May 8, 1933-June 14, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a beautiful man. Verne Lavoie, loving husband of Betty (nee Jackson) for 64 years. Father to Joe (Helen), Pennie (Mike), Chris (Kurt) and Rose (Peter). He will be missed by his many grandchildren, Tyler, Jordy, Cody, Cadence, Marshall, Grace, Harland, Rose, Ben, Alex and great-grandchild Shayla.
Predeceased by his wife Betty, parents Peggy and Bud Lavoie, brothers Ron and Jim, and sisters Marley and Cathy. Remembered fondly by his sister Sally.
Verne was born in Parry Sound, Ontario, on May 8th, 1933.
He began his career sailing the Great Lakes from 1951 to 1953 aboard the St. Heliers and the S.S. Bayton. During this time, he served as a seaman, waiter, fireman and 3rd class stationary engineer. After coming ashore, he started working at Orenda Engines Ltd., the test facility for the Avro Arrow engines, which was a source of great pride for him.
Soon after, he met the love of his life, Betty Jackson.
They married in Parry Sound in 1956, where Joe and Pennie were born, and soon headed south to Toronto to find work. They bought their first home in Oakville, where Chris was born, making the family complete. He found work at Goodyear and Purina and got his 2nd class stationary engineer ticket.
After his dad passed away in 1970, they decided to move north to be closer to his mom and found work at the new Kimberly-Clark plant in Huntsville. Their house in Huntsville wasn’t ready when work started, so the family lived in 2 adjoining rooms at the Empire hotel for two months until moving into their forever home.
Verne worked at Kimberly-Clark as a Stationary Engineer 2nd class for 28 years without missing a single day.
His love for the water led him to many years of boating in his cabin cruiser on Georgian Bay with his beautiful wife, Betty. They had many friends and enjoyed lots of fun dinners with the Potlukker gang.
Together, they cherished their grandchildren and enjoyed many years of retirement.
He was an avid reader, movie watcher, loved to cook and enjoyed his cold beer. He was happiest cooking big meals for family, playing pool, listening to music and dancing with Betty.
Life took a turn when Betty was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, but Verne was able to keep her at home and safe until we lost her during COVID.
Verne lived in his Huntsville home until his passing on June 14, 2026.
In keeping with Verne’s wishes, cremation has taken place and family and friends will celebrate both Verne and Betty’s lives at a later date.
As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Verne’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Society of Muskoka or Huntsville District Memorial Hospital.
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