Hilaire Joseph Picard
August 20, 1934 – May 21, 2021
“If you knew him you loved him.” It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Hilaire Picard on May 21, 2021. Hilaire was born on August 20, 1934 into a large French-Canadian family and lived most of his life in Northern Ontario. Most of his career was spent in the forest industry as a true lumberjack. When he could no longer do that work, he became a skilled carpenter making cabinets and furniture for friends and family. He was a jack of all trades and could fix anything. Dad loved the outdoors and took his family camping every weekend. Dad’s real pride and joy was when he purchased the family camp at Dog Lake. By doing so he was able to keep his growing family together and that is what truly made him happy. His joy was watching everyone else have fun. The memories created at the lake will never be forgotten. Thank you, dad for doing that for us.
Hilaire met the love of his life Gabrielle Despres and they married on August 20, 1956. They had both good and bad times and supported each other all these years which is a true testament of marriage. It would have been their 65th wedding anniversary this year. Together, they raised four children; Michel ”Mike” (Fay), Giles (Valerie), Sheila (Sergio), Perry (Holly). Dad loved children and was the best grandpa, spoiling every one of his grandchildren; Michael (Jess), Jason (Emily), Braydon (Erin), Paige (Jamie), Anthony, Savanna (Rowan), Elizabeth, and Sydney and his great grandchildren; Alexis, Heath, Kaitlyn, Kendrick, JJ and Alivia. Hilaire is survived by his sister Mariette LeMesurier and the extended Picard and Despres families.
The family would like to thank Dr. Woods and Dr. Miller for their support during these past few weeks. A special thank you goes out to Dr. John Coccimiglio for taking care of Braydon and Anthony’s grandpa. Not only were you there for him but you were there for us. Your compassion was much appreciated. Thank you to the nurses on 1A at Thunder Bay Regional. Your care and professionalism comforted us. A special thank you to Don and eric from EMS for helping mom keep dad at home for as long as possible.
Hilaire was a true family man. He always said that if you take good care of your kids they will take good care of you. Dad took such good care of us. As per dad’s wishes there will be no funeral. He didn’t want us to be sad. Dad enjoyed the simple things in life so the next time you are sitting around a campfire and someone pulls out the marshmallows think of him. We will miss you, until we meet again. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Hilaire Joseph Ovide Picard Friday May 21st 2021..
sargent and son funeral directors
Death notice for the town of: THUNDER-BAY, Province: Ontario