Fern Francois, resident of Grande Prairie, formerly of Manitoba, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 30, 2016, at the age of 79 years.

Fern, known also as Papa Fern-Pepere was born in Durnal, Belgium on October 6, 1936. Dad was the oldest of the three siblings. His family moved to Canada when he was 12 years old, arriving March 17, 1948. They came by ship and landed in Halifax. Then they came to Winnipeg by train and started their homestead by Giroux, MB.

Dad worked on the family farm, then he met the love of his life, Della. They were married June 13, 1959. The raised four kids on the family Dairy farm.

Dad wanted to pursue working in the Oil and Gas industry, so they moved up to Grande Prairie, in 1979. He truly loved the Oil Patch and was passionate about driving his big truck. Dad worked hard and enjoyed trucking with his son, grandsons and many friends along the way. Dad cherished the memories he made though all of the years at Twilight Oilfield Hauling and RyTy Development. He also had a Pilot car service known as Kidz Pilot Car Service that he was very passionate about.

Dad’s favorite saying was “C’est la vie” which means “That’s Life”. Dad was an outgoing person and had numerous friendships. He enjoyed going to Stewart, BC to fish for salmon and halibut. He loved going to his friend’s cabin by Grovedale and going for rides on his quad.

You could always count on Dad to take many adventures like driving to the shop to see numerous family and friends that he made along the way. He had countless nicknames for his family and friends that were dear to his heart. One of his fondest memories was going to Belgium with his oldest daughter, Gisele for his 70^th birthday.

Dad lived life the way he wanted and not otherwise, and had a contagious grin.

Dad will be sadly missed by his wife Della; children: Gilbert (Tammy) Francois, Gisele (Louis) Nault, Ginette (Richard) Francois-Huber, and Gina (Trevor) Fristma; grandchildren: Michelle (Jason) Van Nieuwkerk, Chandelle (Leigh) Batty, Danielle Francois, Gilberte (Daniel) Richot, Colette (Kurt) Martins, Dustin (Rachel) Francois, Gavin Francois-Huber, Nathan Francois-Huber and Talan Francois-Huber; great-grandchildren: Rylie (McKayla) Van Nieuwkerk, Tyler Van Nieuwkerk, Zachary Van Nieuwkerk, Spencer Van Nieuwkerk, Kohl Batty, Brooklyn Batty, Brianna Richot, Makayla Richot, Brandsen Richot, Abygail Martin and his little Boo-Boo Hunter Francois. He will also be missed by his siblings: Rita (Lawrence) Lacoste and Jerry (Jeanette) Francois.

He was predeceased by his parents Lucien and Jeanne Francois, his bonhomme grandson Marcel Francois and first daughter in-law Yvette Francois.

A Viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at 6:00pm, at Oliver`s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave.).

A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 2:00pm at Grande Prairie Cemetery (84^th Ave. and 112^th St.).