Sadly, the children of Theodore (Ted) Edward Lamotte have to announce his passing on January 16, 2021 in Manitoba with his daughter Cathy at his bedside.
Dad was one of 11 kids. He grew up on a farm in Albuna Ontario. He lost his parents at an early age. He would say he was worried that he did not really know how to parent. Well, he did an amazing job. He was fun loving, supportive and caring. He and his wife Annette shared their wisdom and experiences with us – so we grew up to be strong, independent people and parents. They included us in building the house, fixing up the yard, installing the pool and generally taking care of things.
He barbered in Wheatley, Ontario for 50 years. Everyone knew him as “Ted the Barber” and he always had a smile, a story or a joke. Dads reputation as a hard working, versatile and dependable person was also evident in his other jobs, as an arborist in Niagara Falls, Heinz warehouse employee, and handy man at Meadows Manor. He also was an active and busy member of the Knights of Columbus in Leamington, Ontario. When he served with the K of C, he oversaw many activities, including running the bingos and the card parties. On a serious note, Dad loved playing Euchre at the K of C hall and with family members but liked to win. For that to happen, Dad didn’t want Mom as his partner.
Dad loved sports. He played baseball in his youth and also umpired and played golf most of his life. Two times a week he would be on the links. He usually had some sporting event on the TV at the barbershop or home. (Go Canadiens & Tigers).
In his early 20’s he met Annette Bornais at a dance. It was love at first sight (at least for mom). He instantly became a part of the Bornais family. Mom’s dad Aurel (Pipi) became like a surrogate father. Their bond was strong. Pipi knew Dad was the one to take on Mom!! (Right Mom?) He and Mom were together 60+ years and married over 58. They were inseparable. Some people did not realize Mom could drive since everywhere they went Dad always drove. Dad supported Mom when she was diagnosed with kidney disease and had her kidney transplant. Her health and quality of life was his #1 priority. He was the best husband and father that we could ask for.
Together they raised four AMAZING kids (each of us the self-proclaimed favourite). Both Mom and Dad insisted that we be strong, kind, loyal and independent adults. Education for their children was a top priority. As Dad often said, “they can take everything away from you, but they can’t take your education”. They ensured that we all had the opportunities in education and in life that they never had.
Dad had a personality and humour that was enviable. He passed this gift on to all of his kids. The best times were when we were altogether around a table playing cards or games. The in-laws could never get a word in edgewise since the Lamotte clan’s connection and stories were loud and crazy. Even when Cathy did one of the last video chats with us and Dad, occasionally, we could see a smirk on his face when he heard us talking and laughing. Both Dad and Mom passed on their smooth dance moves to each of us. We are certain that they are dancing together now.
At 88, Dad outlived nine of his siblings and most of his in-laws. He is survived by his younger brother Joe Lamotte. His very sad kids are Diane Lamotte (Pat & Liberte), Karen Melenchuk (Mark, Kevin and Hayley and great grandbaby Adeline & Tyler), Cathy Melenchuk (Terry & Addis), Patrick Lamotte (Nada & Angelica) along with many nieces and nephews.
There will be no memorial service at this time and once the pandemic has lifted, we will put them to rest in Southern Ontario. Memorial donations to the Beausejour Hospital TV Fund Box 1614 Beausejour, MB R0E 0C0 or the Kidney Foundation of Canada 452 Dovercourt Dr, Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1G4
Hey Dad, You’re Looking Good!
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Theodore Lamotte Saturday January 16th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Oakbank, Province: Manitoba