Laurand Joseph Arthur Ethier

September 2, 1933 - May 23, 2025

In Loving Remembrance

Sadly, the world has lost a wonderful man. Laurand passed away peacefully at West Coast General Hospital on May 23, 2025, surrounded by his family. Laurand was predeceased by his wife Mary Jane, his parents Felix and Laurette, and his brothers Archie and Bill. He is survived by his three children Cheryl, Sandra and Dave (Karen). He is also survived by five grandchildren, Daniel and Jeremy (Elissa) Brennan, and Ben, Nicola and Katie Ethier; and five great-grandchildren, Deanna, Hudson, Koen, Levi and Della Brennan. He also leaves behind 5 remaining brothers and sisters: Ernie, twin brother Roland, Lena, Denis and Celina.

Laurand was born in Pine Falls, Manitoba near his family's home in St. Georges. His family moved to Winnipeg and Prince Rupert during the war years and finally settled in Port Alberni, where he lived for most of his life. Dad and his brothers and sisters grew up in a loving family and they had many wonderful times together.

In 1960, Laurand married his sweetheart, Mary Jane. They were blessed with twin daughters and a son. He built a beautiful new home for his family to live in. Dad was an excellent provider for his family and a wonderful father who had endless time and patience for his kids. He spent time as a Cub Scout leader, softball coach and many other activities.

Dad was a hard worker. He worked for MacMillan Bloedel for about 40 years. He was instrumental in bringing Somass Division into the computer age. After Dad retired, he volunteered for Meals on Wheels and Community Futures for several years.

As a family, we always had dinner together. Dinner conversation with Dad was never trivial. He talked to us about the universe and about eternity. We all remember being asked "Where does the sky end?". Of course, we had no idea, but he planted in us a desire to quest for God.

Dad was a very spiritual man who had a strong belief in God.

Dad's hobbies and interests included reading, drawing, and carpentry. He could build anything - from rocking horses to houses. He was also a talented wood carver and carved amazing ducks and horses. He enjoyed gardening and grew many flowers and vegetables. Dad enjoyed golfing, floor-curling, and walking on the Kitsuksis dike. Dad travelled to Israel, London, Paris, Toronto, the Rocky Mountains and Alaska.

Mom and Dad were blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, in Port Alberni and Langley, and loved to spend time with them all. Mom and Dad moved to Langley for about twelve years before returning to Port Alberni.

Dad was a man of integrity. He was soft-spoken, logical, calm, gentle, determined, resilient, and had a delightful sense of humour. Dad was a man of his word. If he said he would do something, he would do it. If you needed help, Dad would stop what he was doing and come to your assistance. Mom and Dad dedicated their whole lives to their family, we love you both.

We wish to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the dedicated teams of wonderful people at West Coast General Hospital, Victoria General Hospital and the VIHA Home Care Support staff for the excellent care they gave to our Dad.

Laurand will be deeply missed always by his loving family.

May God hold you in his loving arms for eternity, Dad. Until we meet again. Rest in peace.

A small private burial has taken place and there will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at Chapel of Memories - 4005 Sixth Avenue, Port Alberni.