Obituary of Raymond Arcand

Arcand- Raymond Gabriel Arcand , late of Debden, SK. passed away on April 2, 2008 in the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert, SK. at the age of 77 years. Raymond was born on April 3, 1930 in Muskeg Lake, SK. to Alexina (Morrissette) Newman and Gabriel Arcand. After the age of 30 Raymond lived most of his life in Muskcowegan. During a visit to Luci's, he was able to re-connect and visit with many relatives and friends from his past. Raymond was happy. It was during this visit Raymond talked about maybe living in Debden, getting into a senior home and being nearby. This visit was a memorable time as Raymond was able to walk where he had grown up. Raymond went for Colon-rectal cancer surgery in January 2007. He was in the hospital for about two months. After his release he stayed in Regina, but was not happy there and he didn't want to return to Muskcowegan. During this time he had spoken with his son Francis, who lives in Spencer Iowa. Raymond & Francis decided he would live with Francis in the United States. Raymond left Canada July 4. 2007. He had hopes of a good life in the US. On February 23, 2008 Raymond came back to Canada. He came home to Debden on March 7th . Raymond seemed to know all was not okay, but kept gamely saying I`m okay, I can`t complain. On March 25th Raymond had the surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery revealed his cancer was back with a vengeance. Raymond kept up his stalwart attitude throughout. Raymond has enjoyed a colourful life. He liked horses, drove and raced in chuck-wagon events, drove a school bus, window washed in Calgary and was an active participant in many traditional ceremonies in Musckowegan. He was a man of many talents. He played the fiddle and guitar in his younger days. He was quick to be defensive, sometimes he picked a fight, and for sure, he never backed down, despite his size. Mom used to say he was like a bantam rooster. He had a big heart-always willing to give, give; give-he did not hesitate to lend a helping hand. Raymond liked dressing like a cowboy, with boots, hat, shirts and jeans. Raymond had a sense of humour. Raymond, you missed your birthday by one day - you would have been 78. Those who have crossed your path will always remember you. Rest in peace!! Raymond leaves to cherish his memory; his sons, Alex and Francis and a daughter, Laurie; his siblings, George, Leo, Martha, Joyce and Luci; also survived by several grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and mother of his children Flora (McAdam) Arcand. Raymond was predeceased by; his parents, Alexina Newman and Gabriel Arcand, step-father, John Newman, special partner, Evelyn Pelletier, siblings, William, John, Mary, Alex, Lillian and Rita. During his time with his partner Evelyn he was the father figure for her three children, Calvin, Marlene and Baptiste (deceased), and several of Evelyn's grandchildren, nieces, nephews, many who called him dad, grandpa or mushum. The funeral mass was held on Friday, April 4, 2008 in Sacred Heart Catherdral in Prince Albert, SK. at 2:00 p.m. with Father Maurice Fiolleau as celebrant. The Honorary Pallbearers were "All of Raymond's family and friends who knew and loved him. The Active Pallbearers were Gordon Arcand, Chris Arcand, Luci O'Brien, Jeff O'Brien. In lieu of other tributes memorial donations may be made to the choice of the donor. Cremation and internment to follow at a later date.