Obituary of Phil Jacques

Phillipe Eugene Jacques of Lafleche, SK, passed away on Wednesday, September 19, 2018, at the age of 88. On September 7, 1930, Phil was born on the family farm near the banks of the Wood River. Phil was the second of eleven children born to Albert and Laura (nee Desilets) Jacques. Phil’s classroom education ended early and then it was on to job training: various farms, mechanic and machinery assembling in Lethbridge, AB, on a dangerous green chain at a lumber mill in Fernie, BC, Calgary Meat Packers, then his uncle Art taught him welding. Phil went to work for Ellen Czernick (nee O’Neil) in 1951. Phil and Ellen were married on December 16, 1965. Phil loved children, and to Ellen’s girls "Phil” meant Dad, as he was the only Dad they ever knew. It was a role he loved, and he had a great influence in all aspects of their lives. Phil had a very successful career in cattle and grain farming. He was well known and respected as Wood River RM Councillor, took his turn acting as Reeve, and was a Weed Control Officer. He was a life member of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers, a registered cattle buyer, and honourary life member of the Knights of Columbus. Phil was a business partner, friend, and mentor to many over the years. He loved hard work and play, swimming, fishing, hunting, golfing, traveling, and wintering in Arizona. Phil loved his grandchildren and loved to "stir up the pot” just to get a rise out of someone or a feisty debate. Phil is predeceased by his wife Ellen; daughters Carol Ellis and Marlene Kuffner; siblings Maurice, Paul, Theresa and Gerald; brothers-in-law Magloire Bouvier, Laurent Boiselle, Rick Gunville; and sister-in-law Ivy Jacques. He will be fondly remembered by his daughter Lorraine "Lori” Morgan; son-in-law Lorne Ellis; grandchildren Erin, Chris, Morley, Randy, Corey, Tracey, Jason, Chantel; numerous great grandchildren; siblings Lillian Bouvier, Pauline Boiselle, Leon (Claudette) Jacques, Rene Jacques, Laurie Langford, Adeline Gunville; sister-in-law Cookie Jacques; and special friend Yvette Wojcik. Hats off to Phil for a well lived life! Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, September 22, 2018, 11:00 a.m., Ste Radegonde Roman Catholic Church, Lafleche, SK, with Father Maurice Minne celebrant. Interment took place at the Lafleche Roman Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Phil to the Ste Radegonde Cemetery Fund, Box 518, Lafleche, SK S0H 2K0 and masses were greatly appreciated.