Rev. Father John Lessard

Father Lessard started his work in the Cochrane area working with the Sarcee Indians. (sic) His work among the Sarcees was a stepping stone to his appointment to the Cochrane Parish. He spent six years in Cochrane, Alberta, as a parish priest and was also very active in the local community.

Father Lessard was the founder and publisher of the local paper “The Old Timer” which covered the Cochrane and district news for many years. He also sent it overseas as he felt it was important for the men overseas during WW II to have some news from home and keep up with what was going on.

Father Lessard founded the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), the Girl Guides and he was forming a Boy Scout Troop when he was transferred to his new post.

Father Lessard was an enthusiastic member of the Cochrane Board of Trade and a strong supporter of the local branch of the Red Cross Society. His community work went far beyond the boundaries of his own parish with the result that all sections of the community had benefited from his efforts.

Townspeople, farmers and ranchers of Cochrane and District packed the 1.0 .0 .F. Hall to bid farewell to Father Lessard as he had been called to Edmonton to accept an administrative post in the oblate order in which he was a member. Farmers and ranchers and a number of Calgarians braved bad roads and another light snowstorm to attend this function. One of the features of the evening’s entertainment was the appearance of Norma Piper Pocaterra who came to sing a song or two and ended up, through the insistence of the audience, almost presenting a full scale recital! Mr. Frank Gainer also joined in some renditions to make the evening very enjoyable.

Refreshments were served by the ladies of the community and Father Lessard was presented with a well filled purse, an engraved cigarette case and an engraved cigarette lighter. The presentations were made on behalf of those present by the Chairman Mr. F.L. Gainor and Mr. R.E. “Bob” Moore.