Moby

Alphy had always enjoyed music and he would sometimes get
out on the kitchen floor and tap a few steps to his favorite jigs, but
when he tried this, his bum leg wouldn’t co-operate. Alphy knew
that his leg wouldn’t get better, however for the most part he was
able to keep his spirits up.

In 1984 there was a death in Alphy’s extended family. He lost
his half brother, Ernest to cancer. Ernest was survived by his wife,
Marie and four children. They had made their home in DeBlois, on
the same plot of land where Alphy had grown up as a child.

Within the next few months, Alphy’s strength continued to fail,
and by 1985 Alphy’s steps had become very shaky and he used a
walker to get around. No longer did he and Margurita go snow-
mobiling or for nature walks. There were days when Alphy had
difficulty keeping up his courage. Nevertheless, he still enjoyed
telling stories and listening to music.

The highlight of 1985 was in August, when Alphy and
Margurita celebrated their Golden Anniversary. For this special
occasion the family gathered together at the Palmer Road Hall,
following the anniversary Mass celebrated in honor of Alphy and
Margurita.

Helen had done most of the organizing and the evening was a
success. Even though Alphy was somewhat unsteady on his feet, he
had chosen to leave his walker at home. He made the long
procession inside the church, with Margurita at his side. Occasionally
he would steady himself on the church pews until the couple had
made their way to their designated seats in front of the church.

Father Eloi Arsenault presented a beautiful service of Thanks-
giving, celebrating the couple’s fifty years together as husband and
wife. The children’s choir sang gracefully and at the end of the
Service, Margurita was presented with a beautiful bouquet of long
stemmed roses. The couple looked delightful. Margurita held the
bouquet tightly with tears in her eyes, while Alphy embraced her

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