On August 4th our much loved father, Papa, uncle, brother and hero was welcomed into his heavenly home where he was greeted by Mom and by all those, he loved who had left first. Although we will forever miss his earthly presence, we are comforted by knowing that he knew how much we all loved him and that the faith he instilled in us will link our family chain together when our Lord calls each of us home. Oh, what a happy day that will be!
Dad was born in Newcastle, New Brunswick to William and Gertrude Savage. The of 8th of 9 children, he told many stories of his childhood growing up with older brothers and sisters who did their best to keep him in line, sometimes to no avail. From stories I have been told, he was a bit of a rascal in his youth. He often spoke of fishing and poaching in the Miramichi River. Pitching a no hitter against the Burnt Church baseball team. Attempting to catch and ride the baby piglets and raiding his brother Bill's war box looking for chocolate bars when he returned from WW2, only finding matches that he lit in the closet, almost setting his house on fire. He was also an escape artist, being in hospital at 9 yrs old for a week, after being thrown from a horse, he found the back stairs and ran away. To us, his children, he was our Daddy, and one that would always protect us. He and Mom raised us with the Christian virtues of love, kindness, honesty, responsibility and humility. Always by example.
In 1954 at 18 yrs old, Dad met and married the love of his life, Treva Gautreau, and together they started to grow a family beginning with Gloria, followed closely by Norman, Jim, Valerie, Darlene, and lastly our baby Stephen, the only child born in Ontario. Full time employment in the Maritimes was scarce in those times and so to provide for his growing family, he went west, found a job in Northern Ontario, and moved his family to Jellicoe. A true “down homer”, he always made sure to take us all back to NB each summer to visit our large family. His favourite saying was “Like the salmon, we always return to the Miramichi River”.
He worked for Tom Tansley, as a truck driver for a couple of years and then for Domtar Woodlands, where he became a much-respected Logging Superintendent, until his retirement in 1991. Shortly after his retirement from Domtar, Dad stepped into his caregiver role, giving selflessly and compassionately his love to Mom for the next 12 years as she advanced through the stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Never complaining and always attentive to her needs we saw that unconditional love every day until she passed in 2016. Dad never lost faith that they would be reunited some day and had a little shrine set up in the house where he would say the rosary and pray as that was their ritual over the years.
As Dad aged, Jim, Shirley, and his long time Jellicoe friends, looked out for his needs enabling him to live independently until May 28th, when he was admitted to hospital for pneumonia that he never fully recovered from. Eventually his tired heart could no longer keep up and he passed peacefully knowing what was awaiting him and that his family would continue to hold each other up through anything the world threw at them.
Dad is survived by his 6 children, Gloria (Ken) Koroscil, Norman (Geraldine) Savage, Jim (Shirley) Savage, Valerie (Danny) Walsh, Darlene (Mark) Aube, Stephen (Leona) Savage, 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and his two brothers Jack and Richard.
Dad was predeceased by his sweetheart Treva, daughter-in-law Marietta, son-in-law Paul, his sisters Mary and Mildred, brothers Bill, Harmond, Freeman, and Raymond. Many friends and his Beaner and Auction card partners Bill & Louise, Stan & Pat, and anyone else who would throw in a dollar.
We would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Geraldton District Hospital, who cared for and made Dad comfortable, listened to his stories and laughed at his jokes during his hospital stay. You really are earth angels. Not to forget that you graciously put up with the numerous visitors and family that showed up from across the globe during his hospital stay. Special thanks and love go out to Dad's hospital buddy, Noel, who kept watch over Dad, entertained him, and watched Cops with him in the lobby when the remote disappeared and changing channels was not happening. We thought maybe they were planning their escape, but this time Dad couldn't run too far pushing Noel’s wheelchair.
Cremation has taken place and next summer when family can come back, a funeral mass will be held and Dad will be placed with Mom in the columbarium niche at the Nipigon Cemetery as per his wishes.
If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honour of Dad to the Jellicoe Recreation Committee/ Jellicoe School restoration fund, a cause that he believed strongly in and a way to give back to the community that was always there for our family. Donations via eft may be sent to: [email protected]
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
