SIMONOT: Frank Marie Claude Simonot of St. Walburg passed away on Friday, December 20, 2013 at the age of 77 years. Francois Marie Claude Simonot was born in Wakaw, Saskatchewan on September 8, 1936 to Louis Simonot and Georgine Reynaud. He grew up on the family farm at Bonne Madone, SK, always considering himself a true farmer at heart. He began his schooling in a one room school in Bonne Madone. By Christmas time, both he and his brother, Marcel, were enrolled in the Convent at St. Louis. He then attended College Mathieu in Gravelbourg for eight years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts and Education after attending the Universities of Saskatchewan and Ottawa. In 1960, he was hired by the Turtleford School District to teach in St. Walburg where he taught for 31 years, 17 of those as principal. He touched many lives as an educator and was friends with many of his former students. In 1964, he married Marie Larre and they enjoyed 49 years together. They were blessed with five daughters and 12 grandchildren. Frank was very involved in his community and parish. He served on Parish Council, Knights of Columbus, Town Council, SWEDCO, St. Walburg Fire Department, North Central Transportation Planning Committee and on the board for the Northwest Community Futures. Frank loved and was proud to live in St. Walburg and volunteered with many projects that made his home an even better place to live. His most recent project was the planting of the trees at the ball diamonds. Frank had a love of hunting, fishing and sports, especially hockey and his beloved Montreal Canadiens. He was an inaugural member of the St. Walburg Eagles and played with them and coached them for many seasons. Frank loved music and he taught himself to play the piano beautifully. He also sang a strong bass with the Roman Catholic Church choir and was a member of the Tipsy Trio. He has left us many wonderful memories and will be missed greatly. Francois is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Marie; his five daughters: Suzanne, Paulette (Kurtis), Lucille (Darren), Juliette (Gerald), and Louise (Udell). He also created many memories with his grandchildren: Kelsey, Emily, Kate, Elise, Abby, Adam, Ethan, Justin, Ben, Ryan, Noah, and Amelia. He also leaves his brothers, Marcel (Albertine), and Denis (Pauline); and his sister, Yvette Sander (Gus). He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Jeanette Seguin; his brothers-in-law, Gabe Larre, Leo Larre, Fr. Lucien Larre and numerous nieces and nephews. The Vigil of Prayer for Frank was conducted from the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. with Reverend Father Richard Doll officiating. The Mass of Christian Burial was on Monday, December 23, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Father Lucien Larre, Reverend Father Richard Doll O.M.I., and Reverend Father Daniel Yasinski officiating. Carlo Simonot, Alain Simonot, Roger Larre, Rolly Larre, George Larre, Henry Seguin, Colin Robertson, and Peter Stolniuk were the pallbearers. All of Frank's Family and Friends were the honorary bearers. St. Walburg Knights of Columbus and St. Walburg Fire Department were the honour guard. The Larre Girls were the gift bearers, Bernadette Wilson played the cello, Lucienne Holzman was the organist, and Dave Yasinski and Dianne Roesler were the readers. Interment followed in the St. Walburg Catholic Cemetery. MARSHALL'S FUNERAL HOME LTD. of St. Walburg, Saskatchewan administered the funeral arrangements. Donations in memory of Frank may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences may be emailed at Thank You Note for Francois Simonot The Family of the late Francois Simonot would like to thank family, friends, and the entire community of St. Walburg for the love and acts of kindness shown to all of us during this difficult time. We were overwhelmed by the amount of support we received through phone calls, visits, emails, floral tributes, food, masses offered in Dad's name, prayers and donations to the Canadian Cancer Society. A special thank you to Eileen Robertson for her love and the constant support she gave Dad while he was sick. Thank you also to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Turtleford Hospital for their care of Dad while he was there. To our Larre Family, a huge thank you for the lunch provided after prayers. Thank you to Fr. Doll, Fr. Larre and Fr. Yasinski and altar servers for presiding at the mass. Thank you to nieces Lucienne Holzman and Bernadette Wilson for providing the music, to the Pall Bearers for being a part of the celebration of Dad's life. To the St. Walburg Firemen and Knights of Columbus, thank you for providing the honour guard. Thank you to the Royal Purple ladies for serving the lunch and for the use of the Elk's Hall. Also, to Gordie and Dad's friends at Marshall's Funeral Home, thank you for the guidance and kindness shown to us during this difficult time. You have all touched our hearts and souls and it won't be forgotten. Marie Simonot and Family ____________________________________________________
