Obituary of Elie Dion

Elie Aurele Dion of Ferland and Mankota passed away April 13, 2016 in his 86th year. The first-born son of early homesteaders, Alphonse and Anne-Marie (L'Heureux) Dion, he lived his life, from birth until he sold in 2012, at section 8 twp 6 range 7, farming that piece of land. He was loved and respected by the community as they watched him from his teen years and the death of his mother and brother, his father's home accident, drought and economic hardships; Elie kept that farm going. There were years when he had to supplement the farm income with off-farm jobs as well, but he helped his siblings all achieve the education his parents had dreamed for them. Educated, they followed career paths in engineering and/or nursing which led them East. He cared for his father Alphonse after the home accident and thereafter supported him through his stay in the Foyer. A genius with machinery, Elie could keep the oldest of machinery working. He willingly helped his neighbours and they in turn helped him in the true prairie spirit. His many cousins, nephews, and nieces remember from their youth thinking of his big strong hands and his gentleness. They just loved him and thought that Elie was "the strongest man in the world", and that his big hands were so strong, "he could handle anything". They knew him to be kind patient and fun. Later, they considered him their best friend. There are so many instances of kindness in his life that we hope will be shared on the Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels memorial website. Elie was strong, capable, dedicated, kind, an accomplished human being, a fine son and an incredible brother. We love you Elie and we thank you. Predeceased by brothers Hygin and Albert, sisters Rachelle (Wes Kittle), and Clotilde. Survived by siblings, Solange, Regis (Elizabeth), Marie Anne, Ovide and niece Francoise Dion, nephews Dirk Kittle(Bonnie), Gray Kittle (Ranelle), Daryl Dion(Danielle) and Marc Dion. The funeral will be held at St Jean Baptiste Church, Ferland, Saskatchewan 2 pm April 30, 2016 Internment the Ferland Cemetery Followed by reception dinner at Ferland Parish Hall Charitable donations in memory of Elie: Saint-Jean-Baptiste Parish, Ferland, Saskatchewan