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Posted Oct 22, 2019 | 4:17 PM
On the afternoon of October 19th 2019, William Henry Lafosse’s heart stopped after 87 years. Bill – as he was known to friends and colleagues – was born in Newfoundland in 1932. His younger sister Betty was sorry to hear of her brother’s passing. Bill joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1951 and served for over 30 years. In 1954 he met and married Audrey (nee Murphy) while in Summerside PEI. They were together until she passed away October 14, 2008. Whilst in the military, and afterwards with Field Aviation (his children Bill (Yvette), Bob (Joanne) and Paul (Susan), his grandchildren Jennifer, Kevin, Zachary, Christopher, Anna, Nathaniel and Simon can attest to this) he gathered many stories – and loved telling them – from his stays in Summerside, Winnipeg, 2Wing France, Shearwater, Trenton, UNMOGIP in Pakistan, Ottawa and Calgary. His Great Grandchildren, Kyto, Ella, Zoe and Jeremie sadly were too young to understand these tales but nonetheless were loved dearly by their Great Grandpa.
Bill did not finish high school. When in the Air Force he took courses to get his secondary school diploma. He took night classes at university. He rose quickly through the ranks, eventually retiring as a Master Warrant Officer. He was offered the rank of Chief Warrant Officer, but the price was too high – a posting to Cold Lake Alberta.
His time with Field Aviation in Calgary was a fitting cap to his career. For 8 years he and Audrey were able to live out west, enjoy the benefits he was now afforded in his new found career (time to travel to Mexico) and visit long lost relatives in the West.
They never forgot their time in Trenton, where their children went through high school and Bill and Audrey solidified their careers. Eventually they retired to a bungalow on Panelas Crescent, made annual migrations to Florida, built boats, and basked in the time spent with their extended family and friends.
Bill had full, happy and long life. The loss of Audrey was a blow, but he has always been able to deal with adversity.
A celebration will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #110, Trenton on Monday, October 28 from 2 to 5. There will be a brief service to Bill at 2:30 followed by a reception. All those who have known Bill are more than welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Air Force Museum of Canada https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/10323
Online condolences at www.weaverfuneralhomes.com