Obituary For Romeo Ethier
Romeo Ethier, husband, dad and grandpa, resident of
Clairmont, AB, formerly of Edmonton, AB, passed away on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, at the age of 80 years old.
Romeo was born February 2, 1942, in McLennan, AB. Married October 15, 1960, in St. Albert, AB, for 61 years. Romeo was the youngest and last child of Arcade and Melina Ethier of Morinville, AB.
Romeo will be sadly missed by his wife Marge Ethier; daughters: Kim Koch (Frank), Sherry Drysdale (Ken), and Jody Marceau (Fred); grandchildren: Nicole Cameron (David), Kristy Honan, Staci
Connauton (Mike), Blair Koch (Jackie), Craig Drysdale, Kyle Drysdale, Sarah Huntus (Dave), Tegan Martin Drysdale (Richard Jones), Jessica Whalen (Ross Grant), Ashely Whalen, Shelby Marceau, and Dylan Marceau (Ashley); as well as great-grandchildren: Madilyn Cameron, Wrenley and Waylen Kuhn, Harper and Lennon Connauton, Haylee Fenton, Kaden and Kobe Drysdale, Aria Huntus, Arie and Nate and Gwen Jones, Oliver Miller, Noah Hermann, and Brixton and Boston Marceau.
Romeo was predeceased by his parents Arcade and Melina Ethier; sisters Florina and Lena; as well as brothers: Raymond, Wilfred, Marcel, Lucien, Roger, and Albert.
A private Celebration of Life with immediate family will be held at a later date in Clairmont, AB.
Written by Granddaughter Kristy Honan:
Romeo. He was the highest point, the shining light that drew anyone and everyone to. He was our family’s everything and without a doubt we always knew, we were his everything, his proudest accomplishment. Through his unwavering love & devotion to one woman, “this crazy French family” was created.
He loved the simple things in life. In any gathering, there was never a dull moment, never a person without a smile on their face, or a tear and belly ache from the endless laughs & delicious food. These are the moments he lived for, his family. A man with an endless line of stories, that just when you think you heard it all … he’d surprise you with another hilarious & adventurous past. My favourite stories always included the ones about him and his wild brothers growing up: Tic Tic, Beans, Cookie, Roger, Greasy Willy, Mon Frere (my brother). These being their nicknames of course- but they stuck so well, I hardly know any of their real names.
One of my fav nickname stories is how grandpa gave grandma the nickname “Charlie,” and up until his friends met her, they were all getting a little concerned being around him at work.
His love was strong & unconditional, and he had this annoying power of putting you in your place with a calm tone and look: A look of disappointment that you never wanted to see.
He was famously known for his touché: A shot of crown royal. You’d always feel so special when he’d declare it was time
to … “well … I think we better sit down and have a touché, then we will really see what you were made of!!” And in his famous words, “that’s the gospel truth!” No matter what time of day, his invitation was never turned down. For some reason it was something we all looked so forward to. The feeling of sharing this honour with him is something I’ll never forget. Oh, and a piece of advice, don’t ever make a face afterwards because let me tell you. you did not want to get called a “PUSSYFOOT!”
But to be honest, somehow we always were laughing, & on numerous accounts throughout an evening.
However, I must add, the greatest honour above all else was the nicknames he (& the brothers) bestowed on certain family members: Big Mouth, Air Brake, City Slicker, Elmo, Michelin Man, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Farmers Daughter, & George/Muskrat. He was a man of Faith who loved God – but what we really connected on toward the end of his life were his gifts and medicines in Spirituality and healing. He could read any person & know the essence of their soul.
Among endless lessons & values- he taught us all how to appreciate the simple things, to cherish your family & the moments we have, to live your life to the fullest, always lend a helping hand, love with all your heart, stay true to who you are, be a good person, work hard for what you want, always forgive, knowing you can never give too many hugs and kisses (esp. whisker kisses), and remember you’ve probably done something that “outta give you a kick in the ass.”
I love you. And miss you. But your legacy will live on forever.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Romeo Ethier February 02 1942 February 03 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta