Obituary of André Lafranchise
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden passing of André Lafranchise, a cherished member of our community, on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre, at the age of 74.
André dedicated 24 years of his life to serving as a Firearms Officer with the Ontario Chief Firearms Office, beginning in 1998 when the Firearms Act first came into force. He retired in February of 2021, at the age of 71. Throughout his career, André was deeply respected in the firearms community, known for his wealth of knowledge, unwavering dedication, and his passion for sharing that knowledge with others. He was always ready to lend a hand, and many had his phone number on speed dial for any legislative firearm question.
After retiring, André and his beloved wife, Dawn, built their forever home in Marlbank, a small, picturesque community near Tweed. There, they enjoyed the tranquility of country life, sipping their morning coffee while watching deer graze on their property. Marlbank, known as a cottager’s paradise, was the perfect retreat for André, an avid outdoorsman who found joy in fishing, camping, and the great outdoors.
André was also deeply involved in the horse racing industry, spending over 25 years grooming, training, and racing Standardbreds – both trotters and pacers at tracks across Ontario. His love for the sport was evident in every aspect of his life, just as his passion for gun club competitions, camaraderie, and the simple pleasures of playing cards with friends and family. André was never without his Tilley Hat, a cherished item that he wore proudly, a gift from his brother who taught him the proper way to wear it.
André is survived by his beloved wife of 19 years Dawn Wright, his sister Louise Deschamps (Robert). Predeceased by his parents Lucien and Denise Lafranchise, and brother Guy (Joanne Breneol). André also leaves behind his son Phillip, sisters-in-law Julie, Patti, and Vicki (Paul), Jack, along with his stepchildren, step grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends who will miss him dearly.
A celebration of André’s life will be held in his honour at the Branch 34 Legion in Orillia on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 1 – 4 pm. All who knew and loved André are welcome to join his family and friends in remembering and celebrating a life well-lived.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in André’s memory. Please share your memories and condolences to the family.
