LAPAINE: Bruno Francis
Posted By On June 19, 2026 @ 12:00 AM In Goderich, Obituary | 27 Comments
Bruno Francis Lapaine passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, following a lengthy illness.
Born on August 17, 1937, in Idrija, Slovenia (which was part of Italy at the time) to Felix and Mira Lapaine, Bruno emigrated to Canada with his parents in 1951. In 1959, he married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Curry, and together they raised three children: Mike, Sonja, and Greg.
Bruno’s gregarious personality made him the consummate salesman. His successful and diverse career spanned real estate (Alexander and Chapman), hospitality (The Bedford Hotel), and the international sales of heavy equipment (Champion and Timberland). Fluent in several languages, Bruno travelled to nearly 100 countries throughout his career, providing him with an endless supply of entertaining anecdotes from his global adventures. Whether sharing stories from a business trip abroad or recounting a memorable encounter from his travels, Bruno captivated those around him with his wit, charm, and remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Bruno was a force of nature; his boundless energy naturally placed him at the center of any social occasion. He approached every new endeavour, from woodworking to cooking, with exuberant passion. The kitchen was one of the many places where his generosity shone, as he found immense joy in bringing people together around the table. His famous Bolognese sauce was a legendary staple, frequently requested by his friends and family.
Above all, Bruno will be remembered for his infectious zest for life, his adventurous spirit, and his unwavering love for his family and friends.
The family extends their eternal gratitude to Dr. Peel, Dan Barsky and their team, as well as the Palliative Care Outreach team (Kiera, Shelley, and Brooklyn) for the exceptional compassion and care they provided to Bruno throughout his journey.
Bruno is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his three children, Mike (Lucie), Sonja (Pat), and Greg; his eight grandchildren: Pierre (Sari), André (Nicole), and Maja (Connor) Lapaine; Sarah, Sydney (Martin), and Isabelle Lapaine; and Amanda (Andrew) and Matthew (Rosa) Plunkett. He is also missed by his 14 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and his in-laws, Joan (David) Perham, Fran Hilton, and Ed (Jennie) Curry.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his son-in-law Robert Plunkett, his grandson Jeffrey Plunkett, his brother-in-law Bill Hilton, and his beloved dogs.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM at St. Peter’s Church in Goderich. Eulogies will be presented at 10:45 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment Maitland Cemetery. Reception will follow at Maitland Golf Course. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations directed to the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation – MRI Campaign in Goderich.
Family and friends who cannot join us in-person for the Eulogies and Bruno’s Mass can join us online as his service will be livestreamed. You can join the livestream by copying and pasting the link below into a new tab. https://my.forever.link/bruno-lapaine
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Condolences for the family of “LAPAINE: Bruno Francis”
Love you so much Bruno. Thanks for instilling in all of us what we need to do moving forward. Love you ❤️
Bruno, thank you for helping me navigate the Bedford when my parents took over.
It was a joy working with you and Mary
RIP my friend
Henry
Sending love and sincere condolences to the Lapaine family. Bruno was an icon in Goderich and will live on in everyone’s memories. Hugs to Sonja, Pat and family.
For me, YOU were the first family in Canada who were there for me and welcomed me as one of YOUR own, and I’ll never forget that, but distance is a powerful thing.
I am so sorry for the tragic outcome; you will always be with me. My dear friend Bruno, what we went through on our travels… you will always be in my prayers.
I wish I could be with you, but I am close to you even in the distance.
Thoughts and prayers for your family, but most of all thanks for the wonderful memories.
My condolences to all. Bruno had a life well lived! May he now rest in peace. Karen Sturdy
Thinking of you all and hoping the many happy memories will help you in the healing process.
Shelagh Sully
Mary and Family, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time, Bruno had that infectious personality that one could not help smile. Always remember those times when he and Dan Murphy would be together and the laughter of the two of them. R.I.P. Bruno. Laurie and John Banter
To the family of Bruno, sorry for your loss.
