FERNAND REAL NADEAU, of Lethbridge, AB, beloved husband of Lillian, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at the age of 91 years.

Besides his loving wife Lillian, Fern is survived by his family: Paul (Shannon) Nadeau, Courtney (Anneli), Robyn (John); Guy (Tracey) Nadeau, Kelsey (Hayden), Matthew, Carmen; Monique (Ken) Corey, Blake (Lindsey), Derek (Natasha); Michelle (John) Beekman, Lindsey (Tate), Jeffrey; Marcelle (Bryce) Cale, Logan (Vienna), Levi (Kesla); Arlene (Bill) Ritchie, Alysen, Rheanne (Gary); Karen Sorgard, Kristy (Ryan), Shannon (Jason), Mike and Mark (Emily) and 15 great-grandchildren, with one arriving soon, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Aime and Hedwidge, sister Irene and brother Rene, wife Germaine, infant granddaughter Amanda, son-in-law Jamie and great-grandson.

Fern was born on July 29, 1931, in Ponteix Saskatchewan. He grew up in Val Marie and left home at 17 years of age with $75 in his pocket. He had several occupations throughout his life including working as a lumberjack in Ontario, installing hardwood floors with his cousins in Lethbridge and farming in Val Marie. There he met Germaine, married in 1954, and raised five children. In 1976, they moved to Coaldale, Alberta.

Fern was a man of many talents and excelled at anything he set his mind to. Repairing and fixing farming equipment, carpentry and welding gave him the skills to excel at his job at ITB in Coaldale until his retirement in 1994. A perfectionist at heart, he always had different wood working projects on the go, from redoing kitchen cupboards to making toys for his grandchildren. His love of travelling took him to many places with family and friends. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and mostly, the large family gatherings.

After Germaine’s passing, Fern was lucky to meet the second love of his life and married Lillian Gorda in 2002. They spent their golden years travelling, spending time with family and had a shared a passion for playing cards.

Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, Friend, you are forever in our hearts. We will miss you.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff and caregivers of 3C Chinook Regional Hospital and the doctors of Family Medical Centre for the exceptional, compassionate care Fern received.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Father William Monis celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Fern’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

Following the Funeral Mass, Fern will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2023-06-11
• Location : Alberta