Obituary of John Fournier

John Thomas Fournier passed away unexpectedly at his home in Chipman, NB on Sunday, June 3, 2012. Born on March 19, 1946, John was the eldest and a much loved son of Sylvernus and Thelma (Sturgeon) Fournier who predeceased him. John is survived by sisters, Katharine Scott of Boiestown, Marjorie McPherson of Calgary and Leslie (Gary Young) of Fredericton; brothers, Patrick (Mary) Fournier of Dartmouth and Leonard (Cathy) of Sheffield. Besides his immediate family, he is survived by his cousins, Ron, Michael, Gary and Jim McLaughlin, Aldean McVicar, Nancy Donovan, Colleen McLaughlin, Donnie and Dennis Fournier and Margaret Lemay; nieces, Melanie Knapp, Crystal, Mindy, Stacey and Michelle Fournier; nephews, Richard and Michael Brennan, Tom and Kyle Fournier; as well as two special people, his lifelong friends, Mark Dutrisac (Paula) and Mark’s son, Damian. His many friends will remember him for his positive outlook on life, his ready smile and cheerful personality. John could always find something in life to laugh about and it was this quality that endeared him to the many he met along the highway of life. John spent his boyhood growing up in the village of Blackville, where he absolutely loved country life, playing games and pranks on his siblings, and his cousins who lived just across the road. He treasured the memories of his childhood for he felt he lived in a golden era. It was in the country that he felt in tune with nature and loved all of God’s little woodland friends and creatures. Like many young men the lure of a big city called to him, first to Fredericton and then to Vancouver where he owned a photography shop. John then graduated from nursing and was employed by the city of Vancouver in that capacity, until he retired. He volunteered with the Franciscan Fathers in Vancouver and the Franciscan Sisters Benevolent Society. He also served on the City Council. A few years ago, John retired and relocated to Chipman and it was there that he realized his dream of once again, living in the country. He loved painting, working on his antiques, his clocks, cooking and sharing his recipes. He was recently so pleased that the Christian Life Centre in Chipman asked him to display his intricate carvings that he made from bone. He thought there was nothing like a good yard sale, a field of blueberries, coffee with friends at D’s Café, his little dog, Benson, who was his constant companion and most of all a good laugh. His friends in Chipman thought of him as family and referred to him as “Our John”. He truly thought his life was blessed. And it was. He will be forever loved and remembered by all who knew him. Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A Memorial Service will take place at York Funeral Home’s T. Gordon MacLeod Memorial Chapel on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 2 pm with Father Monte Peters as celebrant. Interment will take place in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com