Obituary of Hercules LaPlante

The family of Hercules LaPlante are deeply saddened to announce his passing on March 18, 2007 at the age of 91 years. Hercules was born Feb. 28th, 1916 at Duck Lake, Sask. to Salamon LaPlante and Olivine (Racette). Hercules went to school in Titanic near Duck Lake, for a short time. About 1934, he met Jean Anderson while they were both working in Spiritwood. They fell in love and were married on Oct. 17th, 1935. They lived in the Spiritwood area and raised 3 children- Evelyn, Raymond & Larry. Hercules worked in Chitek Lake cutting railroad ties. In the early 40's Hercules and Jean moved to Timberlost (the Block). He farmed there and raised 4 more children- Wilson, Angeline, Rita and Gerald. They lived there for almost 20 years. In 1956, the family moved to Greenmantle. Hercules and the boys went to work in the bush at Dore Lake, Sled Lake and Carrot River. In 1964, their house burned down, and later in 1964 Hercules and Jean along with their youngest children moved to Saskatoon. Hercules worked at a few mines around Saskatoon, then he went to work for Robin Hood Flour. In 1979, Hercules was hit by a car, and sustained injuries. They later moved their house trailer to Bodmin and helped run the Bodmin General Store with their son Raymond and his family (Jean called the store Hooterville). In 1984 they moved to Prince Albert and resided there until June 28th, 1999. On this day Hercules and Jean were in a tragic accident that took Jean's life. Hercules suffered severe injuries and remained in Prince Albert hospital until Oct. 13th, 1999. He was then transferred to Big River hospital. He started living at Lakewood Lodge in December of 2000. He got back in shape, broke a hip; got back to walking, then broke a hip again; that is when his health started to fail. We would like to thank the staff, the doctors and nurses for the good care he received. We all have fond memories of Hercules; but everyone remembers how Hercules always stood at the door telling a few more stories before leaving. Then on March 18th, 2007, he went through the door without stopping and he is now with his wife Jean. He never really accepted her death and missed her dearly everyday. He will be remembered and sadly missed by his children Evelyn (Andrew) Neufeld of Big River, SK, Raymond (Colleen) LaPlante of Big River, SK, Larry (Louise) LaPlante of Big River, SK, Wilson (Rita) LaPlante of Saskatoon, SK, Angeline Boyer of Saskatoon, SK, Rita Arcand (Alfred) of Big River, SK and Gerald (Rosemary) of Big River, SK; 18 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild; his sister Olga (Bob) Gurski of Saskatoon, SK. his brothers Tom and Dan of Saskatoon, SK as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his wife Jean in 1999, a son Harry in 1936, a son in-law Joe Arcand in 1996, a daughter in-law Elaine LaPlante in 1998, his grandsons Kevin LaPlante in 1983 and Darren Boyer in 1981, a granddaughter Valerie LaPlante in 1992, his parents Salamon and Olivine LaPlante, his brothers Henry, Lucien and Armand and his sisters Armande and Anna. The funeral service was held on Friday, March 23rd, 2007 at 2 p.m. from the Community Centre in Big River, SK with Rev. Ken Easterbrook as the officiant. The music director was Bill Martodam who sang the solo songs Church In The Wildwood and I Had a Dream. The congregational hymns were Shall We Gather By The River and What A Friend We Have Jesus. The eulogy was read by Shelly Jezowski. Honorary pall bearers were all relatives and friends who shared in Hercules' life and the urn bearers were Bruce Neufeld and Shaye LaPlante. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lakewood Lodge Auxiliary in Big River.