LaROSE
Our beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, Paul Daniel Gabriel LaRose died on Father's Day, June 21, 2015, in the Stettler Health Care Centre. Paul is survived by his children Darla (Darrell) Rairdan and Darren (Deborah) LaRose; grandchildren Danie Rairdan, Rick (Natani) LaRose, Dustyn (Jessica) Rairdan, Robbie (Karolynn) LaRose, D.J. (Holly) Rairdan, Kali LaRose, Laine (Roxanne) Parsons, Koltyn Parsons; great granddaughter Maycie Rairdan and his loving partner Evelyn Wason and her family; siblings John (Joan), Anna May Forsyth and Dorothy (Dale) Ellertson; brother in law Frank Chick; sisters in law Louise LaRose, Ruby LaRose, Mary LaRose, Gloria (Bob) MacKenzie, Gail (Rick) Baron and Faye Birrell; as well as other relatives and many dear friends. Paul was predeceased by his loving wife Marilyn in 2002, his parents Frank and Catherine, his siblings Ernest, Doretta, Francis, George, Eugene, Lorraine.
According to Paul (and he is famous for his stories) he was born near Donalda on February 3, 1939 in two old granaries pulled together and made into a house. He grew up during hard times for his family, so even as a boy he often had to provide for himself "with nothing but my magnum" (a home made slingshot). When he was thirteen his parents were forced to move to town; so he lived alone on the farm raising a few hogs, hunting and fishing for food.
Paul loved many things in his life: his wife Marilyn, his partner Evelyn, his children, his grandchildren and his favorite horse of all time AJ. Years ago, he painstakingly made necklaces for each and every child and grandchild out of the ivory teeth of elk he had hunted for food. He started a business in 1968, Paul's Road Maintenance, which is still run by his son Darren. His love of horses lives on through his daughter Darla and her children. He taught us everything he knew about hunting, fishing and farming.
Paul also loved reflecting on his grandparents George and Susan LaRose and enjoyed doing research on his Métis heritage with his grandchildren. In 2013 he travelled with one grandson and an 1870's map to Joliet, North Dakota, to discover the very same bend in the Red River where his Métis Grandpa George grew up in the 1860's.
He loved watching Oilers games, skating, camping, arrowhead hunting, telling hilarious and sometimes almost unbelievable stories and jokes and having coffee with his kids and grandkids. He was first and foremost the greatest provider of love, care, attention and hilarity that any of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren could ever ask for.
Funeral services were held at Stettler Funeral Home on Thursday, June 25, 2015 with Rev. Ross Helgeton officiating. Grandchildren Danie Rairdan and Ricky LaRose gave loving tributes about their grandfather Paul. Paul was laid to rest at Lake View Cemetery with his grandchildren as Pallbearers. Family and friends gathered for a time of fellowship in the Heartland Reception Centre and a luncheon by the Union Hall Ladies. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your own choice. Condolences may viewed or sent to the family at www.stettlerfuneralhome.com