Age 83, Chéticamp, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026, at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Chéticamp after a year long battle with lung cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends. Born in Chéticamp on December 7th, 1942, he was the eldest child of the late Isabelle (Bella) Poirier and Michel Malarek.
Roger met the love of his life Marie-Alice, at the young age of 19, and they married on August 7th, 1965 at St. Peter’s Church in Chéticamp. They lived a very loving life of 60 years.
Roger worked at the Cape Breton Highlands National Park for 18 years as a mechanic. He was a member of the Alcoholics Anonymous for 48 years, where he was a very supportive and helpful sponsor to many people in need.
He cherished his summer fishing trips with his lifelong friend, Cyril, where they spent many days fishing trout at Long Lake, listening to Cayouche’s music. He also spent many fishing trips with his son-in-law, Mark, who he shared a special bond with. Roger also enjoyed playing his harmonica, especially when he accompanied songs on the local radio.
Roger adored picking many sorts of berries, as well as caring for his plum and cherry trees. He was also an avid gardener, and enjoyed nature by going on long walks with his granddaughters Melissa and Amélie, who he loved dearly. He had a love for birds and would spend hours on his deck bird watching.
Master of the game of Crib, Roger loved playing against his wife, Marie-Alice, his nephew, Claudius, and his daughter, Donna, which he would skunk many times.
Roger was not only an amazing father to his daughter Donna, but was also a caring father figure to many who were dear to him.
We will always remember Roger for his kind smile, wise words, big heart, and jokester personality.
Roger is survived by his wife, Marie Alice (Boudreau) LeFort; daughter, Donna Larade (Mark); brothers, Leo LeFort (Jeannine), Fidèl LeFort (Lucienne), and Victor Malarek (Anna); and his grandchildren, Melissa Larade (Mitchell) and Amélie Larade (Joe).
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his adopted father, Henry LeFort.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at St. Peter’s Church, Cheticamp from 10 am until time of funeral mass at 11 am with Father Daniel Gustave officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Palliative Care, Cheticamp or the Cape Breton Cancer Patient Care Fund.
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