Louis Valentine Feist passed away at Sunshine Manor in Grand Forks, B.C., on Friday, May 21, 2010. Louis was born on February 14, 1920, to Fred and Ella Feist near Reward, Saskatchewan. He was the sixth child in a family of 17, eight boys and nine girls. He was only 12 years old when he had to quit school and go to work on neighbouring farms to help make ends meet at home.He worked from then until the middle of August 1941 when he was ordered to report to Regina, Saskatchewan, for his Army training. He soon joined the 20th Field Company of the Royal Canadian Engineers. On December 27, 1941, Dad married his fiancée, Ann Fenrick, He was allowed 10 days leave when they welcomed their first child, Gerald Anselm Joseph on November 17, 1942. After spending time in different parts of Canada, Dad?s regiment departed for England in 1943. In August 1944, his older brother Otto, who had joined the Army before him, was reported missing in action. In October 1945, after valiantly serving his country, Dad returned home from the war to begin the next chapter of his life with his wife and young son. They soon became co-owners of the Wilkie Dairy in Wilkie, Saskatchewan, with Mom?s brother, Joe and his wife, Lena. On August 1, 1946, Patricia Anne was born. Louise Marie followed on August 13, 1947, and Audrey Elaine joined the family on August 10, 1948. Dad and Mom sold the dairy in 1949 and Dad then worked on our uncles? farm, and also on the railroad for a year. Mary Anne was born on November 6, 1952, and at long last, a brother for Gerald, William George was born on October 28, 1953. Kevin Thomas joined his two brothers and six sisters on December 21, 1954. Gloria Jean was born on May 24, 1956, and she was the last child born in Saskatchewan.In July of 1957, Dad and Mom moved all of us to Crouse Creek, B.C., where Dad and Gerald worked for Carlson and Finch Sawmills. On October 22, 1958, another son, Donald Gerard was born and Douglas Mark followed on October 29, 1959. In 1962 we moved to Westbridge, B.C., where on June 1, 1963, Wesley John, the 14th and final child was born. In 1969, Dad started work for Pope and Talbot in Midway, and worked there until he retired in 1982. In 1971, he built the Dew Drop Inn at Westbridge, a small café and garage with gas pumps. They sold out and moved to Oliver in 1982. On December 27, 1991, Dad and Mom celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Mom lost her battle with cervical cancer on September 4, 1992. Dad moved to Osoyoos and from there moved to the Manor in Midway. He spent the last few years in Sunshine Manor in Grand Forks. On February 14, 2010, many family members and a few friends helped Dad celebrate his 90th birthday. He thoroughly enjoyed his day and that wonderful, infectious smile he is so well known for never left his face.Dad loved fishing, hunting and woodworking. Above all else, he always put his family first. He was a wonderful, caring, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He so loved the little children and they loved him.Dad, you are one amazing person, a true hero to all. You led this family by your outstanding example, your wonderful sense of humour, your unconditional love and support, your ability and willingness to see the positive in everyone and everything. Your strength and courage was always at the forefront, in life and also in death. You left this world on your terms? when you said you were ?ready?, we knew you meant it.Dad was predeceased by his infant son, Louis; his parents, Fred and Ella Feist; his brothers: Otto, John, Mike; his sisters: Minnie and Susan; and his beloved wife, Ann.We all miss you. We will love you forever and always and hold you lovingly in our hearts. So sadly missed by Gerald (Vicki) Feist, Pat (Ken) Lemieux, Louise (Gary) Boyd, Audrey (Ross) Ferguson, Mary Anne (Rob) Rodger, Irene (Wayne) Dynneson, Margaret (Helmut) Hiller, Bill (Penny) Feist, Kevin (Buni) Feist, Gloria (Ulrich) Klumpp, Don (Celia) Feist, Doug (Gwen) Feist, Wesley Feist; 13 children plus 12 spouses/significant others for a total of 25; 31 grandchildren plus 25 spouses/significant others for a total of 56; 45 great-grandchildren plus one spouse for a total of 46; two great-great-grandchildren for a grand total of 129!A funeral service was held on Saturday, May 29, 2010, in the chapel of the Grand Forks Funeral Home followed by interment in the Rock Creek Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Baker family of Grand Forks Funeral Home.