David Paul Lafreniere

What a journey of love it’s been with you by our side. Saying goodbye to you is the most difficult thing we’ve ever had to face and we will try to navigate this painful time, courageously as a family. Wherever you have gone, our love follows you and will for eternity.

Our dearest Dave left this world, on the morning of November the 2nd, 2024. Dave was the third born in his family to Ed and Shirley Lafreniere. Randy (Jeanine) was first, followed by Cheryl DeVuono (Sergio) and Bryan (Angele) completed their family in 1969.

Dave and Shawna (nee O’Connor) first met in September of 1985, when Shawna moved to a Park Street apartment (aka The Ranch) that Dave was moving out of. The following morning, Shawna, Dave and baby Roderick, went to the Sugar Shack for a pancake breakfast. In early December of that year, a little over 2 months from when they first met, Dave proposed to the love of his life, and Shawna accepted. With their parents Ed and Shirley Lafreniere and Greg and Lucy (nee Smith) O’Connor, Dave and Shawna married on June 7, 1986. Dave proudly took on the role of Father to Roderick (Melissa Fisher) and in 1987, they welcomed Roderick’s baby sister, Kaitlyn. Dave was an adoring and dedicated Father and as a family, they created a lifetime of beautiful memories.

Over the years, Dave worked at Crazy Crazies with his brothers Randy and Bryan, and then he moved into the automobile industry in Sudbury and Cornwall, finally settling permanently in North Bay, working with those he called his “second family” at George Stockfish Ford.

In 2005, Dave was diagnosed with a brain tumour (Aniplastic oligoastrocytoma) and was given a shortened life prognosis of 3 to 7 years. However, Dave wasn’t finished with life and simply carried on for another sixteen years. In 2021, Dave received the diagnosis with the recurrence of the brain tumor (Glioblastoma). Throughout his years, Dave lived life passionately and enjoyed every moment, whether it was on his motorbike, boat or hanging out at home with family; and listening to his other passion, music.

But although these passions were sources of great enjoyment to him, nothing compared to the time he spent with his three precious granddaughters, Oliviah, Norah and Rowan whom he loved deeply and they loved their “BeePaw” right back.

The family would like to acknowledge Dr. Inez Jinnah for her incredible empathy and compassion, as well as the medical staff on D3. Also to be thanked are Dave’s absolutely amazing team of care providers including his Oncologists, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, who provided exceptional care and just loved Dave.

Visitation will be held at Hillside Funeral Services on Saturday November 9th from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm with a service in celebration of Dave’s life to follow.

If desired, donations to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada would be greatly appreciated.