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SOUCIE, LEO JOSEPH

LEO JOSEPH SOUCIE, of Fort Nelson, BC, beloved husband of Shannon Soucie (nee Dolan) passed away tragically in a boating accident on the Liard River in northern BC, on Monday, May 2, 2016 at the age of 64 years.

Along with his wife Shannon, he is lovingly remembered by his 3 children and their families; Alaina (Ryan DeGrazio and their children Simone and Carys) of North Vancouver, BC, Laurisa (Colin Cripps and their children, Cale and Kenna) of Grande Prairie, AB, and Devin (Cathleen Soucie and their children, Teah, Liam and Eric) of Fort Nelson.

Also left to cherish his memory are his sister, Linda (Glen Jensen and family), his brothers-in-law Bill, Barry and Danny Dolan, and sister-in-law Kate Jessup (and their families), many extended relatives including the Parker family, as well as countless friends, and colleagues in the trucking industry and Oil Patch.

Leo was predeceased by his parents, Erwin and Ledvina Soucie, his mother and father-in-law, Frank and Kay Dolan, and brother-in-law, Pat Dolan.

Leo was born in Mattawa, ON, Sept 28, 1951. He spent his early years there, before the family moved back west to Fairview, and then Ft St John. By the time Leo was in school, they had settled permanently in Dawson Creek, where he grew up.

Leo quit school at Gr 9 and liked to say he continued his education at the "University of Pouce Coupe." His first job was as a store stock boy at Marshall Wells. He soon discovered his talent for salesmanship and sold everything from vacuum cleaners to cars, but it was trucking that ended up being his life's passion.

In 1972, Leo met Shannon when she was home from University for the summer, working as a flag girl on the Alaska Highway. They married the following February, and this year celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary.

Over the years Leo hauled many loads including: logs, livestock, gravel, fuel, rigs, heavy equipment, camps and groceries - acquiring expertise that was highly valued in the industry. Leo took over the Esso bulk plant from his father-in-law in Ft. Nelson, and ran that for several years. He then moved on to a new phase in his work career, with leadership roles in the oilfield transport companies of Formula, and later, Oculus. He enjoyed his latest side venture, helping to create the company Two Bit Developments Inc., and their camp project at Mile 147.

Throughout his career, Leo's office was his pickup truck; he loved to load his vehicles with all the extras, and kept them in spotless condition. He worked hard every winter, and enjoyed his annual Spring holidays with Shannon on the beaches of Mexico, Greece, and other warm locales. He recently returned to Fairview where he had the chance to visit with many relatives at his beloved Uncle Bernard's 100th birthday celebration.

As much as Leo worked, he also loved hunting, fishing, and spending time at their ranch in Toad River. But above all, his world revolved around his children and grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at the NORTHERN ROCKIES REGIONAL RECREATION CENTRE, 5500 Alaska Hwy, Fort Nelson, BC, on Friday, May 13th, 2016 at 3:00 P.M.

A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at OUR LADY OF SORROWS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5311 Airport Drive, Fort Nelson, BC, on Saturday, May 14th, 2016 at 2:00 P.M., with Father Mike Favero, Celebrant.

In memory of Leo, donations would be greatly appreciated to: The Northern Rockies Senior's Society, for the Heritage Place Supported Living Facility. Box 52, Fort Nelson, B.C. V0C 1R0.