Jim and Denise Bissett
Condolences to all family members and all who knew him. I can still hear his great laugh. What a classy guy. Rest in peace Bruno.
To the Lapaine Family
I was sad to hear of Bruno’s passing.
Bruno was one of those people that the first meeting left an impression. I first encountered Bruno around 1964 when I worked on the Wonder Bread truck. He was with Alexander and Chapman insurance. He commanded the room even then.
Next I worked with Bruno 20-25 years later when we were both with Champion Motor Graders. He could sell refrigerators to Eskimos. Bruno was a good man in all aspects that I encountered and observed. He loved the grader business, a family man and a loving grandfather. He will be missed.
My deepest sympathies.
RIP
Dave
To Mary and the entire Lapaine family please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of Bruno. Having been involved in sports in Goderich over the years there was nobody more generous in his support for Goderich sports whether it was hockey, football or baseball. Our thoughts are with the entire family at this difficult time.
Paul & Sue Corriveau
We wish to share our sincere condolences to Mary and family. Bruno’s joie de vivre and signature laugh will always be remembered. He was a good neighbour, a kind friend, and a generous man. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Deepest sympathies to the Lapaine family from the Britnells.
It will be a long long time before another person like Bruno comes along.
He will be deeply missed in our community!
Mary and the Lapaine family: Sorry to hear of Bruno’s passing. Cherish the many fond memories of his time with you.
My sincerest condolences to Mary and the family, a big hug from afar, Bruno will always be in my prayers.
Dear Mary and family – you are in our special thoughts .
Bruno was a special part of our community and special to know – he will be remembered and missed.
With sympathy and prayer – Cecelia and Don Denomme
Thinking of the entire Lapaine family during this difficult time. Bruno was such a vibrant character whose presence could light up a room. He will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. My sincere condolences to the Lapaine family.
Dear, Mary, Mike, Sonja, Greg and extended family.
Passing along our sincere condolences 💐 from the whole Parsons family to you and your families as you grieve the loss of Bruno.
He was a salt of the earth kind of guy, that would always draw in a crowd that inevitably ended in everyone laughing with Brunos’ jokes and stories, but no one laughed harder and louder than Bruno himself! Such a fun personality to be around.
Mary and Bruno have always made me feel like family, and welcome in their home ever since Greg and I became best friends back in grade school. Such fond memories I have of all the wonderful visits and meals together, over the years.
Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dave and Stacy Parsons
Ciao Bruno, mi amico. I always enjoyed your company and Italian sensibility. Our sincere sympathy to Mary and all the Lapaine family.
A wonderful time getting to know Bruno and the family. Even as a care provider, Bruno and Mary were always happy to invite me in. Always seeing a smile on Bruno’s face, his determination and wonderful stories. A blessing to have had time with the family everyday and hold sweet memories in our hearts.
Cayley and I send our deepest condolences to Mary, Mike, Sonja, Greg and their families at this difficult time. I remember seeing Bruno and Mary regularly during the summers working at the Maitland Country Club. I had a great amount of respect for Bruno and admired his strength. May he rest in peace.
Shannon Hill
My sincere condolences to all the Lapaine family. Bruno was such a bright light and warmed everyone in his vicinity with his great stories and such infectious laughter shared with many. I will never forget the day with my family, we ran into the Lapaine’s at the ski hills at Beaver Valley, and Bruno offered his athletic talent to help me learn how to perfect downhill many moons ago (I’ve never forgotton his ‘pizza slice’ trick with the skiis and how well it worked!) and so many years of running into him & Mary around the golf course and throughtout the community. He was a man of many talents and many friends, and will be missed by all who had the priviledge to know him.
May all your memories and photo’s soon bring more continued great stories and much laughter!
Sincerely,
Melaine
Dear Mary and family
Our condolences in the loss of a very special man. He was a pleasure to work with. Always had a kind word and a smile for everyone.
Sharon Brown and family
A very late sincerest condolence..
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With Love for all Lapaines at this difficult time. Thinking of you all. Mike and Mary Curry and family.