Emilien LABRECHE

LABRECHE, Emilien (Elmer) went to be with his Lord on Monday, July 23, 2007. Born June 19, 1920, he will be forever remembered as a loving father to Lou (Len) Derkson and Dolores Labreche; loving grandfather to Nicole (Steve) Englot, Denis Labreche (Shayla), Guy Labreche (Christy), and Chad (Trish) Derkson, as well as his great granddaughter, Cailey Derkson. Elmer is survived by his brother, Roger (Adee) Labreche and sister, Teresa (Allen) Amerude. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Lillian in 2004; daughter, Yvette in 1959 and brother, Armand in 2007. Dad played hockey for the Montmartre Canadians from 1934 1942 as well as coached Pee-Wee hockey from 1956 1957. He was the announcer for all senior hockey games from the late 1960's to 1970's. Elmer always enjoyed sports and was an avid curler from 1936 1975. Elmer joined the Royal Canadian Air force in 1939 and was stationed in Halifax as an air-frame mechanic. On returning from duty in World War II, he bought a farm 3 miles south of Montmartre in 1946. He was Councilor and then Reeve for the R.M. of Montmartre # 126 from 1965 1975 and moved from the farm to the Village of Montmartre where he served as Village Councilor and then as Mayor from 1975 1980. Elmer's first taste of competition and local politics started with the 4-H Club of which he was president from 1934 1939. Elmer was a sub-unit school trustee for Montmartre District 1586, Regina East School Unit # 20 from 1957 1964 as well as being president of the Montmartre Snow Club for over 20 years. He was president of the Montmartre Rink Board in the late 1960's to 1970. Elmer was a member of the Montmartre Union hospital Board during the 1980's. He was Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus as well as District Deputy. Public speaking was a passion for dad and he enjoyed every moment standing at the podium and delivering speeches. He enjoyed with great enthusiasm a position with Saskatchewan Crop Insurance as a crop adjustor from 1974 1992, meeting many people and traveling the province. Elmer and Lillian moved to Regina in 1994 and called Storie Manor their home for 10 years. Elmer was an accomplished carpenter and became known for his trademark plans, one of which being the altar in the Montmartre Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church. His devotion to family, church, community and local politics is what made up the fabric of his life for 87 years and now, he returns home to Sacred Heart in his beloved Village of Montmartre. Our family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, nurse's aides, dietary personnel, volunteers and clergy at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, Veterans Wing Unit 3-5 for the excellent care and compassion given to our dad over the past 2 1/2 years. You were his second family, true professionals and good friends. Flowers are gratefully declined, friends so wishing may donate to their local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Elmer's memory. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 27, 2007 from Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Montmartre, SK, with Fr. John Mock as Celebrant. Paragon Funeral Services entrusted with arrangements. 359-7776 Published in the Regina Leader-Post on 7/25/2007.