The poem “The Dash” by Linda Ellis is a reflection on the importance of how we live our lives, as represented by the dash between the dates of our birth and death on a tombstone. As Ellis wrote, only those who loved the person know what that little dash is worth. Indeed. How to describe in this short space the value of the dash for Cyr Couturier? He was so in love with his role of husband to Annemarie, and father to his six children. While he came from humble roots in rural New Brunswick (near the Edmunston area), and grew up in a large French-Canadian family, he was passionate about the successes he had as an engineer in Québec, the Congo, Labrador, and New Brunswick. After his retirement, he and Annemarie loved to travel and socialize. After Annemarie’s passing in 2002, he remained in Burtts Corner, New Brunswick, where he and Annemarie were living, until his daughter Christine welcomed him into her family’s home in Red Deer where he spent the last nine years of his life, enjoying the role of storyteller to all who visited him. The best way to describe the value of the dash for Cyr’s life is to say that he was surrounded by family, far and wide, and love to the very last day. When one has that much wealth, no amount of material belongings can compare. How lucky should we all count ourselves to have that much wealth in our dash.
Cyr passed away in his home in Red Deer, on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at the age of 92 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his son, Cyr (Wanda); his daughters, Marie, Christine (Julian), and Donna; his sisters, Sister Marie-Paule, Marielle, and Jocelyne (Bert); his sister-in-law, Elan Gibson; his grandchildren, Stephanie, Kim (Joey), Laura, Meagan (Brendan), Gabrielle (William), Don (Priya), Annalise, Taylor, Solaya, Alex; and his great grandchildren, Brooklyn, Darcy, Chyler, Mina, and Jaya. Cyr was predeceased by his wife, Annemarie Beny Couturier (née Gibson), his son, Donald, his daughter, Leona, his grandson, Christopher, his parents, Trefflé and Léona, his brothers, The Reverend Father Guy, and Jean-Yves and Jean-Marie, and his sisters, Jeannine and Claudette.
“For it matters not how much we own, the cars, the house, the cash. What matters is how
we live and love, and how we spend our dash.” Dad’s dash was exceptional.
Funeral Mass was celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4816 – 55 Street, Red Deer, Alberta on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with The Reverend Father Jan Sobkowicz Celebrant. A Private Family Interment will be held in the Spring. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, if desired, Memorial Donations in Cyr’s honour may be made directly to a charity of the donor’s choice, or by reaching out to someone who needs a friend or buying a warm meal for someone experiencing hardship in memory of Cyr’s kind, gentle and generous nature.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

• Date : 2023-12-03
• Location : Locally Family Owned (Red Deer) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com