Obituary
Loiselle, Henri Lionel Joseph
April 17, 1949 – June 17, 2020
There are no words to describe the void left with the passing of Henri Loiselle, and attempting to describe Henri’s “dash” between dates is the hardest task his loving family has ever faced. Husband, father, grandfather, or friend, Henri was bigger than life, and his presence enveloped any room he entered. Whether sharing his gift of music on stage, or holding one of his cherished grandchildren, his grace, energy, love, and joy always made you feel part of something special and truly unique.
Henri was born in Saskatoon and spent his childhood in Prud’Homme. His family moved to Saskatoon in 1964 and from there he went on to attend St. Peter’s College in Muenster. It was there that his love for performing flourished under the guidance of his lifelong friend Alphonse Gerwing.
In 1970, Henri married the love of his life, Marion McFadyen. Henri and Marion farmed for 30 years in the Aberdeen area where they raised their four beautiful children.
While farming, Henri pursued his love of singing and performing. He studied for two years at the University of Toronto Opera School under the tutelage of Louis Quilico. Any who had the opportunity to see Henri perform an operatic role would agree that he fully embodied the character. He performed many concerts locally and across Canada and was very proud of the fact that throughout his life he had been a producer of food for both body and soul. As a recipient of the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation, and “100 People, 100 Reasons Celebrating Saskatoon Centennial”, Henri was recognized for his dedication to supporting many fundraisers through his gift of music.
Putting farming behind him and moving into Saskatoon and onto new ventures, Henri’s passion shifted to land development with property near Lac des Iles. Second only to his love for wife and family, the creation of this new community was his greatest pleasure. In his words, he felt he was “playing in a life-sized sandbox.”
Henri will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Marion; his children and treasured grandchildren Colin (Teresa) Loiselle and their children Julia, Ethan, Matthew and Robyn; Michelle (Paul) St. Louis and their children Avery and Claire; Suzanne (Timothy) Biggins and their children Joshua, Liam and Owen; Philip (Leanne) Loiselle and their children Payton, Macy and Christian; brother Danny (Dianne) Loiselle; Marion’s family Wendy (Ray) Hudon, Darrell (Ferne) McFadyen, Elva (Maurice) Akister, Shirley (Ron) Keller and John Pidwerbesky. He was predeceased by his parents Lionel (2006) and Annette (2010) Loiselle; parents-in-law Clarence (2006) and Esther (2017) McFadyen; sister-in-law Lucile (2001) Pidwerbesky.
Due to COVID restrictions, the family will be holding a private memorial service, followed by interment at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.
The family would like to thank Dr. R. MacKay at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre for her care and understanding; the amazing support of the palliative home care team; and the incredible compassion of the St. Paul’s Hospital palliative care staff.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be graciously accepted for the new hospice at Glengarda C/O St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation (1702 20th Street West, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0Z9).
Arrangements in care of John Schachtel – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Henri Loiselle June 17 2020..
Mourning Glory Funeral Services
Death notice for the town of: Saskatoon, Province: Saskatchewan