Yves Lecoarer

Lecoarer, Yves Jean Born in Normandy, France, June 17, 1936 and died May 23, 2021 in his own bed in Elliot Lake, surrounded by his children and wife of 63 years, as was his wish. Devoted husband of Freda (nee Ingham). Father of Jannick (Stephen) Harvey, Paul (Debbie) Lecoarer, and Audrey (Bruce) Takasaki. Grandad of Shelagh Harvey (Mike Reynolds) and the late Kathryn Harvey and Cameron and Matthew Takasaki. Great grandfather of Liam Reynolds, Charlee Gorham, and Poppy Reynolds. From a family of originally 12 children, he is survived by four sisters in Normandy: Madeleine Maine, Andre Burdelot, Marguerite Delalee, and Janick (Joel) LeBailley. He leaves nieces and nephews in France, England, and Canada (he was known as Big Yves by the Nelson family that included his nephew “Little Yves”) and many fishing and work friends from the Elliot Lake area. In Dad’s almost 85 years of life, he experienced many challenges that made him the strong person he was, right up until the last day of his life. He lived his life with 100% enthusiasm. He was a child, literally on the beaches of Normandy, of WWII. He spoke of dismantling army ammunition and igniting gunpowder for fun with his brother, walking through shortcut mine fields, taking shelter in a sheep hut during the days of D Day (they ate well that week), and seeing the best and worst of humanity. From these experiences, Dad developed an empathy for those less fortunate and a sense of living a life with integrity, and the greatest of admiration for Winston Churchill. Dad found himself in Northern England at the age of 14. He grew up fast and, after a brief schooling in his second language (Geordie), went to work in the coal mines. There he worked as a putter of stones, where he developed a lifelong love of working with stone. At the age of 18, he met and wooed Mom. He became a great lover of fishing during his time in England. He immigrated to Canada in 1963 and worked initially as a hard rock miner in Elliot Lake. Freda and two children followed 3 months later. Dad loved Canada, the out of doors, fishing, hunting, and his amazing organic garden (he always gave away more than he consumed) that featured his “French” potatoes, original stock transported to Canada in a suitcase. He was an enthusiastic builder, starting with a house he bought at a mine site for $50, dismantled single handedly, then transported to Elliot Lake and rebuilt as two garages, kitchen cabinets, and a wood floor. He built two homes after that, with a minimum of trade assistance, and helped to construct numerous cottages and homes for his children and friends. He was a great believer in education and was proud that each of his children attended university at his prodding. He read voraciously. He followed small and large scale politics with zeal and would share his views extensively with all. He insisted on hearing the CBC news the day before his death. He worked hard all of his life and would go to extremes to save a penny, resulting in a love of auctions in later years. He faced many health challenges beginning early in life but he followed medical advice, valued healthy living, and was active until the end. He was able to plant his last seedlings and garden and gave explicit instructions for its completion. We, his family, are honoured to have been invited on the journey of his last few weeks. Despite a weakened body, Dad’s spirit was strong until his last few hours. He insisted on enduring a difficult journey for treatment in the last week of his life. Dad died quickly and peacefully in a room of love, gratitude, and peace. We wish to thank, on his behalf, the doctors and nurses who have helped Dad, most recently Dr. DeBortoli and Doris Janveau, and, for many earlier years, Dr. Long. He spoke highly of the 3rd floor nurses who were good to him as he was isolated due to Covid. We are very grateful to the kindness of the Bayshore nurses, Susan and Earl, in caring for the whole family. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Alternative Funeral Services. Due to Covid restrictions, there will be no memorial service at this time. In lieu of flowers, Dad would have appreciated donations in his name to the Salvation Army and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Elliot Lake. We invite you to remember our father by taking a walk in nature, paddling a canoe, stringing a fishing line, planting a garden, going camping, or singing along to the Rita MacNeil song, “Working Man”. “Gan canny, Hinny”, Dad. You are loved.