We Remember

POITRAS, Armand

June 9, 1929 — May 17, 2025

It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, Joseph Marie Armand Gerard Poitras, who passed away peacefully in his family’s loving arms at Central Okanagan Hospice House on May 17, 2025, at the age of 95.

Dad was a man defined by his work ethic, humility, and love for his family. Over the years, he held many hardworking and meaningful roles that reflected both his dedication and his connection to the Okanagan and surrounding regions. His early years saw him working on the CPR Tugs on Okanagan Lake, and he later became the captain of the Kelowna to Westbank ferry—an important lifeline for the community at the time. He served as a toll taker on the then-new Okanagan Lake bridge and later joined the BC Department of Transportation as a dump truck driver. His career came full circle on the water, finishing with pride as captain of the Galena ferry on the upper Arrow Lake.

Dad’s proudest legacy, however, was the family he helped build. He leaves behind 8 children, 21 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Nothing brought him more joy than time spent with his grandchildren, his face would light up in their presence, and those moments brought him the deepest happiness.

We are grateful for the example he set, the stories he shared, and the strength he gave us. His memory will live on in each of us and in the gentle ripples of the lakes he once called home.

Dad was born in Marcelin, Saskatchewan on June 9th, 1929, and was predeceased by his beloved wife Marguerite (née de Montreuil) on March 11, 2009, just before their 60th wedding anniversary. He was also predeceased by his parents Léon and Doria (née Lacoursière) Poitras as well as 5 of his sisters and one granddaughter, Haliee, and one great-granddaughter, Kara.  He is survived by 8 children: Andre (Clara), their 3 children and 2 grandchildren; Gerald (Kimberlee), their 2 children and 2 grandchildren; Louise Armstrong, her 3 children and 5 grandchildren; Maurice (Elaine), his 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; Elaine (Dario) Grison, their 3 children and 6 grandchildren; Jean (Carroll), their 3 children and 4 grandchildren; Janette (Loren) Desautels, their 2 children and 4 grandchildren; Marcel (Annette), their one child. Armand is also survived by his brothers: Lawrence and Ernest Poitras, and 2 sisters: Angeline Charlebois and Clarice Pettitt, as well as by many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, dad has asked that you donate to children’s charities.

A full service in Dad’s honour will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11:00 am (PDT), at the Immaculate Conception Church, 839 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC. Immediately following the service, there will be a reception at the Rutland Centennial Hall, 215 Shepherd Road, Kelowna.

If you are unable to attend the service in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

LIVESTREAM:

Location
Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11:00 am (PDT)

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