Richard Dion, 1939 - 2009

Richard Dion, resident of Donnelly, passed away on Jan. 22 at the Sacred Heart Hospital in McLennan at the age of 69 years. Richard was predeceased by his son, Normand in Dec. 1995 and his father Alphonse in Feb. 2000. Richard is survived by his spouse Sylvianne St. Laurent, his sons: Ronald (Sonia) Falher, Daniel (Chantal) Donnelly, Wayne (Carole) Donnelly, his mother Marie Lalancette-Dion, brothers: Claude (Jeanine) Falher, Hilas (Madeleine) Donnelly, sisters: Ginette (Denis Houle) Girouxville, Eveline (Peter Molnar) Edmonton, Jeannine (Victor Boychuk) Stony Plain, Pauline (Allen Chonlan) Edmonton, eight grandchildren and numerous sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews. Richard was born on June 5, 1939 at St-Félicien, Lac St-Jean, Québec. Richard arrived in Alberta on June 5, 1954 with his parents and siblings. He resided in Donnelly until his passing. Richard worked a few winters falling trees for the Compagnons de St-Isidore. He purchased a truck and hauled logs and gravel for a few years. Richard started farming in 1965 and later formed a farm partnership with his brother Claude. He purchased the family home quarter in 1967. When his health failed in 1983, he kept farming with the help of his sons and later passed on the farm operation to them. Even though he was unable to do most of the required farm work, he was still able to pass on his knowledge of farming to his sons, for many years this gave him the will to live. Seeing his father’s land passed on to his sons (third generation) made him very proud. He was involved in recreational hockey and also coached his sons for 15 years. He devoted the better part of his life to his family and volunteering for the community. In the end, Richard was thankful having seen his three sons succeed in their chosen careers and to see his eight grandchildren grow up. Funeral services for the late Richard Dion were held Jan. 27 at the Paroisse du Sacré Coeur in Donnelly. Officiating was l’Abbé Charles Lavoie, accompanied by Deacon Réginald Bouchard. Organist was Ginette Aubin was accompanied by some of the Red Hatters ladies’ group. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Chapel of Memories in Peace River.