We Remember

LESSARD, Joseph Henrie: UPDATED SERVICE INFO
March 28, 1936 — September 1, 2020
UPDATED SERVICE INFO: A Mass will be held in his honour on Monday, October 12, 2020, at 9:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 839 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, it will be limited seating of 50 and on a first come, first served basis. For those who can not attend it will be Livestreamed at icckelowna.ca
On September 1, 2021 a Graveside Memorial will be held.
Beloved Grandfather, Father, Husband, after a lengthy illness Henrie has gone to be with his loving family in Heaven on September 1, 2020. The last of a family of 12 we know he was happy to go to them as he had his arms stretched out in a hug, speaking French and smiling, he is in good hands now. He is survived by his loving wife Marion; his daughters Theresa (Ryan) Naka and Debra Dotschkat; his sons Tom (Kerri) Lessard and David Lessard (Nicole Prevost); his grandchildren Blake (Bre) Naka, Jamie Naka, Holly Lessard, Rachel Lessard, Amanda Dotschkat, Bobbie-Lee (Tim) Hirtz, Cayleih Lessard, and Emily Lessard; and his great-grandchildren Lux Naka, Liv Naka.
Henrie was a fighter to the end and will always be remembered for his sarcastic sense of humor, competitive game playing, love of his kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and the magic tricks he did to entertain them.
Born in McLennan, Alberta, he moved to Vancouver, BC with his family where he met his wife Marion. They married on April 18/59 in Surrey, BC and had 61 years together. They started their family there with Tom and Theresa, and then moved to Golden, BC where they added Debra. The sun brought them to Kelowna where they settled for his remaining years and had the final of four children David.
Henrie went to work as a Manager for Gorman Bros Mill for 12 years and made many lifelong friends there.
Always wanting to learn, in 1978 he went back to school to get his GED and then go on to the University of Victoria for a Bachelor of Arts degree. During this time he was able to develop his passion for painting and all forms of art.
Never one to have idle hands, he loved to keep busy, so on top of working he also had a ranch where we raised cattle, pigs, horses and chickens before moving on to being an orchardist.
Henrie was very active in the Catholic Church and could often be found flipping pancakes for Knights of Columbus or doing adoration. He loved volunteering in the gardens at Cottonwoods, which is fitting as that was where he spent his final days.
We would like to thank the staff at KGH and Cottonwoods for taking such good care of Dad over these last 10 months.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Theresa and family, I remember meeting your dad many years ago when he had the business Take N Bake . He was always such a sweetheart so friendly and kind. I am thinking of you at this difficult time ,it is so hard to lose a parent. They are our rocks in life ! Always there to listen and give their advise,he will be so missed.. sending everyone a hug and ❤️❤️❤️
Deb and family , so sorry to hear about your dad . My thoughts are with you and everyone in the family, rob
Debra. Amanda, Bobbie-Lee and family: We are so sorry to hear of your Dad (Grandpa’s) passing. Thinking of you all. May all your wonderful memories help you through this hard time in life.
Lessard Family
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Joseph.
Your Dad Henrie was a significant influence helping build Gormans during my youth. I certainly appreciated his sense of humour and dedication. Your memories will be great ones
So sorry to hear! He was a great guy and will be missed terribly. He is with his siblings now. Dwain & Marcelle (Lessard) Velve, Grande Prairie, AB
So sorry for your loss aunty Marion and our BC cousins.. God bless you all and uncle Henri is free from pain and in the hands of memere..Love you all Claire
Dear Auntie Marion and Family, I have many fond memories of visiting with you when I was still at home with Mom & Dad. Uncle Henri was such a warm, loving and happy go lucky person. He loved to laugh and bring laughter to others. May you be blessed with the comfort of family and friends at this time of sadness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Marie and Don Ruzicka