Carmel Laforest

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carmel Laforest, who died at his home on November 18th, 2025. Born in Drummond on July 16, 1949, he was the son of the late Mederic and Anne (Pelletier) Laforest.

Carmel is survived by his wife, Belinda (Baker); his daughter Karen Christensen (Gary) of Tobique Narrows; and his son James Laforest (Ashley), also of Tobique Narrows. He was a proud grandfather to Emily Shaw (Ethan), Mackenzie Christensen, and Dominic Laforest, and a loving great-grandfather to Wallace Shaw.

He is also survived by his brothers Noel Laforest (Josette) of Dieppe, Jacques Laforest (Rolande) of Clair, NB, and Valdor Laforest (Dorianne) of Grand Falls, his sister Marie Jeanine Stevens of Louisiana; as well as his sisters-in-law Aline Laforest (late Paul) and Doris Laforest (late Rosaire), and Jean d’Arc Laforest (late Germain). Along with his parents, Carmel was predeceased by his brothers Paul, Rosaire, Germain, and Laurier.

Carmel began his lifelong building career shortly after graduation, working throughout the province before he and his family returned home to Tilley in 1980. Over the years, he built numerous homes, crafted beautiful furniture, and developed a reputation for being able to build or repair almost anything put in front of him. He also loved to work on vehicles and had a natural ability to figure out how things worked — and how to make them run again

He was passionate about music, loved to entertain, and was known for his joking nature and warm smile — something he continued to share even through his declining health in recent years. He loved to travel, hunt and fish but above all, he loved his family deeply.

He will be forever remembered for his craftsmanship, his humor, his resilience, and the countless things his hands created during his lifetime. Those who knew him will always remember the smell of fresh-cut wood, sawdust, and warm pipe tobacco — simple, familiar notes that felt like home to everyone who loved him.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care and kindness Carmel received over the past few years from Dr. Bell and staff, the hospital staff, and the countless specialists who supported him throughout his journey.

Funeral service was held on Monday, November 24, 2025 at 2 pm from St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Tilley, NB. Father Curtis Sappier celebrated, assisted by Father Gilbert Doddatto. Interment followed in the parish cemetery.

Music for the services was by Rita Baker, David Baker, Linda Baker, James Laforest, Sarah Corbett, and Camille McKinnon. The eulogy was given by Gerald Flanagan.

Pallbearers were Louis Laforest, Dominic Laforest, Gerald Flanagan, Peter Baker, Frank Monteith, and MacKenzie Christensen.

For those who wish, memorial donations to St. Joseph's Catholic Church or Cemetery fund would be appreciated by the family.

Arrangements were entrusted to Brunswick Funeral Home, Perth-Andover, NB.