Oscar was born and grew up in a French-Canadian family in Port Daniel, Quebec. The third of seven children, Oscar was a source of laughter and fun. He eventually left home to work in the forests of northern Ontario, for a while in Alberta near Hinton, then for many more years in Ontario again, working in logging camps, and later staking claims for mining companies. In a final move to Alberta he began a career as a correctional officer; he said he never had any trouble with the inmates, probably because he recognised their human dignity and treated people with respect. He continued to keep himself busy after his retirement.
In 1958, in a restaurant in Violet Grove, Oscar got to know a waitress who was very willing and happy to make tea for this man with a French accent. Gladys soon captured his heart and became the Love of his life. They were married on Valentine’s Day in 1961, and started their life together in Kapuskasing, Ontario. Oscar was often away in the bush, working hard to provide for his family that came to include 4 children: Ernest, Louis, Paul, and Lynette. This period was often not an easy time, but things became gradually easier after a move to Fort Saskatchewan in 1977, and then to the house in Bruderheim in 1982. In 2005, Oscar lost a big part of himself when his beloved daughter died.
Throughout his life Oscar enjoyed music, sports, reading, woodworking, hanging out in his garage, eating desserts, and doing useful favours. His final pleasure was being a loving grandfather.
Oscar (Dad, Grampa) was a very private person who never liked if anyone were to make a big fuss over him. He was a hardworking and thinking man, proud of the things he did. An all around handyman, he was happiest when he was busy making or fixing something for someone else. He was often funny, had his particular sense of humour, and enjoyed kidding and pulling pranks on others. While disagreement or embarrassment could anger him quickly, he was tender-hearted with a gentle soul. He spent much of his time keeping busy and helping others. Through his labours, this no-nonsense man in a hat touched many lives in a lasting way. He will be fondly and respectfully remembered.
Oscar is survived by Gladys (his wife of 61 years, née Fillinger); their children Ernest (Louise), Louis, and Paul, and son-in-law Jeff MacKay (Shauna); grandchildren Joseph, Peter, and Catherine Blais, and Andrew Mackay; sisters Germaine and Jeanne-Paule; and numerous other relations.
He was predeceased by his parents Frédéric Blais and Herméline Roussy; siblings Ernestine, Joseph, Arthur, Jean-Marie; and daughter Lynette (MacKay).
As an expression of remembrance of Oscar, share your talents and be helpful to a friend or neighbour.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de BLAIS Oscar Pierre July 10 2022..
Décès pour la Ville: Edmonton, Province: Alberta