CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas —
Florent (Frank) Bertrand Potvin, 76, son of Edmourd and Marion Potvin, passed away Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Florent was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on Jan. 5, 1936.
He was an electrician for 52 years, beginning his career as a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 105 Local Union in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1954. Because of this trade, he was able to build two homes for his family while they were growing up, one being an underground home. Because of his good work ethic, Florent was able to retire early in 1993, giving him time to travel to 48 states and four countries. He and his wife, JoAnn, and their dog, Sadie, were also able to enjoy living in Corpus Christi seven months out of the year to get away from Pennsylvania winters.
Florent was a member of the Station 4 Grille House. He especially enjoyed fishing, spending time with his dog, Sadie, spending time with friends and family — especially his grandkids — and riding his scooter, fondly known to many as “The Green Weenie.” Never letting a minute of the day be wasted, Florent also invented many things such as the X-ALD (excellent alignment leveling device), which was a mini-level, flags for the mailbox that’d pop up when you got mail, and a shish kabob maker.
Florent is survived by his wife, JoAnn, of 39 years, six children, Darlene Potvin of Boise, Idaho, Steven Potvin of Houston, Texas, Dennis McElhaney and his wife, Sharon, of Roswell, Ga., Mary McElhaney of Scranton, Denise Ferringer and her husband, Jeff, of Cochranton, and Jennifer McElhaney and her companion, Travis, of Springboro. He had six grandchildren, Violet Potvin, Jace and Seth Ferringer, Justin Dearman, Kinsey McElhaney and Stephanie Potvin. He also had a great-grandson, Dalton Potvin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Jules, Michiel and Alphonse.
A Mass for Florent and his love of life was celebrated on Dec. 24 at St. Andrews by the Sea on Padre Island, Texas. A memorial in his honor will also be celebrated at his home in Pennsylvania, where he loved entertaining friends and family, as soon as his wife returns from Texas.
Florent will always be remembered for his love of life, his practical jokes, his advice and for being the greatest husband, father, grandfather and friend a person could ever ask for. He will be forever missed by the many lives he touched by just being himself. RIP Florent — you will not be forgotten.
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