Louis John Maltais
In loving memory of Louis John Maltais who passed away peacefully at Princess Court, Dryden Ontario on August 21, 2020 at the age of 87 years.
Louis was born on March 3, 1933 in Tecumseh, Ontario. His childhood was spent in Eton Rugby with his 10 siblings. When his family relocated to BC, Louis chose to stay in northwestern Ontario and went to work construction when he was 14, building the highway between Thunder Bay and Fort Frances. He worked construction for a few years until he became a lineman on a traveling crew for Ontario Hydro. While working in Dryden, he met Lorraine Lott. After Louis and Lorrie were married in 1955 he became employed with Dryden Hydro, they made Dryden their home and had 3 children; Danny, Denise, and David. Denise was born with exceptionalities, and in addition to being an involved dad and very proud family man, Louis also recognized the importance of community involvement. He was instrumental in helping create ARC Industries (Community Living) in Dryden to help support families. In recognition of his volunteering and many years of community service with numerous Dryden organizations, Louis received a ‘Senior of the Year’ award from the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration in 2012. He was also a volunteer fire fighter from 1956 -1979 at which time he became the first salaried Fire Chief for the Town of Dryden. He retired from his profession in 1992, and soon took on the role he loved the most–being a grandpa!
Louis loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. From reading stories, to picking raspberries in the garden, to attending sporting events, he was their biggest fan and so proud!
Louis had many passions and interests. He loved food and became an excellent cook and baker who enjoyed cooking for others. He was always very particular and used the best ingredients available. He developed his food ‘fussiness’ while working construction and eating in restaurants every day. Louis had high food standards and would not hesitate to inform you if he felt a meal was lacking, or could be improved!
Louis was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and even blueberry picking! He and Lorrie traveled out west each summer, camping along the way and visiting family and friends. Louis also looked forward to an annual goose hunting trip with his friends. Gardening was a passion of Louis’ and his backyard was his pride and joy. After his ‘work’, he could often be found having a nap under his tree. Louis loved to golf and entertained his Thursday night men’s group without fail each week. He was also a passionate and competitive curler; attending the Canadian Firefighters’ Curling Championship in 1970.
Louis was predeceased by his wife Lorrie, his children David and Denise, his parents Alvic and Isabelle, and his siblings Danny, Stella, Min, Rollie, Rene, Yvonne, and Sheila.
Louis is survived by his son Dan (Chris); his grandchildren Jillian (Kevin), Derek, Christian, Allana (Andrew) and Greg; his great grandchildren Madisyn, Brodie-Lynne, and Addison; his sisters Isabelle and Betsy; his brother Roger; and his dear friend Helen.
A special heartfelt thank you to Dr. Cortens and all of the staff at Princess Court who cared for Louis. Your positive attitude, care and compassion for Louis will not be forgotten.
Louis shared his life and many wonderful times with family, countless close friends and colleagues. We will all miss him.
A Memorial Funeral Service will be held Friday August 28, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Saviour Lutheran Church with Pastor Alex Timm officiating.
Interment of ashes will follow in the Dryden Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, donations can be made to Princess Court DECO through Stevens Funeral Homes “Moffat Chapel” PO Box 412, P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca with our thanks.
Masks are mandatory and social distancing will be observed with limited seating capacity.
