It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Edward Fournier, 86, husband of the late Jeannette (Benoit) Fournier, who passed away at the Chaleur Regional Hospital, Bathurst after a short battle with heart disease on Friday, May 19, 2023.

Born in Belledune, NB, he was the son of the late Alphonse and Louise (Perry) Fournier.

He is survived by three children: Carol (Shawn) Peters of Bathurst, Jeff (Debbie O’Dolley) Fournier of Colorado, USA and Rich Fournier of Belledune.

His grandchildren: Justin, triplets: Thomas, Scout and Piper.

One sister, Doris (late Ken) Boudreau and one brother, Everett (late Anette LeBlanc).

Sister in laws: Pauline Brosseau, Alfreda Boudreau and Dorothy Hammill. As well as many nieces and nephews with whom he had a close relationship.

Edward was one of many siblings. Many who have passed before him; his sisters: Clara (Gordon) Miller, Irene (Venore) Carter, Agnes (Ken) Powell. His brothers: Arthur (Rita Boudreau), Clarence, Francis, Thomas.

If anyone knows my dad, they know what I mean when I say he would “Laugh Cry”. I don’t remember ever seeing Dad cry but as an adult I vividly remember seeing him “Laugh Cry” when a child did something so touching or cute, he would laugh out loud with his mouth but cry with his eyes. A child walking by a tire and kicking it to “check it” was enough to start the “Laugh Cry”.

We had a wonderful childhood. Being poolside all summer to going to Bluegrass Festivals where Dad would show off his picking skills on the banjo. Dad worked hard as a Building Trades Journeyman Steamfitter in Ontario so we would have everything we wanted.

It was nice to be able to see him enjoying his retirement in the Belledune home that he was raised in. With a few renovations he was able to watch the lobster fisherman from his front porch. His home was nestled between two siblings and the road is aptly named “Fournier Road”. His caring sister, Doris was always there for him to go visit and they spent many afternoons chatting and looking out at the beautiful scenery. His wonderful brother, Everett enjoyed picking Dad up and going on a two-hour long coffee run to Tim Hortons.

Dad had a great sense of humor and all who knew him knew he had a quick wit and loved to repeat stories from days past. I really enjoyed hearing about how the horses only got to have a drink once they were settled in the barn after a full day’s work of plowing or what it was like to go to a one room schoolhouse with fellow classmates of all ages.

Dad passed many skills down to his children. The boys learned how to work with tools and on vehicles and they use these skills everyday of their life. I have realized that all my organizational skills are definitely from him.

Dad’s greatest gift that he received was to become a Pepere. Justin, Thomas, Scout and Piper were his pride and joy. He didn’t realize it but all the extended family members and children referred to him as Pepere. I used to enjoy hearing of my nephews ask about Pepere.

His prime concern with his passing, or as he wrote to me in his many notes on how to proceed after I “kick the bucket”, was that we did not “waste” money on his funeral or to perform any rituals. He never liked public displays of emotion. We are following his written instructions and there will be no funeral or services. He did donate to the Diabetic Association and if you have funds available, you can follow his lead.

Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton’s Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst.