FOURNIER, Rheal Joseph Fournier

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rheal Joseph Fournier, of Newcastle, Ontario, on August 11, 2026, at the age of 79. Rheal passed away peacefully at Marigold Hospice in Newcastle, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Quebec on March 3, 1947, Rheal moved with his family to Oshawa as a young boy. It was there that he would later marry the love of his life, Janet, and together they raised their family and built a life filled with love, laughter and many wonderful memories.

Rheal worked at General Motors for 32 years, where he was actively involved in the union. He was also a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus.

Rheal had a remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went. With his kindness, wonderful sense of humour and outgoing personality, he touched many lives. He genuinely enjoyed people, and people enjoyed being around him. To know Rheal was to love him.

An avid fisherman, Rheal also enjoyed playing sports in his younger years and remained a devoted sports fan throughout his life. After retiring, he was fortunate to enjoy 20 wonderful years doing the things he loved most: doting on his grandchildren, travelling abroad, spending winters in Mexico with Janet and friends, enjoying time at the cottage and, of course, fishing whenever and wherever he could.

Above all else, Rheal was devoted to his family. Janet was the love of his life and his partner for 58 years. He was a loving father and a proud and adoring grandfather, and nothing brought him greater joy than time spent with those he loved.

Rheal will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Janet Fournier (Topham); his daughters, Jennifer (Todd) and Andrea (Raymond); and his beloved grandchildren, Hayden, Avery-Taite and Blayne. He will also be lovingly remembered by his sisters, Denise (Chris), Aileen (James), Carol and Lise (Rocky); his sister-in-law, Frances (Ken); his many nieces and nephews; and the countless friends he made throughout his life.

Rheal was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Marie Fournier; his sisters, Giselle and Lucille; and his brother-in-law, Lynn.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Jeffrey Rothenstein, Nurse Julie, and the exceptional team at Lakeridge Health for their empathy, care and unwavering dedication throughout Rheal’s treatment. A very special thank you as well to the deeply compassionate team at Marigold Hospice, who provided Rheal and his family with such extraordinary care and comfort during his final days.

Rheal leaves behind a lifetime of memories, laughter and love. His larger-than-life personality, kindness and devotion to his family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Rheal’s memory to Marigold Hospice in Newcastle, Ontario.