John Francis (Tassie) Arsenault
The family of John Francis (Tassie) Arsenault sadly announce his peaceful passing on Thursday, July 28, 2016, at the Veteran’s Wing, Harbour View hospital, Sydney Mines.
Born in Alder Point on January 17, 1922, he was the son of Ephriam and Adele (Lambert) Arsenault. He was the last surviving member of his family.
Tassie was a Trooper with the Royal Canadian Dragoons and a proud Veteran of WWII. He served in Italy, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany as a dispatch rider. Although he escaped many land mine hits as he scouted enemy territory, it was as a dispatch rider that he realized his love of motorcycles. A proud and memorable moment for him was being part of the King George VI motorcycle escort into Aldershot, England, for the inspection of the troops, dressed in high leather boots and white helmet.
He was awarded the Italian Star, Volunteer Service Medal, 1945 Defence of Britain Medal, and the Dutch Freedom Medal. Tassie was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 008, Sydney Mines.
After the war, Tassie married Rosina Iannetti and worked in her father’s business until he took employment with CN and Marine Atlantic, until his retirement in 1985.
He bought and refurbished a number of motorcycles as a hobby, but his Honda Goldwing was one of his favourites and he rode in into his early 80’s. He especially enjoyed taking part in the yearly Toy Runs for children.
Aside from being an avid biker, Tassie loved to play the harmonica and was always on hand to provide some lively entertainment at birthdays and get-togethers. This extended to his final home at the Veterans Residence, where he occasionally joined in for a tune with the musicians at the weekly musical events.
He is survived by his 4 children; Marilyn Boutilier, Little Pond, Anne (Graham) Bagnell, Bedford, Francis, Sydney Mines, and Anthony, Toronto. Also surviving are 3 grandchildren; Shaun (Jeanine) Boutilier, Edmonton, Tanya Boutilier (Ryan Gallagher), Halifax, Benjamin Bagnell, Calgary, great-grandchildren Emma and Olivia Boutilier, Edmonton, sister-in-law Norena Iannetti and brother-in-law James (Pauline) Iannetti.
Besides his parents, Tassie was predeceased by his remarkable wife Rosina (July 13, 2014), and his son-in-law Bernard Boutilier.
A heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Veterans Residence for their outstanding and compassionate care , not only for our father, but for all the other veterans at the home who no doubt retain many horrific memories of the war, as our father did.
Cremation has taken place. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 25, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Family Church, Sydney Mines, with Fr. J. J. MacDonald officiating. A reception will be held in the parish hall, following the service. Donations in Tassie’s memory may be made to the Northside Harbour View Hospital Foundation, Veteran’s Wing, Sydney Mines, or St. Joseph Cemetery Fund. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com

Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John Francis (Tassie) Arsenault – 2016.source

avis deces John Francis (Tassie) Arsenault – 2016- avis mortuaire John Francis (Tassie) Arsenault – 2016