It is with sad hearts the family of Richard Napoleon Valois announce his passing on Friday, March 11, 2016, while at home after struggling with COPD for several years. With his wife of 41 years, Carol Joan (nee Courteau), he leaves in mourning his children Trevor Valois and Megan Torrie, Michelle and Noel Samson, Cyril Valois and Tracy Dewhurst, Marc Valois and Michelle Kergen, Eric Valois and Kirsten Colborn, Chelsea and Dallas Robinson, his grandchildren Cameron Samson, Émilie Samson, and Makayla Valois, his siblings Aimé and Carol Valois, Rémi and Vivian Valois, Céline Valois and Gilles Frechette, Gisèle Valois, "... and Carol Valois and Tony Fortier, his sisters-in-law Shirley Beaulieu, and Elaine and J.D. Greenshields, and numerous nieces and nephews."
Richard was predeceased by his parents Wilfrid and Alice (nee Poulin) Valois.
Richard was born on September 13, 1950, in Zenon Park, SK where he would spend most of his life farming on the Valois family homestead, nurturing his family with Carol, and always welcoming his large extended family home for a visit. He wasn’t one to be in the limelight, but his quick wit with good humoured jokes and remarks from the back of the room always made everyone laugh. Usually a very humble man about his own accomplishments, contributions, and adventures, Richard would not hesitate to share his pride when it came to his children and grandchildren. Richard loved reading novels of all kind, and had a special appreciation for cable television as evidenced by the High Ridge tower. Richard understood the importance of community involvement, having been a member of various local boards and associations such as the Knights of Columbus, school board, rink board, economic development board, and parish council. Richard was an early adaptor of agriculture diversification, bringing borage and other herbs to the area. He always looked forward to celebrating his wedding anniversary with Carol on July 6 – it was a family tradition and expectation to enjoy fresh garden potatoes and cream salad from Carol’s massive garden (or Noel’s garden). In his recent years, Richard put on a brave face despite his health challenges. He became even more of a creature of comfort at home, but was overjoyed to welcome the caravans of family and friends into the farm yard for the next great get-together. We know he is now breathing deeply, with a smirk on his face, chasing the setting sun from the seat of a combine.