The hamlet of St. Joseph has lost a caring and humble carpenter. Never has there been a man who walked so closely in the footsteps of the good St. Joseph. Jean- Paul in his seventy-sixth year has gone to the kingdom to be with his beloved wife Bettie-Lou. He passed away very peacefully surrounded by his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of carpenters, not only sharing his knowledge with his four sons, two son-in-laws, his grandsons, but also many apprentices throughout the years.
He instilled his faith in Saint Andre’ and St. Joseph in everyone he met. Anyone who had the honour of sitting on his swing, looking at Lake Huron and talking about whatever came to mind, will dearly miss him. Be not saddened by this event, but cherish those memories, as was his wish. He cared for every person he met on this earth and the moment you shook his large, strong hand, you joined the ranks of being his friend.
His accomplishments are far too numerous to mention. Aside from running a successful carpenter contracting business for forty years in Detroit, he enthusiastically got involved with any project he could and put such effort in all he did. He was truly the best model of the worker. He particularly enjoyed his flower gardens at the cottage and building projects at his church.
He is survived by his six devoted children, Rachelle (Paul) Reinhard, John (Victoria) Cantin, Philip (Dawn) Cantin, Marc (Pauline) Cantin, Monique (Anthony) Hartman and Jared (Mary) Cantin. His twenty-two grandchildren, each of whom he was immensely proud of: Samantha, David, Andrew, Ashley, Allyson, Stephanie, Grace, Melissa, Steven, Patrick, Joseph, Monica, Sabrina, Thomas, Jacob, Diana, Isaac, Charlotte, Griffin, Christina, Lucy and Matthew, and great-grandson Aiden will miss him dearly. He is also survived by his loving sister Valerie. He joins his parents, Napoleon and Valerie along with his brothers and sisters Gabrielle, Yvonne, Napoleon, Eugene, Charles, Dorisse, Olivier, Pierre, Theresa and Andre’. He leaves behind far too many friends to list, many of them life long. May he rest in peace knowing what an impact he had on this world and all the people he met.
There is no funeral home visitation. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday April 9, 2011 at 12 noon in St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, St. Joseph, Ont. The family will meet friends at the church from 10 a.m. until service time. Fr. Graham Keep celebrant. Private spring interment at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Statue Restoration Fund.
CANTIN: Jean-Paul of St. Joseph
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Haskett Funeral Homes
Condolence From: Joseph Cantin
We are very sad to hear of your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. I am the son of Narcisse Cantin your Fathers cousin and had the honor of meeting you Father at the reunion. He reminded me of my Father and the great times we spent in St Joseph every summer. He was very warm and gracious to myself and my family and we enjoyed meeting him and also all of you. God Bless Joe & Mary Cantin
Condolence From: George & Annette Denomme
We would like extend our condolences in the loss of your father. We had many good times together and a lot of great memories. He was nice enough to come up north with a crew of men to work on our cottage and he also did some work at the barber shop which we will always be grateful for.
George & Annette Denomme
Condolence From: philip cantin
I give my condolences to all of you who share our sorrow in the loss of our father. Your love for my father has definitely left its aura in St.Joseph forever! I feel like we have lost a lot more than a father and a friend. We have lost a legend. I cant think of a better word that could describe the impression he has left on my life. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to tell my father exactly how I felt about him before died. I know most of you did the same thing that had the opportunity. I am sure that my dads heart was running on pure love in his final days, and he was feeling it. As I sat in church, I felt the spirits of dad and all of his brothers and sisters among us. I suddenly was overcome with pride. I have never been so proud to have the Cantin name, and to have a son to pass it on. I have never been so proud of all his relatives and friends who loved him so much. But most of all I have never been so proud as to be my fathers son. I thank you all for this!
Condolence From: Bob & Kathy Koepsell
To The Cantin Family, So sorry to hear about the passing of Jean Paul. Spent many enjoyable years working with Jean Paul and have many good memories from those years. God Bless His Family and Jean Paul.
Condolence From: Sal Lumetta (shores barber shop)
Please accept my sincere condolences. He will be missed.
Condolence From: Margaret Brisson
Dear Family,
I am saddened by the passing of your dear father and grandfather. He was a gentle giant with a generous heart. So many visits to his cottage and the Brisson cottage were enjoyed with his company. He was a great friend, a devoted Christian and a talented carpenter. We will all miss him. My prayers and condolences to you.
Margie Brisson
Condolence From: Bob and Joyce Herta
To the family of Jean PaulCantin our prayers and deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear father. You are very blessed to have a wonderful father. He was truly a man who loved God and loved his family in ways that have inspired us through the many years of our friendship. We have had the profound privilege of knowing your family over the years and ocassionally worshipping together at St.Lucy Church. He truly was a great carpenter, dynamic dad and very gifted man. Rejoice in the precious memories. We thank God for the lives he touched. He shall never be forgotten!!!
Our love and prayers,Bob&Joycce
Condolence From: Deb & Steve Overholt
We just want you to know that we are thinking about all you at this time and hope that you all have the strength to get throught this sorrow of losing a loved one and lean on each other for support. We will thinking of you all at this time.
