Rest in Peace, sweet man

[Craiga 01453]

I write this today with a heavy heart. I'm sure many of you have seen me mention my grandfather in previous threads. Unfortunately, he passed just after midnight this morning.

Fernand Ernest Frechette was born July 17, 1920. He passed at the age of 99. He was an amazing man, always quick with a joke and the life of the party. But what always drew me to him was his heart. He was the kindest man I ever met. He was the type of man who would do anything for anybody, no questions asked.

He's now with my grandmother, who he loved dearly til the day she past in 2011. They were adorable, still flirting like a couple of kids in puppy love right up til the day she passed. They taught me about love and about family.
Pepere got his WWII draft papers they day after he married Memere. He was sent to the European front where he spent time in Belgium, Austria, Germany and France primarily. He fought under General Patton and was part of what would become known as "Patton's Ghost Corp". They were codebreakers and specialized in decoys and deception. They would build decoy armys, complete with inflatable and wooden tanks, equipment, tents, etc... Sound was even recorded and played over loud speakers. The Germans would find the camps, and attack, only to find out that the camp was a decoy, and American troops were just around the corner to swoop in and attack the Germans who fell for the rouse.
He would come home to his wife after the war and go to work and start a family. Just like all the other heroes who were "just doing their job".

He would go on to outlive his seven siblings, his wife and all his friends. He is survived by three children and seven grandchildren, as well as eight great-grandchildren.

I have included a picture of him from a few Father's Days ago. He was at my house celebrating Father's Day with four generations of Frechette boys, something truly special.
On this day he decided he was 97 years old and had never touched a snake. So "what the heck?". Here he is holding his first snake ever, my boy Django at the age of 97. It seemed like a fitting pic to share here.

You will be missed, Pepere. I love you. Rest in Peace, sweet man.

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[dakski]

So sorry Craig.

Glad you got to know him and be a positive force in his life, as I am sure he was to you.

I am sure this hurts.

Thinking of you, brother.

RIP Fernand.

[sur3fir3]

My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.

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[EL-Ziggy]

So sorry for your loss Craig. I've always enjoyed the pictures and stories about your grandpa. I'm sure he was a great man and will be missed by many. RIP Papa Frechette. 🙏🏽❤

[Craiga 01453]

So sorry Craig.

Glad you got to know him and be a positive force in his life, as I am sure he was to you.

I am sure this hurts.

Thinking of you, brother.

RIP Fernand.

Thank you, Dave. He was the strongest, sweetest man I ever met. I'm damn lucky to say I'm his grandson, and even luckier I got 40 years with him. Man, I miss him so much already.

My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.

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Thank you. I appreciate it.

[Craiga 01453]

So sorry for your loss Craig. I've always enjoyed the pictures and stories about your grandpa. I'm sure he was a great man and will be missed by many. RIP Papa Frechette. 🙏🏽❤

Thanks, Ziggy. I loved sharing his pictures and stories. I'm super proud to be his family and to share his bloodline and last name. He's the type of unforgettable man that everyone loved meeting, nobody who met him ever forget him, that's for sure!

[Craiga 01453]

Here are a few YouTube clips of him.

The first is a trailer for the book he was in titled "My Father's War". Many of the photos in the clip are his photos.

https://youtu.be/Dl1crIFx8jk

The second is an interview done by our local newspaper. It was filmed at his house, so it holds some sentimental value too.

https://youtu.be/IDWDj2ND52c


He's an American hero. Let's never forget this generation. The world would be a very different place without the sacrifices made by the men and women of "The Greatest Generation". They're all heroes.

[MasonC2K]

My condolences Craig.

[Bogertophis]

The only thing worse than the death of a loved one is the thought of not ever having known them in the first place. You are fortunate that he was in your life & I'm
quite sure he felt the same about you...I hope all the good memories will always give you some comfort.

[Craiga 01453]

My condolences Craig.

Thank you, Chris.

The only thing worse than the death of a loved one is the thought of not ever having known them in the first place. You are fortunate that he was in your life & I'm
quite sure he felt the same about you...I hope all the good memories will always give you some comfort.

Thank you Bogertophis. I definitely am one of the lucky ones.