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.
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.
Guestbook (29)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of Leo.
Sorry for your loss. I met him and his dad only once when they came here to Kingston, Ontario to see my dad Ed Soucie. He seemed like a real nice guy.
I only met Leo once when him and his dad came to my home for a brief visit. He seemed like a really nice guy. I read his bio and he definitely left his mark on the world. I never knew anything about my father's childhood so know I know something of it. Deepest regards. Greg Soucie
Dear Shannon and Family I was shocked to hear of Leo's passing. I'm so very sorry, my thoughts are with you all.
Shannon and family I am so very sorry to hear about Leo. The shock I felt when I heard today. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Shannon,Devin,Larissa,Alaina, & Famiiy We are so very sorry to hear about Leo. We have fond memories of our FN famiy reunion many years ago. Please know we are thinking of you all and sending out love & prayers. XOX MacDonald Cousins
My condolences to Shannon and Family I first met Leo when i came to Fort Nelson the Winter of '78/79 to work for Thompkins. I enjoyed talking with Leo whenever we met over the next 15 years. I still remember him fondly. Rest in Peace Leo, until we meet again on the other side.
Shannon and family, Linda and family Our sincere condolences to your families. Many fond memories growing up, Christmas, camping and family dinners.
Dear Shannon & family I was so sorry to hear about Leo's unfortunate tragic accident. I Just want you to know my thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Thinking of you, Lynda Walker (Jimmy & Norma Walker's daughter)
Dear Laurissa & family; Sincere condolences to your family. Although I never had the privilege of meeting your Dad, you & your siblings & families will continue his legacy of kindness, humor & hard work. HUGS, Jan (Brenda's cousin)
Devin and Cathy and family, there are no words that we can pass which will fill the hole in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Lean on each other during this tragic time. Your father was a great man and will never be forgotten. And now Devin, you will now become the person with huge character that he was. The Stocks
To all of Leo's family: I'm am deeply saddened for your loss of a man that will not ever be forgotten. May the greater power help you all get through your loss!
Devin, sorry to hear your bad news. Remember this; you and your Dad were doing what you loved to do...and...you were doing it together. You will always have the great memories from that. Take care buddy, Rich
I was very saddened to hear of Leo's passing, we went to school together many years ago in dawson creek and he was a fun kind man, he will be missed by all who knew him
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sad time.
Sincere condolences to Leo's family, he will be missed by all. Enjoy all your heavenly highway journeys .... R.I.P. my friend. Kind Regards Ron &Judy Loiselle
My condolences to your family - sorry for your loss Laurisa - our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
My deepest sympathies to Shannon and the rest of his Family..I had the great pleasure of meeting Leo at Formula Transport where we both worked. He in Fort Nelson and myself in Grande Prairie. There were several occasions through work where I got to know him on a more personal basis. He was a very kind and gentle soul. He always walked in with huge smile on his face and his eyes lit up the room..He had a way with people and always knew how to make you feel like you mattered and you were a somebody, not just another employee or number.. He was funny and generous and kind. I feel blessed to have known him and he will hold a place in my heart forever....??
Devin, our most heartfelt condolences on the sudden passing of your dad. I know you two were very close and hope your fond memories of him will help you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Devin, we were very saddened to hear about your loss. You and Cath are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rest in peace my friend, you will be missed. Gone to soon
Shannon and family. Our thought and prayers are with you all. We remember Leo well from when we lived in Fort Nelson. We watched the service yesterday via live stream and that little town is a real family. Everyone sticks together. I remember that from when my late husband Dennis HUber passed away 22 yrs ago. Cherish all the moments you had together. Hugs to all from Ontario.
Shannon & family -- we are so sorry for your loss. You have an awesome family that you can be sure to draw strength from at this time, hugs to all of you.
Dear Shannon and your lovely family. Such a heartbreaking ordeal you've all had to endure. Thinking of you all and sending all our love and many prayers for you daily. Leo was such a kind heart, and his legacy will shine on through all of you as you hold on to the sweet memories and cherish them forever --- All of our love.
So very sorry for your loss. Leo was a very kind person and his big smile will be missed.
So very sorry for your loss.
Dear Shannon, Devin, Larissa , Alaina and families, Please know that our thoughts are with you at this terribly sad time. We have fond memories of Leo and hope that your own memories help to sustain you.
Heart Felt Condolences from Chris and Cathy Flexhaug Devin our prayers are with you and your family.
Devin, Leanne and I were shocked to hear of your father's passing in this unfortunate accident. I know the memories of your father and the times you spent with each other will forever be cherished. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sent with our deepest condolences. Pete & Leanne Christos
We are truly saddened for your loss. He was a good man and helped raise a very fine family. I hope that time will help cope with the loss. You guys are in our thoughts and prayers.