You have our condolences and sympathy.
Deb & Steve Overholt
Condolence From: Lorraine (Firlotte) Sousa
Honour of sitting on his swing touch a cord.
My first recollection as a child going to St. Joseph in the summer is the big swing at “Mama’s” Jean Paul’s mother. There are many more good memories knowing the kindess of the Cantin family. His great family is a testament to his kind deeds and actions and we will remember the nurturing man he was. My heartfelt condolences to you all.
Condolence From: Cherie & Keith Ugorowski
We are so truly sorry for the loss of your dear father. Uncle Jean-Paul touched so many lives in so many ways, all according to God’s plan. For us, he was the comforting reminder of my Dad . . . his hands, voice, mannerisms and work ethic always made me feel like Dad was still here with us. He was safety and comfort for our family and he will be missed dearly. St. Joseph will not be the same without him. All we can do is strive to carry on the legacy of our Dads by demonstrating their wonderful qualities in us and our children. May God Bless all of you with His comfort and peace.
Condolence From: Arlene Cantin
My love and prayers are with all of you. Your Father is a very special man. He was always there for his family and friends. I felt very safe knowing he was next door at the cottage. We both knew how it was to live without your partner. I will miss him dearly. Dear Jean, you were more than a brother-in-law ……. you were the brother I never had. May God be with you until we meet again.
Condolence From: Charles and Judith Cantin
We are sadden by the lost of our friend and Dear Uncle Jean Paul. As a family we should consider that we were all fortunate enough to be able to share his love, life and the many memories he made.
Condolence From: Karen Budzinski
To the family and friends of Jean-Paul Cantin: I wish I would have been able to meet this wonderful man who carries such a beautiful tribute and leaves such a large and incredible legacy. I have had the privilege to be friends with one of his children, Rachelle, and to know some of his family. It is apparent that Jean-Paul’s heart and love and life message will be continued through the family he so lovingly poured himself into. May the memories you hold so dear bring you roses in December, and may the knowledge that Jean-Paul is walking in heaven with his beloved Lord give you comfort in the days ahead where he will be so missed here. Much love, Karen Budzinski
Condolence From: Sandy Wondergem
To the family and friends of Jean Paul. Our sincere sympathy in the lose of your Father, Grandfather, Cousin, and friend. It was obvious to any who knew Jean Paul,that he had a deep dedication to his family, his faith, his church, and his community. His smiling face will be missed in St. Joseph. Our prayers are with you, Sandy, Amanda & Kayla Wondergem
Condolence From: Ashley Denomme
A determined, strong, loving man who would do anything for anyone. JP Cantin was a good friend of mine but an even better one to my grandfather. JP was an amazing man and I am so thankful for having the privilege to be his neighbour at the cottage and getting to know him throughout the years as I grew up. As a little girl (not that I am any taller now) I remember the first time going to visit JP and his grandchildren with my Grandpa. Sharing stories, laughs and smiles I got to know JP pretty well and from then on I always tagged along with Grandpa. It touched my heart time and time again to see how close JP was with all of his many grandchildren. He would do anything for them along with anyone else who asked for a favour. JP and his grandkids had an everlasting bond, one that will never be broken. Before JP could ask Pat, Joe or Grace for a favour they were out the door doing it. They were a team, a team that could never be beaten. To me, Pat and Joe were more than JPs Grandkids, but were his best friends. I myself had the opportunity to work with JP – although it wasn’t really work considering I had so much fun doing it. We would be working away and he would crack a joke or make a mistake and get angry – but really you knew he wasn’t mad. He was a man who could make anyone smile or laugh and was the kind of comic of which you never knew what he was going to say next. JP was the type of man that would always lend a helping hand. He did amazing work and was always working in his shop. Anytime my grandpa needed something he would run on over to JP’s and JP would drop what he was doing and help him no matter what. The last couple years that I was back at the cottage I spent most of my time with Pat and Joe because Grace was either working or doing something else. We became very good friends and JP would always tease me about the two boys and I am sure when I wasn’t around he teased them as well. We got the name PAJ because wherever Pat and Joe were, I was and vice versa. Whenever we all ran by they would say “there goes PAJ” which I found pretty funny. Speaking of PAJ, if it wasn’t for JP us kids wouldn’t have near as much fun as we did growing up. He had all the toys you could name for us to play with. He had the swing set that we had spent a lot of time on. It wasn’t too often that JP wouldn’t let us take his four-wheeler for beach tours and his sea doo out in the water to go tubing and ride the waves. He had it all and we had a blast because of him. JP always had something good to say about everyone. Every time I went over to visit JP he was telling me how I am getting cuter and cuter as the days go by. He would ask me if I’ve lost weight meanwhile I had probably gained weight if anything. He made me feel great about myself and I loved being around him. With the laughs we have shared I will cherish many memories from the cottage for years to come. You touched the hearts of many people and taught them the true meaning of life and for that you will never be forgotten. God saw you getting tired And a cure was not meant to be. So he put his arms around you And whispered ‘Come to Me’. With tearful eyes we watched you As we saw you pass away. Although we loved you deeply, Your Golden Heart stopped beating, Hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us. He only takes the best. Those we love remain with us For love itself lives on, And cherished memories never fade Even though a loved one is gone, Those we love can never be More than a thought apart, For as long as there is memory, They’ll live on in the heart.
