Racine, Jean Paul (J.P.)
It is with great sorrow that the family of Jean Paul Edgar (J.P.) Racine announce his passing on February 4, 2015, peacefully in North Bay with his loving daughter Christine Baker, at his side.
Born June 22, 1934 in Sturgeon Falls, son of the late Stanislas Racine and Clara (nee Dupuis). Cherished husband of the late Anne Mary (nee Gosson) Racine. Adoring father of Louise Dubyk (Bernie Thorne) of Oshawa; Christine and Graham Baker of Chisholm, Raymond Racine (Mary Carter) of Nepean, Monique Racine (Theriault) of Bowmanville and Stephanie and Shawn Thomas of Bowmanville. His son Jean Paul Jr welcomed him to his eternal rest with open arms and fishing rods in hand. He was also a honorary Dad to Steph Vandolweerd and Greg Wotton of North Bay.
Beloved brother of the late Lucia Duguay (late Paul), late Lucienne Tremblay (late Henri), Rene Racine (late Lucille) of Sudbury, Aurore Villeneuve (late Phil) of Sudbury, the late Aime Racine (Jeannine) of Sturgeon Falls, Leo Racine (Jeannine) of Sudbury, Stella Perrin (Rheal) of Sturgeon Falls.
Dear brother-in-law of Jenny Navid (late Joe), Patricia Sayer (Tom), late Mike Gosson (Linda) and Susan Lloyd (Don) all of Cache Bay.
All it took to bring a smile to his face was to spend time with his grandchildren Craig Dubyk (Cara), Dayna Dubyk (T.J.), Sarah Renaudette (Randy), Emily Baker (Craig), Heather and Allison Baker, Vanessa, Renee and Jenni Theriault, Terra and Erica Thomas and his great grandchildren Larken, Noah, Nevaeh, Mya and Kaleb. Each were his pride and joy and will continue his legacy. They will forever miss their “Pear”. We will forever hold a special place in the hearts of his many nieces and nephews.
Education was very important to Jean Paul and although he had to leave school at a young age to help provide for his family, he went back at the age of 62 and earned his High School Diploma, graduating with honours.
J.P. Joined the Ontario Provincial Police force in Sturgeon Falls in 1964 as a Constable in uniform working his way up to Detective and worked across the province in the Intelligence Unit doing undercover police work for many years. He ended his career as Staff Sergeant retiring after 31 years of service. He was well respected by his peers and was successful in numerous investigations. His police work never stopped however and he was brought back to train others and do special Intelligence work many times during his retirement. His job was his passion and in the words of one of his superiors on the force J. P. was a legend in the OPP.
He will lovingly be remembered for his wit and humorous stories, and wonderful happy smiling face.
He was an avid reader, loved his Reader's Digest, listening to music (mostly country) and dancing, fishing, hunting, camping with his kids and grandkids, and spending time at the lake.
His life was all about service, whether as a Member of the Knights of Columbus, Eucharistic Minister at his church or just being there for a neighbour with his hammer in hand.
Heartfelt thanks to Dr. O and the Nurses of North Bay Regional Hospital for their compassionate care and support, as well as to Tim Foster a colleague and treasured friend and the Staff and friends of the Empire and all of Dad's friends, too many to mention but close in our hearts.
The family will receive relatives and friends to celebrate and honour J.P.'s life at Theoret-Bourgeois Funeral Home, Sturgeon Falls.
Visitation Saturday February 14, 2-4 and 7-9 pm and Sunday February 15 12-1 with Catholic Funeral Rite prayers immediately following at the Theoret-Bourgeois Funeral Home at 1:00 pm Sunday February 15th.