It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing our dear Papa, also known fondly as Pépère. Léopold James Fontaine was born April 12th, 1935. He passed away peacefully with family at his side on October 11th, 2011 in Kapuskasing, Ontario. Léopold came to Ontario as a young man from New Brunswick to make a better life for himself and start a family. He was most proud of his children and was an incredible father to Barbara, Jacques and Pauline. He was a very caring and loving Pépère to his grandchildren, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Formerly a resident of Thunder Bay, Léopold worked in the bush and was a proud bulldozer operator for many years until his retirement. He worked many jobs throughout his life and was a very good provider to his family. Although, never able to have attained a formal education himself, he was able to share the value of education with his children, and his pride was evident as he frequently shared both the educational and work accomplishments of his children with others.

For many years, many knew him by his nickname “Hungry” as he had an incredible appetite for food and for life. Papa always had “La Joie de Vivre”. He loved to hunt, fish and enjoyed the outdoors with friends and family. Papa also loved telling a “good joke” and made everyone laugh. In recent years, he married a wonderful woman, who was also a nurturing stepmother to us. Irene was his rock and pillar who was always by his side no matter what. Papa also loved his stepchildren and extended family that always helped care for him throughout his illness. He will be eternally loved and missed by those who were a part of his life.

Papa is survived by his devoted wife, Irene Thibeault; his loving daughters: Barbara Parkinson (Paul) and Pauline Fontaine (Bill Stamp); his stepchildren: Serge, Shirley, Réjean, Suzette, Jacques and their families; as well as his grandchildren: Phillip, Katherine, Patrick and Juliette. Also left to mourn are: his mother, Flore Fontaine; two brothers: Jacques and Pierre; and one sister, Murielle Martel. He is also survived by his faithful dog, Keisha. He was predeceased by his step-father, Alex Martel; his loving son, Jacques Fontaine and one brother, Serge Martel.

Léopold Fontaine will be resting at the Guenette Funeral home on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculée-conception church with Father Gilles Gosselin officiating. Burial will follow at the Kapuskasing Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Sensenbrenner Hospital would be greatly appreciated.

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