Joseph Henry Caouette, resident of Atikokan, Ontario, passed away peacefully at the Atikokan General Hospital, Extended Care Wing, with family and loved ones by his side, January 23, 2025 at the age of 69. Henry was born in Baudette, Minnesota and spent his childhood and teenage years in Rainy River where he attended school. Henry moved to Atikokan to work at the Caland Ore Mine, and eventually moved on and found his passion for logging. Henry first gained employment through Great Lakes, and later developed J. H. Caouette logging where he enjoyed many years falling & skidding timber. After a leg injury, he attended Confederation College to become an environmental engineer and graduated on the Dean’s List. Henry worked for the Ontario Clean Water Agency, where he made life-long friendships, which later became Northern Waters. During the last part of Henry’s career, he adventured to Alert, Nunavut and retired with Nasittuq.
Henry thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, blueberry picking, spending time with friends and family, and above all else joking around and making others laugh. He was a devoted member of the Moose lodge for many years, loved weightlifting, having coffee with his pals and became notorious for his pancakes. Henry took great pride in all of his children’s accomplishments, and he treasured all 6 of his grandchildren whom he loved more than words can describe. Henry was by far the most gentle, kindhearted man anyone could have the pleasure of meeting. Henry, and his attributes will be missed immensely by all.
Henry was married for 36 years to the love of his life, Colleen Gouliquer, who he built a family with. Henry is survived by his 4 children Jamie Caouette (Shaina Loew), Karen Lusignan (Jon), Kristy Larocque (Jeremy), Anthony Caouette (Tyanna Southerland), as well as his 6 grandchildren Kyra, Winter, Ryder, Emily, Aaron and Blakely. Henry is also survived by his 3 sisters Geraldine Blight (Irving), Debbie Plumridge, and Rosemarie Landry.
Henry is predeceased by his parents Rena and Tony Caouette, and his little brother Randy Caouette.
A memorial service will be held at the Atikokan Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 145, on Saturday, February 1st, 2025 at 1 pm with a luncheon to follow. Brad Ricci will be officiating, who also married Henry and Colleen. Henry will be buried at Blue Cemetery in Blue Township where he’ll be laid to rest with his parents at a later date. If desired, in lieu of gifts or flowers, donations to the Atikokan General Hospital Extended Care Wing would be greatly appreciated.
The family would like to thank the support staff at Riverside Home Health Care whom Henry adored, as well as the staff at the Atikokan Pioneer Centre. We would also like to thank Dr. Minor and all the staff on Extended Care who all went above and beyond to care for dad and make sure he was always happy and comfortable.
