Pierre Paquin November 10, 1941 - October 1, 2022

It is with saddened hearts that the family of Pierre Joseph Armand Paquin announce the loss of their husband and father. Pierre was born on November 10, 1941 in Prevost, Quebec to his parents Isabelle Francoeur and Armand Paquin. He passed away October 1, 2022 in Dryden, Ontario at the age of 80.

As a child, Pierre and his siblings Michelle, Danielle, Jocelyn, and Carol grew up without means, but had enough love in their family, to carry them through after losing their mother.  At the young age of 12, he and his younger siblings were separated from each other while his father worked to support them from a distance. He spent most of his youth apart from his sisters and lived in various foster homes/orphanages with his brother Jocelyn, until they travelled to Dryden, Ontario where Pierre ended up making it his home.

He married Ruby (Chartrand) in 1963 and they raised their two children Nicole (Malcolm) and Pierre Jr. (Sherry). Ruby and Pierre made a home for their family through love and hard work. They weathered hardships together and supported each other without reserve. They were together for almost sixty years, and like many couples, they grew together, worked together, laughed together and were each other’s right hand. He will be deeply missed.

Through very hard work, Pierre established himself as successful Forester with his business Quinella Timber. His office was the forest, where he spent most of his life and where he was the happiest. His son Pierre Jr. became his business partner and best friend. They spent many hours together travelling to work, laughing and talking. And still not having enough of each other, they would have their good night chats on the telephone. They had a bond with each other, that only the very lucky have.

Pierre’s biggest love was his family. He was very proud of his daughter Nicole and they could be seen laughing together, scheming up ideas about life and when his daughter was broken he picked her up and told her to be brave. He was her hero.

His greatest joy, were his grandchildren. Pierre Etienne “Puff Eyes”, Gilles “The Beaver”, Colin “Bristols” and Graeme “The Hippo”. And the latest and most beautiful gift, a great grandchild, Pierre Joseph “Ham Legs”. He had unlimited time and love for his grand boys with each relationship being unique and special. His life was full and rich.

His love of nature extended to all creatures big and small, all plants and animals. He loved his dog “Callie”, and was most gentle with his feral cat “The Beast”. He fed his birds and the deer at “the farm” and grew trees everywhere. He planted a garden yearly and his green house was always at full capacity with tomatoes plants and hot peppers.

A modest man, Pierre never regarded himself to be much a woodworker when enjoying his favourite hobby.  But anyone who was lucky enough to go into his woodshop knew different. From start to finish, Pierre knew what to choose when making a piece of furniture, the type of wood, the age, the density and the colour.  He could even bring out the beauty from wood he had harvested 50 years prior. His pieces were always made with skillful precision, love and intention.

Pierre leaves behind, his wife Ruby, his daughter Nicole “Dolly”, Malcolm, Colin (Quinlyn), Graeme (Charis). His son Pierre Jr., Sherry, Gilles (Alyssa, Pierre Joseph), and step grandchildren, James, Tara, Thomas, their spouses and children. His sister Michelle (Claude) and Danielle (Jean) and their families. He also leaves behind many family and friends, and his best being Ken and Cauleen Stanley. He will also be greatly missed by his nephew and neighbor Tommy. Pierre is predeceased by his parents Armand and Isabelle, his brother Carol, and youngest brother Jocelyn and his most beloved grandson Pierre Etienne.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Dryden Community Funeral Home on Friday, October 7, 2022 at 1 p.m. with Pastor Velma Henderson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Second Chance Pet Network (Box 343, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z1) or Kids Help Phone (300-439 University Ave. Toronto, ON M5G 1Y8)