Obituary of Allan Stewart Lafford

LAFFORD, Allan Stewart- 17- Potlotek. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Allan Stewart Lafford on June 23, 2013. Allan was born in Sydney, NS, to Harriet Battiste and Benji Lafford on February 7, 1996. Allan's most notable quality was his genuine love for smiling and bringing a smile to the face of others. His funky Lafford laugh forced others to laugh alongside him, whether they wanted to or not. It was in Allan's character to tease his brothers and sisters, as well as his parents, whenever he saw an opportunity. His favorite saying was, "You know what? You know what? I don't have the slightest idea!" Allan is survived by his parents, Harriet (Potlotek) and Benji Lafford (Eskasoni), his brothers, Jake Battiste, Ben Lafford, Ekkian Lafford (Potlotek), Jason Maloney (Indianbrook), his sisters, Mary Susan, Amanda, Eleanor (Potlotek), Madeline (Mount Uniacke) Santana (Eskasoni). Allan was the chosen child of Elizabeth Benoit whom she raised from birth. Allan is also survived by his girlfriend Mikayla Hill (Sydney). Stewart Benoit (Georgia, USA) and Mary V. Marshall (Potlotek) were given the responsibility of being Allan's godparents. Allan experienced the joy of being an uncle to Harmony, Jennifer, Evelyn, Zachary, Linden and Tyson and was on his way to becoming a godfather himself to Shyla-Mae Roberts. He was predeceased by his brother Jervis Park, his maternal grandparents Jacob and Madeline Battiste, his paternal grandparents Ben and Helen Lafford, and a maternal uncle, Jacob Battiste Jr. Perhaps the greatest loss that Allan suffered was the loss of his best friend, Melissa Marshall, a loss which he never completely got over. Allan shared a special relationship with his mentor, Pi'kun Poulette, who started his own spirit journey in February. Allan's journey into the spirit world began on a special day, his grandmother's birthday. We believe that Madeline was there to greet her grandson, take his hand, and guide him on his journey. Although here for only a short time, Allan lived his life to the fullest! He was an avid Montreal Canadians Fan, loved to fish, hunt, play basketball, hike, visit with friends and play his guitar. He was a traditionalist in his heart and lived for powwows and participating in sweats. Allan was honored to receive his spirit name, Tall Standing Black Bear, in a ceremony conducted by his mentors Frank and Josie Augustine of Elsipogtog, NB. He received his sacred colors at this time as well - Green, Brown, and Blue. Allan's ultimate goal was to become a member of the RCMP. With his untimely death, he gets to be a hero in another way. Allan was an organ donor and as such, saved the lives of five people...people he didn't even know. This is so typical of Allan - to help whomever he can, whenever he can. Visitation will be held at the home where Allan grew up- the home of Elizabeth Benoit, 323 Stimuk Road, Potlotek (across from Mi'kmawey School". Visitation will begin at 7pm on Thursday. Funeral mass will take place at the Immaculate Conception Church, Barra Head on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 10:30am with Rev. Lourdusamy Mariadoss officiating. Internment to follow in the Immaculate Conception Parish Cemetery, Barra Head. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the C.H.Boudreau Funeral Home in Arichat. To send words of comfort to the family or to light a candle in memory of Allan, please visit www.chboudreau.com