Tribute

Francis Bossé passed away suddenly while on holiday with Jennifer, his loving wife of 58 years. He is predeceased by his parents(Ivan & Margaret Bossé ), nephew(Christopher Bossé ), and numerous aunts, uncles & cousins. He was a quiet, unassuming and gentle man who always took care of others, whether by inviting family or friends to share their travels, acting as chauffeur to children, grandchildren and friends, helping renovate and clean up, volunteering assistance to individuals or businesses interpreting financial documents, acting as a sounding board to anyone needing to work things through, and the list goes on.

Francis was the first of four children born to Ivan and Margaret Bossé. He grew up helping on the farm, and in high school, ended up driving the school bus. Francis had an incredible work ethic, and while working as an accountant, he also pursued many other jobs while lending a helping hand to many along the way. Some of the jobs he worked at along the way include renovation and resale, gravel crushing, sheep-shearing, truck-driving, realtor, hospital administrator, bankruptcy/insolvency practitioner, crack-sealing and paving, and machine shop owner/manager.

Francis met Jennifer Kilborn at his best friend’s wedding in 1964. Their dates were carefully planned specifically for this young classical musician, including a date to the symphony with a gift of opera glasses – definitely not something Francis would have attended before meeting Jennifer! Francis and Jennifer married in 1966 and built a life together centred on faith and family, helping others and hard work. They travelled together and even took both sets of their parents with them to Hawaii.

After their two daughters were born, Francis made sure that family came 1^st – he arranged his work schedule around being available to have dinner with the family every evening, helping with homework, washing dishes, driving girls to rehearsals. He took the family camping in the summers, attended concerts and school events, volunteered with the choirs and orchestra, taught his girls how to drive and to balance a check-book.  Francis continued in these roles as a grandpa to his four grandchildren – he was always there to babysit, celebrate graduations or awards nights, attend their concerts, while also taking them on camping trips in their RV and taking them driving. He supported their interests, and was always happy to play games with them.

Francis and Jennifer became snowbirds and travelled a lot in their retirement years, spending the better part of 20 years living in their motorhome several months of the year. They travelled most of the United States, including a trip to Alaska, and also traveled across Canada. One of their most recent trips was the Polar Bear RV tour to Churchill, MB. They were avid members of several RV clubs, and made good friends everywhere they went. They took their bicycles and golf clubs along, and kept active on their travels. Francis also enjoyed wine-making, reading, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards and various board games – and watching hockey, football, and curling.  Francis and Jennifer also enjoyed the trip of a lifetime travelling to England and Europe to celebrate their 50^th wedding anniversary, and connecting with family abroad.

Although Francis travelled a lot in his retirement years, he never officially retired – he was always around in March to help family, friends and business associates prepare their tax returns, as well as on hand to offer business advice. He also volunteered his time as treasurer for their condo board.

Francis is survived by his wife Jennifer;  siblings Kathy(Bob), Ted(Teresa), and Austin(Lesley); daughters Adèle and Aline(Wade); grandchildren Jordan, Paige, Jacque, and Robin; Alice Kluthe (aunt), and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to

Pilgrim’s Hospice Society https://pilgrimshospice.com/ or

The Mustard Seed Community Support Centre https://www.theseed.ca/

A memorial service to celebrate Francis’ life will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 10:30am at St. Paul’s Anglican Church with Rev. P. Michael Williamson presiding. A reception will follow in the church hall.

A private ceremony for interment of ashes will take place at a later date.