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8 Condolences

Alphonse DeGagne

August 10, 1940 – August 9, 2021

Softhands.

Alphonse Joseph Ernest DeGagne, beloved husband to Helen for 60 years, passed away peacefully at the age of 80 in the Pine Falls hospital.

Alphonse leaves behind his children, Brian (Leigh-Ann), Donna and Cheryl (Cam), grandchildren Pamela (Chad), Stephanie, Roberto, Brendan, Aaron (Hailey), Breanna, Nathan and Kaela and great-grandchild Luca, as well as brothers Isadore and Rene and sisters Lucy, Florence, Yvette and Anita. He was sadly predeceased by his oldest brother and partner in crime Arthur by 6 days.

When Dad met and married the love of his life, Helen, their lifelong adventure began. After moving a few times, they settled in Pine Falls. Dad especially enjoyed his Sunday barbecues with family. Whenever there was a project or some work that needed to be done, he was always the first one there to help with his tools in hand and eager to show you how to do it right the first time! Dad’s “5 minute” projects were anything but, and you knew you were there for the day!! We enjoyed camping trips in the summer, going to visit family, and the never ending tunes of dad’s favorite songs playing in the background. Dad loved spending time with his grandchildren, getting into trouble with them and making them laugh with his funny antics and sense of humor.

Alphonse was the barber in Pine Falls for 40 years in a combination barbershop and pool hall. He loved being the sole proprietor for his little business. Dad loved the cast of characters in the pool hall and handled his clients with respect, giving them a home away from home, in turn earning their respect. The barbershop was an extension of his creative skills as he crafted haircuts and earned him the nickname “Softhands” from the calloused paper mill workers. Customer service was always on his mind and he worked tirelessly to improve his business, find new opportunities and look after his customers. As his customers aged and were not mobile or were in the hospital, he would make house calls in the evenings to give them a joyful haircut. Not only the barber, he was a mentor, counsellor and therapist to his clients listening to their challenges and stories. Never shy, he would strike up a meaningful conversation with any stranger in any city that crossed his path through his inquisitive questions and genuine concern for every human on the planet. He loved music, dancing, snowbirding with Helen in Rincon Guyabitos, Mexico and brought a sparkle of life to every gathering with his charm and humor. Dad had many hobbies – fishing, cars, snowmobiling, house renovations and finally in retirement, outfitted a woodworking shop that was the envy of any hobby woodworker. He made all kinds of crafts – tables, shelves, benches, arbors and even made the beautiful urn for his own ashes.

Dad was generous, resilient and had long standing relationships with hundreds of people he met throughout his life. His most important relationship was with our Mom. Dad would do anything for his soulmate and took her on a 60 year adventure that even she never dreamed would be so fun with this engaging and loving man. Dad lived a good life and he was a good man. We miss you Dad.

A Memorial Service will take place at Sobering Funeral Chapel, 1035 Park Avenue East, Beausejour, at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 17, 2021.  The family welcomes you to join them inside the chapel, which is limited to 200 patrons, or in the parking lot of Sobering Funeral Chapel and tuning your radio to 98.1 FM.  If you are in the parking lot, there will be an opportunity to sign the guest register from your vehicle.  Please adhere to social distancing regulations and masks are strongly recommended. 

A Livestream of the funeral service can be accessed through the WEBEX app on your mobile phone or visit www.webex.com on your PC.  Enter the Meeting Number: 25564719366 and Password: MatD8uSJ6b3 to view the livestream.  

** Direct access to the WEBEX LIVERSTREAM can be accessed HERE **

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Condolence Messages

  1. Denise Joan Moore

    August 12, 2021 at 5:16 pm

    Our sincere condolences to Helen and her dear family . May you always remember the gentleness and the humour of Al.

    Reply
  2. Daryle

    August 12, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    What a wonderful man. Kind and caring , we thoroughly enjoyed our time with Al and Helen in Guayabitos. So sorry for your loss, and our loss for all who got to know him. Thank you Al for the privilege of your company.

    Reply
  3. Nancy Hay

    August 13, 2021 at 9:23 pm

    Condolences to the DeGagne family…I always remembered him as a kind man with a wonderful sense of humor and really enjoyed my childhood visits to your home.

    Sincerely,
    Nancy Hay (Logan)

    Reply
  4. Shirley O'Neill

    August 14, 2021 at 7:16 pm

    My sincere condolences to you Aunt Helen and the whole family. May the memories of the fun and laughter remain in your hearts and give you strength in the days ahead.
    God Bless

    Reply
  5. Shirley & Bill O'Neill

    August 14, 2021 at 7:19 pm

    My sincere condolences to you Aunt Helen and the whole family. May the memories of the fun and laughter remain in your hearts and give you strength in the days ahead.
    God Bless

    Reply
  6. Roger Laurendeau

    August 15, 2021 at 1:14 pm

    Hi Auntie, I miss you all very much during these difficult times. I wish I could be there with you.

    Wow – 60 years what a wonderful blessing of love for so many wonderful years!

    Uncle Al was always one of my favorites, as were you, Auntie. We spent so, so many Sundays together, New Year’s, Christmas, times at the cottage…I have such great memories of my cousins and of you and Uncle. I could go on and on…

    I’m so very sorry for your loss Auntie, Brian, Donna, and Cheryl. Such a tough thing to lose your beloved Pops, your husband, and your good friend. I’m thinking of all of you and sending love and hugs and kisses.

    Always Yours, Roger Laurendeau

    Reply
  7. Alejandra Duran

    August 15, 2021 at 8:50 pm

    Nuestro mas sentido pésame a la familia DeGagne, recordaremos a Al como un hombre amable, alegre y cariñoso, nuestro agradecimiento siempre para él, por su apoyo incondicional para todos, en especial para Roberto.
    Abrazo fuerte y los acompañamos con nuestras oraciones.
    Familia Duran Vega.
    México.

    Reply
  8. Gabriel ,yvette

    August 16, 2021 at 12:19 pm

    We are only on a pilgrimage until we reach heaven. It is the ones left behind that are sorrowful, I will also miss my dear brother Alphonse. May God bless you give you strength. Love Gabriel, Yvette and family.

    Reply

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