Obituary of Laurent Lionel Ruel

RUEL – Laurent “Larry”

1928 – 2024

With heavy hearts the family of Laurent “Larry” Ruel announce his passing on August 2, 2024, at the age of 95 years.

Laurent was born on December 19, 1928, to Amedee and Alphonsine Ruel, the 15^th of 17 children. At a young age Laurent worked with his dad and his brothers on the farm breaking land, planting and threshing. There was also cattle, pigs, chickens and their trusty work horses to look after.

In his early 20’s he ventured out East to work at a Nickel Mine in Sudbury, Ontario. He soon realized how much he missed a Blue-Eyed Swede he met at a dance and on October 16, 1952, he married the love of his life, Ellen Pearson.

Laurent and Ellen raised their family of Claude, Marilyn, Charlene, Lenore and Shelly Ann on the farm at Debden.

Laurent not only loved the land, but he also enjoyed quad rides around the countryside, curling, playing cards, especially crib, as well as baking his famous jam cookies, that many have enjoyed over the years.  Laurent’s love of dance was second to none. He attended many music festivals, celebrations and dances over the years and would 2-step the night away.

Laurent is lovingly survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren:

Claude (Elaine) Ruel and family:

• Jeff (Erin) – Braysen & Liam
• Steven (Malinda)
• Jonathan (Julie) – Rogue & Nova

Marilyn (Kelly) Wright and family:

• Shellee (Scott) – Isabelle, Nick & Ella
• Brad (Kyla) – Liberty & Graydon
• Andrew
• Derek (Sara)

Grant Nixon and family:

• Matthew (Kelly)
• Terina (James) – Griffin, Stella, & Layla
• Kenny

Lenore (Brett Sr.) Eskes and family:

• Brett Jr. (Shelby) – Andrea, Cohen, & Oliver
• Sarah Beth (Julian)

Shelly Ann Willoughby and family:

• Shane (Amber) – Lochlan & Lydia
• Paige (Ricky)
• Emily (Cooper) – Kip, Beau, & Rowdy

His sisters, Rebecca Paquette and Denise Lajeunesse; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Laurent is predeceased by his wife Ellen Ruel; his daughter Charlene Nixon; his son-in-law Jim Willoughby; his parents Amedee & Alphonsine Ruel (nee Lajeunesse); his parents-in-law Victor & Grace Pearson (nee Halvorson). 

The Memorial Mass for Larry will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. from the St. Jean Baptiste RC Church in Debden. Larry will be laid to rest in the Debden Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Larry to the Debden Heritage Manor (Box 608 Debden, SK S0J 0S0).

Family and friends wishing to share online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home & Crematorium, Tammy Smart, Funeral Director, Debden, SK 306-724-4474.