Fournier, Rene Joseph

May 20, 1938 – May 27, 2025 (87)

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our Dad, who passed suddenly Tuesday at home. Born in St. Charles, ON to Lucien and Marie Louise Fournier (nee Dupuis). Predeceased by his wife, Lina Roy (2021) in Ottawa. Predeceased by his siblings Fernande Leclair (Michel) and Aurele Fournier (Mignonne). Survived by his children Lynn Fournier (John Hawes) of Val Caron, Shelly Larabie (Reg) of Sudbury, Tyrone Fournier (Glenn Evans) of Sudbury, and Guy Roy of Ottawa. Grandfather of Barry, Bradley (Kristy), and Brent Nault, Travis Larabie, Merren Nauss-Hale (Chris Hale), Aidan Nauss (Will Grant), and Emma, Andre, and Milla Roy. Great-grandfather of Abbigail, Noah, Landon, Maddix, and Jaxson Nault, and Colton, Mason, and Bowen Nauss-Hale.

Dad grew up on the Dupuis farm in St. Charles, then moved to Creighton, Lively, and Sudbury. Thinking he may want to work for INCO like his dad, he tried it, but it wasn’t for him. As a young man, he directed his talents to sales, starting at Silverman’s where he met and married Loretta and had three girls. They remained friends until the end.

In the 70s, Doran’s Brewery, various men’s stores including Linos, Dabous, and Paquette’s continued his sales career. He started his own called The Apartment for Men. He always loved the smell of asphalt and so started ACME paving company. In the 80s, he and Lina owned the Toy House on Lasalle. In the 90s, he sold furnaces for various companies.

Rene later worked with Guy, running BlackTop Sealing. He followed that up working with Reg in sales and sealing for Mr. Seal. He helped Tyrone with her Homecare business, delivering brochures around the city. He was a blackjack dealer, drove taxi, co-captain of a yacht in the Bahamas for a week…he once counted that he had done 69 different jobs in his lifetime.

Wanting to be closer to Guy and his family, Dad and Lina moved to Ottawa for 10 years and got to enjoy watching their youngest grandchildren grow. After Lina passed, he returned to Sudbury where he was able to live comfortably for the last four years with Ty and her husband Glenn. He found great joy and companionship with his adopted feline, Stella, who he adored and spoiled and who will miss him dearly. Private family memorial to be held at a later date. Donations made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the charity of your choosing would be greatly appreciated.