Obituary for Hubert "Bert" Lajoie
It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Hubert (Bert) Lajoie of Dollard des Ormeaux, QC at the Jewish General Hospital in Montréal on March 12th 2021 at the age of 83.
Beloved husband of 60 years to Shirley (née Quesnel). Loving father to Gary (Bonnie) and Debbie (Al Smith) Lajoie and predeceased by his adored daughter, Lynn Lajoie. Treasured ‘Pere’ to Kora (Tyler), Kristy (Gordie), Melissa (George), Teagan, Connor, Abbie and Aidan. Cherished brother-in-law to Micheline and Réjeanne Lajoie, Terry Laframboise, Pauline Gilmore, and Roland and Norma Quesnel. Much loved uncle to generations of Lajoies and Quesnels from all across Canada and the United States. Fondly remembered by all of his friends, particularly those from his Square Dancing family. Predeceased by his parents, Aldéa and Dan Lajoie, and all of his siblings, Rolland (Marie-Ange), Conrad (Veronica), Lucette (Fern) Campeau, Roger (Lucille), René (Claire and Béatrice), Aurèle, Elaine (Junior) Lalonde, and Jean Lajoie.
Bert grew up in Alexandria and in the 1960s, was part of a pioneering crew that worked on some of the first large-scale IBM computers while at Northern Electric in Montreal. In the 1970s he changed his career and began farming in Luskville, QC - it was the location of many memorable family gatherings. In the 1980s he returned to Montreal and worked in a managerial position at Montreal Trust. The 1990s saw another transformation as he began his beloved career as a square dance caller. His love of square dancing and the friendships formed kept him young at heart for decades. He was a keen gardener and always enjoyed working around his workshop.
Family meant everything to Bert and he was the most devoted husband to Shirley. As the patriarch of the Lajoie family, he leaves behind so many stories shared with younger generations and memorable entertaining skits which amused everyone. To honour Bert, spend time with family, spread love, enjoy fruit pies, share stories of the past, smile often, work hard, have a hearty breakfast, work in your garden, dance, listen to music, never grow up, and raise a glass or two on his behalf. Our lives were enriched because you were in it, Bert, you will be deeply missed.
Bert and Shirley started their lives in Alexandria which is where they want their final resting place to be. Relatives and friends may attend a controlled attendance visitation at the Munro & Morris Funeral Homes Ltd., 114 Main St. South, Alexandria (613-525-2772) on Friday, March 19, 2021 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Finnan's Cathedral, Alexandria on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 11 am. Interment will be in St. Finnan’s Parish Cemetery at a later date when extended family can gather. Those who wish to attend the controlled attendance visitation and the Funeral Service must call the Funeral Home, Mon. to Fri. between 9 am & 5 pm, to register your attendance. Masks and physical distancing are required at all gatherings. As expressions of sympathy Memorial Donations to the Geriatrics Department of the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal would be appreciated by the family.
Beloved husband of 60 years to Shirley (née Quesnel). Loving father to Gary (Bonnie) and Debbie (Al Smith) Lajoie and predeceased by his adored daughter, Lynn Lajoie. Treasured ‘Pere’ to Kora (Tyler), Kristy (Gordie), Melissa (George), Teagan, Connor, Abbie and Aidan. Cherished brother-in-law to Micheline and Réjeanne Lajoie, Terry Laframboise, Pauline Gilmore, and Roland and Norma Quesnel. Much loved uncle to generations of Lajoies and Quesnels from all across Canada and the United States. Fondly remembered by all of his friends, particularly those from his Square Dancing family. Predeceased by his parents, Aldéa and Dan Lajoie, and all of his siblings, Rolland (Marie-Ange), Conrad (Veronica), Lucette (Fern) Campeau, Roger (Lucille), René (Claire and Béatrice), Aurèle, Elaine (Junior) Lalonde, and Jean Lajoie.
Bert grew up in Alexandria and in the 1960s, was part of a pioneering crew that worked on some of the first large-scale IBM computers while at Northern Electric in Montreal. In the 1970s he changed his career and began farming in Luskville, QC - it was the location of many memorable family gatherings. In the 1980s he returned to Montreal and worked in a managerial position at Montreal Trust. The 1990s saw another transformation as he began his beloved career as a square dance caller. His love of square dancing and the friendships formed kept him young at heart for decades. He was a keen gardener and always enjoyed working around his workshop.
Family meant everything to Bert and he was the most devoted husband to Shirley. As the patriarch of the Lajoie family, he leaves behind so many stories shared with younger generations and memorable entertaining skits which amused everyone. To honour Bert, spend time with family, spread love, enjoy fruit pies, share stories of the past, smile often, work hard, have a hearty breakfast, work in your garden, dance, listen to music, never grow up, and raise a glass or two on his behalf. Our lives were enriched because you were in it, Bert, you will be deeply missed.
Bert and Shirley started their lives in Alexandria which is where they want their final resting place to be. Relatives and friends may attend a controlled attendance visitation at the Munro & Morris Funeral Homes Ltd., 114 Main St. South, Alexandria (613-525-2772) on Friday, March 19, 2021 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Finnan's Cathedral, Alexandria on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 11 am. Interment will be in St. Finnan’s Parish Cemetery at a later date when extended family can gather. Those who wish to attend the controlled attendance visitation and the Funeral Service must call the Funeral Home, Mon. to Fri. between 9 am & 5 pm, to register your attendance. Masks and physical distancing are required at all gatherings. As expressions of sympathy Memorial Donations to the Geriatrics Department of the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal would be appreciated by the family.