1929 – 2014

Bathurst - Aurele Joseph Frenette, 84, of Bathurst, passed away on Sunday (January 26, 2014) at the Chaleur Regional Hospital, Bathurst.

Born in Red Pine, N.B., he was the son of the late Leofred Frenette and Mildred Anne Fournier. 

Aurele graduated from Bathurst High School in 1948. Aurele married Patricia Marie Chamberlain in 1954, and they lived together in Bathurst all of their lives.

After gaining experience while working at WJ Kent & Co for many years, Aurele founded his own grocery business, the Big Deal Market in 1974. The Big Deal Market became a familiar downtown Bathurst landmark with Aurele in his ever-present white apron and baseball hat cheerfully greeting regular customers.

Aurele was a proficient drummer and ballroom dancer. In 1955 he founded and played with his own band, The Blue Note, for many years. An avid, self-taught photographer, Aurele documented Bathurst and its people through more than half a century of photographs. After his retirement in 1999, he spent much of his time with his camera looking for that next great picture. Despite his failing health in recent years, he remained passionate about photography and leaves behind many memorable images of people and places faithfully recorded by his skillful eye.

Aurele is survived by his wife, Patricia Marie.

One daughter, Patricia Ann Pande, and son-in-law, Atul Pande, both of Durham, NC, USA.

He also is survived by his only granddaughter, Kamla Pande, of New York, NY, USA

One sister, Doris MacLellan, of Peterborough, Ontario.

In honor of Aurele’s wishes, there will be no viewing. A celebration of Aurele’s life will be held at a future date yet to be determined.

Donations in memory of Aurele may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or to other local charities. 

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