BRESSON, Francis Assisi

It is with great sadness that the family of Francis Assisi Bresson announce his passing on January 10, 2018 surrounded by his loving family at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital.

He was born in Glace Bay, NS, on June 11, 1949 to the late Alexander and Marguerite (MacDougall) Bresson.

At the young age of 16, Francis embarked on a military career with the Canadian Armed Forces as a Combat Engineer. During his military career he was assigned a UN Peacekeeping Tour in Lahr, Germany which lasted for 3 years followed by two additional tours; one in 1976 and another in 1988. Francis was also deployed on a NATO mission to Cyprus in December 1974. He was a dedicated soldier who loved the military life and excelled at all training and missions thrown his way with vigour and passion.

The majority of his service was spent between 2 CER (Combat Engineer Regiment) in Petawawa, ON and 4 ESR (Engineer Support Regiment) in Gagetown, NB. He retired from the military in 1997.

As a civilian, Francis returned to work as an Unexploded Ordinance Technician with numerous companies throughout Canada as well as in Copenhagen, Denmark. After he officially retired, he loved spending time with his family and in his carpentry shop busily making something for himself or someone else. He was always available to give his time generously to help a friend in need. He enjoyed spending time researching the family history and was an avid war historian and reader.

Francis is survived by his loving wife, Linda (Brideau) Bresson; son, James (Shannon); daughter, Francesca Smith (Seneca); brothers, Raymond, Danny (Grace); sisters, Donna Merrill (Stewart), Cathy Gaetan (John), Debbie O’Handley (Paul), Blanche Ferguson (Gordie); a special sister, Mary Gaetan; sister-in-law, Mae Bresson; grandchildren, Jesse, Hailey and Riley, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and his fur baby, Suzie.

In addition to his parents, Francis was predeceased by a sister, Marguerite Gaetan and brother, Alex Bresson.

There will be no visitation by request. A memorial mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Chapel, CFB Gagetown on Monday, January 15, 2018 at 2 p.m. with Fr. Lance Magdziak officiating. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #93 will be holding a tribute prior to the service at 1:45 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Canadian Veterans Advocacy.

Online condolences may be left at www.oromoctofh.com.