FORGERON, Valma Joseph (April 25, 1930 – August 1, 2024)

With deep sadness, we share the passing of Valma on Thursday August 1, 2024, at United Mennonite Home in Vineland. At 94 years of age, surrounded by loving family, he peacefully slipped away to be reunited with his beloved wife. Devoted husband of Lucille for 73 wonderful years. Son of the late William and Blanche (Marchand). Beloved father of Kenneth (the late Sharon), the late Mark (Lynn), Stephen and Nicole (Chris). Cher Pépé of Luc (Laura), Maggie, Bailey (Rachael), Shaw (Katie), Claire, Alec (Kristine), Andy (Jessica), Steven, and two great-grandchildren, Gigi and Ellie. Pre-deceased by his brothers Albert, Anthony, Francis, Don and Urbain, Thomas in infancy, his sisters Theresa Manuel, Stella Pellerine, Carmella Ivy and twin sisters in infancy. Uncle or cousin to many family members in Ontario, the west coast and the Atlantic provinces.

Valma was born in Port Royal, Cape Breton, NS, met and wooed his wife in Halifax (where he was working as a seafood chef), ultimately relocating to Ontario with his wife and his brother Don. They first located in Brantford, where Valma and Don worked at Massey-Harris. The story is told that it was while there that his love of receiving fruit cake as a company gift for Christmas was established – that loaf likely still sits at the bottom of the Grand River.

Valma and Lucille then relocated to St. Catharines where they started their family and dedicated themselves to creating a loving home, which became a showcase for his craftmanship talents. He worked as a machinist at Thompson Products Automotive for many years until retirement. Valma was a multi-talented person, excelling at whatever he turned his hand to. In his personal time, he was a runner, a carpenter, a cabinet maker, a bread maker, a welder, a metalsmith, and if you tried his fudge, you would not forget it. He read extensively, with a particular focus on his Acadian heritage. His love of his Cape Breton origins was a constant in his life.

Valma was never happier than when his family were all together, and they felt the same. The home he built with Lucille greeted large groups annually for a lobster meal in the garage (a favorite spot for many other celebrations as well), with Valma always ensuring everyone had all they could eat before sitting down himself. Every once in a while, he’d gather those available for a favorite meal of salt cod.

He liked to present himself as gruff, but he was anything but. He was a quiet, kind, caring and gentle soul, immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, and thankful to all for the support he received in recent years. Few people knew it, but he had a sweet singing voice, probably first shared in his early days as an altar boy in West Arichat where he sang solos of both carols and mass hymns in Latin with the organist.

Dad, you often asked “will you be okay?”. We will – we have you in us and you can rest now. Nous t’aimons toujours.                 

As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. Valma’s life will be remembered on Thursday August 8th at a visitation at Garden City Funerals, 39 Court St., St. Catharines between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. His life will be celebrated in a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 9th at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 169 St. Paul Crescent, St. Catharines. All are welcome to the interment at Pleasantview Cemetery, 2250 RR 20, Fonthill ON L0S 1E6.  Memorial donations to the United Mennonite Home in Vineland, the Alzheimer’s Society, Heart Niagara, or St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be shared at www.gardencityfunerals.ca