September 5, 1920 - January 17, 2022
In loving memory ~
Picture a sod hut on the bald prairies in Tessier, Sask. on Sept 5, 1920, the beginning of life for Pierre Alexandre Cadorette. His father, Fortunat Leon Cadorette was a railway station agent. His mother, Marie Josephine Cadorette (nee St. Pierre) took care of the household. Pete was the third child of eleven siblings, Paul 1917, Pauline 1918, Pierre 1920, Albert 1922. Louis 1924. Leonard 1926, Therese 1927, Jean 1931. Francois 1932, Marie Rose 1935 and Jacque 1937.
Pete's formative years covered the roaring 20's, the Great Depression of the 1930's and the World War of the 1940's. Dad told stories of hunting gophers, keeping brother Albert out of trouble and lling his grandmother's woodbox for the princely sum of half a peanut. During the war years Pete was employed in the logging industry in Haida Gwall, piloting crew boats and falling trees.
In 1942 Pete attended a loggers ball in Vancouver where he was introduced to Amy Ethel Doyle, Sweet 16 and never kissed. After 5 years of long distance courting they married in Prince Albert, Sask. on Aug. 30, 1947. After celebrating 63 years of their union, Amy passed away on Sept. 14, 2010.
From 1947 to 1955 they settled near Zenon Park, Sask, farmed pigs and produced 5 children, Marie, Raymond, Patrick (Judy), Douglas (Ruth) and Mario (predeceased). Farming was a bust so when dad asked mom if she wanted to move to Vancouver Island, mom packed up and was ready to go in two days. The 1946 Chevy two door was loaded with kids, possessions and our Boston Terrier. In 1956, our sister Jacqueline was born in Duncan and dad bought a house and three lots in the village of Shawnigan Lake. In 1961 Valerie Parry was born in Duncan bringing the count to 7 siblings. Pete was proud of his 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and his 1 great great grandchild.
Dad's focus on life was providing for his family. Dad was willing to try his hand at anything in order to put food on the table, trucking, logging, saw milling, heavy duty diesel mechanic and millwright. He even sold and repaired sewing machines in 1958. In 1964 dad started building a new house with friends and family and move in ready in 1966. Dad worked until 1992.
At age 72 It was time to retire. For the next 30 years dad spent time hobby farming and growing a garden. He lived to share his knowledge, his stories and his garden produce with family, neighbors and friends. Pete experienced the waning era of the horse and buggy days to man's recent forays into outer space. He was curious about all things mechanical, loved his garden, and kept up to date with news of the world.
The end of an era for the Shawngan Lake Cadorette family happened at 2:50 a.m. on Jan 17, 2022. Pete was 101 years and 4 months when he moved on to his next adventure.
Much gratitude to Dr. Moulaison for his care, advice and home visits. A big thank you to the respite care givers, community nursing, occupational therapists and palliative care group for being there so that Pete could remain in his home to the end.
A celebration of life will be announced sometime in the future.
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