welcoming man who always took time to lend a helping hand. He was also a hard worker with a strong sense of responsibility for family and community. For the 60 years he lived in Vonda, Dad readily volunteered his time to numerous organizations:  trustee of the Vonda Separate School, member of the ACFC, Knights of Columbus, Parish Council, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, Lions Club, Parks and Recreation, the Vonda Co-op and others.  He strongly believed that being actively involved was important in building community.  In 2011, Fernand and Cécile left their longtime home in Vonda to move to Preston Park Retirement Home in Saskatoon where they resided until their passing. We thank Dad for the genuine love and support he gave full heartedly to Mom and for the unconditional love he gave to his family.  Fernand is loved and remembered by his children Rosaire (Margo), Emil (Terry), Ed (Diana), Marilyn, Alice (Pat), Guy (Natashia), Lise (Darren), daughter-in-law Linda Denis, son-in-law Barry Slywka, as well as his 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Jeannette Denis and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law on Cécile's (Bussière) side of the family. Fernand was the last surviving member of a family of seven children. He will be reunited with his parents, Léon and Fernande, brothers Louis (Lorette), Roger (Marie Anne), Robert (Rachelle) and Léon, sisters Hélène (Edgar) and Reine (Herb) as well as his five half brothers and sisters, Raymond, Clodomir Sr., Clotaire Sr., Marie and Maria. Most importantly, he will be reunited with his life long love, Cécile. The family wishes to thank all the staff on the 6200 unit at Royal University Hospital for helping us take care of Mom and Dad during their final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Cancer Society (101 - 440 2nd Ave N. Saskatoon, SK S7K 9Z9) in memory of Fernand Denis or to the St-Philippe-de-Néri Parish in Vonda. The Vigil of Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31st, 2014 at Holy Spirit Parish (114 Kinsmere Place, Saskatoon).  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 1st at St-Philippe-de-Néri Roman Catholic Parish in Vonda, SK with Rev. Fr. Rhéal Bussière and Rev. Fr. Marc Mireau as Celebrants. Arrangements in care of John Schachtel - MOURNING GLORY FUNERAL SERVICES (306-978-5200)