The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
We mourn the passing of our father, grandfather and husband, Francis Leon Adolfe Laval, at the age of 70. He peacefully passed away at the Flin Flon General Hospital on May 28, 2013. He was surrounded by family and friends after a long battle with cancer. He was survived by his wife, Evelyn, and children: Darren, Terry, Lisa, Tracy and Wanda, and nine grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers: Paul, Lionel, and Raymond and sisters: Lucille and Elaine. A celebration of life took place in Flin Flon on June 4 where he had lived and retired. James Fidler gave a touching account of his time with Francis. A second service took place in his hometown of Deloraine on June 8 where long-time friends and family were present. Tony Mullie, long-time friend, boss and mentor, shared stories about their time together and his accomplishments at work. CWL served lunch and refreshments in the Roman Catholic Church where he was married 49 years ago. Francis had a personality that was bigger than the man himself. Never content to be in the background at a party or a meeting, he injected himself into any situation. He had an infectious laughter and grand sense of humour. He was also known to provide quiet counsel to those close to him. His friendships ran deep and broad. In his early years, after a stint farming, he worked for Edwards Sales and Service and then as a self-employed backhoe operator. Later, he headed north to work in the mines in Thompson, Snow Lake, and finally Flin Flon. He worked for Midwest for many years where he went from drillers helper to foreman. As an entrepreneur he owned Verona Pizza in Flin Flon. As much as he loved the land and the people in Deloraine, his heart became endeared to the north where he could participate in his greatest passion: fishing. Our place in Snow Lake became a hotbed of activity during fishing season when friends and family would arrive by the carload to be guided to Francis' fishing holes. In his youth he enjoyed playing ball and was even known to load up the kids for weekend tournaments. He always enjoyed a good game of cards and was known to play crib even if he didn't have an opponent. He will be greatly missed but fondly remembered by those whose lives he had affectionately touched.