Condolence From: Frank and Nancy Moore
We are so fortunate to have recently become reacquainted with Jean Paul. All who knew him will be forever blessed, remembering his extraordinary kindness and gentle humour, with a smile. Frank & Nancy Moore
Condolence From: Elaine Outland
Dear Mary and Jared: I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Didn’t realize that he too was a carpenter. May the carpenter of our lives, Jesus Christ, comfort you and your entire family. When we lose those who gave us life we lose a part of ourselves as well but the best part of what we carry with us is their honesty, humility, character and most importantly their incredible love. Love….Elaine
Condolence From: Jim Scanlon
My Condolences to the children, grand children, and other members of the Cantin family. You have lost a fine man. Never was I with him when I did not enjoy his presence, the visit and conversation.
Condolence From: Steve, Anne, Simon, Laura, Ethan Harburn
To the Cantin Family We send our deepest sympathy to you all. Jean-Paul was always very welcoming to us. Steve will remember all their interesting conversations. Our Love and Prayers to you at this time.
Condolence From: Lisa Sommers
Dear Monique and all the Cantin family, I’m very saddened to hear that your father and friend is no longer with us. Although I didn’t see JP that often, whenever I visited my parent’s cottage, he would always stop by for a visit. I loved hearing his stories from the past and his jokes, always punctuated with a wry smile! He was very warm and personable and always greeted me with a big hug and kiss. Such a sweet man….a gentle giant, and I will miss him very much. I’m sure his spirit will loom large over St. Joseph’s for years to come. My sincere condolences to all of you.
Condolence From: Harold and Arlie Denomme
Arlie and I are saddened to hear of Jean-Paul’s passing. He was a very special person and will be missed by all the community. He and his loved ones will be remembered in our prayers.
Condolence From: Renee Mayer and Brandon DeBaeke
To the Cantin Family.. I am sorry to hear about your Father, My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Condolence From: Peter and Carolyn Mathonia
To all of Jean Paul’s family please accept our condolences on the loss of your father and your friend. This tall man with the warmest of smiles, always a welcoming “hello” when we would meet. many good memories were made at your parent’s cottage. We will always feel lucky to have know Jean Paul. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time, and we believe his spirit will always be overlooking the cliff onto the waters of Lake Huron.
Peter and Carolyn
Condolence From: Rosemary And Archie
Arch and I were so sorry to learn of John Paul’s passing. May God bless you all, and help you through this difficult time. I Will always remember how very nice your Father was to My father when they ran across each other at get together Our sincere Sympathy are with you.
Condolence From: Sue, Mark, Connor and Laura Adams
Dear Monique and Family…We are so sorry for your loss…you are truly a remarkable daughter…always being there for your Dad..the Gentle Giant. Our little community of St. Joseph has lost a great one…but he will live on in all the stories that he shared with each and everyone of us. You are in our thoughts and prayers. XO Sue, Mark, Connor and Laura Adams
Condolence From: Ron and Dianne Ducharme
To Monique Anthony and Cantin Families Ron and I send our deepest sympathy to you all at this very sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ron and Dianne Ducharme
Condolence From: Mike,Vicki and Kristofer Ducharme
Dear Monique and Families involved: It doesn’t seem like that long ago you were taking your Dad to the States for treatments. We will truly MISS his large SMILE and great sense of humour during anything that was going on in his life……. He will be missed LARGE in these parts of the community.. A TRULY GREAT MAN|||| HE WILL BE MISSED, Mike.Vicki and Kristofer Ducharme
Condolence From: Melanie McBride
Even though I didn’t get to know Jean Paul very long, it was an honour to be his nurse for his last days. He was blessed with a wonderful family and I am glad that I could be there for you and for Jean Paul as he got ready to go “to the kingdom”. My prayers are with you all, hold each other and your memories close.
Melanie the nurse
Condolence From: Isidore and Paula LaPorte
Our heartfelt sympathy to all of John-Paul’s family.We came from such a huge extended family and the fact that most of his life was spent in the States…we only re connected in the last 20 or so years…He was an imposing man…a gentle giant….always inquiring about the family and always with a smile….he had Paula’s baked beans once…and never let her forget how he enjoyed them…He always wanted to make a person feel good. St. Joseph’s will never be the same without him.
Condolence From: Denise Byrne
Although I didn’t know Jean-Paul well; the thoughtful, and honourable description of him in his obituary is exactly the impression he made upon me. I always enjoyed the small amount of contact I had with him, and he would always ask about my “girls” and recently my son in law; always making a positive comment. I extend my heart felt sympathy to his big and loving family.