Joel Ralph LACROIX

LACROIX, Joel Ralph - In loving memory of Joel Ralph LaCroix, 72 years, who passed away Wednesday, March 5th, 2008 at the Sudbury Regional Hospital - St. Joseph's Health Centre. Born in Smooth Rock Falls, Joel was a dedicated, respected and loved teacher. He taught auto mechanics, was the technical director and responsible for computerization at Hanmer Secondary School, for 25 years where he was known as the “Fonz“, retiring in 1994. Joel was a member of AA since 1981. He was an active volunteer throughout his life, serving with Science North, Maison la Paix, and the Laurentian Hospital. More recently Joel was very committed to the work in New Orleans after Katrina, helping the rebuilding programs as well as volunteering at the City Zoo. Locally he helped establish a home here in Sudbury through Habitat for Humanity. Joel was a role model for his students and his family. A patient, intelligent and well read man, he was always a good listener and accepting of others. A truly spiritual man with a wonderful inner peace, who constantly, bettered himself and the world around him. Joel had skilled hands and a good heart. Beloved husband of Marie-Claire (Bedard) LaCroix predeceased 1995. Loving father and “Bonhomme“ of Nicole (husband Bernd Wittke) of Sudbury. Cherished Pepere of Heidi (husband Frederic Scalabrini) and Natasha (friend Adam Kahn) and great-grandfather of Makayla. Dear son of Francis and Julie LaCroix both predeceased. Dear brother of Ronald (wife Micheline), Serge (wife Micheline) and Mireille all of Quebec, Colleen (husband Jacques Lavoie) of Iroquois Falls, predeceased by Joanne. Sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. Special friend of Rachelle. Memorial Service at the R.J. Barnard Chapel, JACKSON AND BARNARD FUNERAL HOME, 233 Larch St., Saturday, March 8th, 2008 at 2 p.m. Cremation at the Park Lawn Crematorium. Donations to the Habitat for Humanity would be appreciated. (Friends may call after 1 p.m. Saturday). Flowers, donations or messages of condolence available on line at www.lougheed.org. 11010783