RENEL BERARD

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RENEL BERARD
1949 - 2021

C'est avec énormément de tristesse que nous disons adieu à Renel décédé subitement à sa résidence le 20 juillet. Il fut précédé par ses parents Maurice and Alice (St. Vincent), frères Louis, Lorin, Guy, neveux Steve Jr. ainsi que ses beaux-parents Lucien and Olive Curé.
Renel leaves to mourn his family, his cherished wife Cécile, three sons, Stefane (Mandy), Rowan, Teagan, Aven; Christian (Rachel), Cedric (Manita), Kally (Tyler); Patrick (Kristine), Erick, Aiden, Miyah, Khloë. He is survived by his brother Gilbert (Annette), sisters, Jocelyn and Odette (Wayne), brothers-in-law, Loyd and Elton, the Curé family, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
Renel was born in Altona on March 5, 1949. His early years were spent in St. Joseph where his parents operated the general store. He was extremely proud that after 60 years the store at the Musée St. Joseph was renamed and now bears his parents' name. Having lost his father at 10 years old, he learned early what work and responsibility meant. He was a humble man, proud of his roots and of his francophone heritage.
He completed his high school at College St. Joseph in Otterburne. Il aimait les rencontres des anciens pour un bon café et piquer une bonne jasette. He pursued his studies as a registered Respiratory Technologist at the Health Sciences Centre. After five years in the health field, he set his sights on a different path, wanting his children closer to their extended family and in a francophone environment.
For 17 years, he worked in the real estate industry in the Winnipeg area as an agent, manager and mentor. In 1992, Renel found a true passion as a financial security advisor with London Life. Having experienced the hardships of losing his father early in life, he understood the importance of families protecting themselves and planning for unforeseen and altering life events. He worked with integrity, honesty and compassion for his clients.
Renel's greatest achievement was his family. Renel and Cécile celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2019 surrounded by their loved ones. Renel and Cécile were true soul mates. They were co-workers in everything they did, whether it be business, building their cottage or their home. They shared their life successes and hardships always leaning on each other for love and support.
Renel was a loving and devoted father to his three sons and welcomed three great daughters-in-law into his family. Dad was our hero, our guide, our counsellor, our captain in life. He believed that a father shouldn't fish for his children but should teach them how to fish. He spent countless hours water skiing, snowmobiling and fishing with us. He taught us strong life values, and was there in the good and the bad times. He was our rock!
Renel and Cécile were blessed with nine grandchildren. Pépère loved them to pieces and each one was his most special. Pépère wanted his grandchildren to appreciate their French heritage and share his love of camping, fishing and playing card games. He prayed with them at every meal and reminded them to thank the Lord for all the blessings they received in life. He was a religious man of great faith and maintained a sincere devotion to God and a respect for the people of God.
Renel was a passionate people person, a conversationalist, a friend. He was an avid Lake of the Woods (LOTW) fisherman and guide for his family and friends who benefitted from great fishing trips and fish fries. He would say he wasn't competitive as long as someone caught fish in his boat. Whenever he was in LOTW, with his best partner, Cécile, he found peace, contentment and admired God's creation at it's best.
Renel was a disciplined person. He took great care of his health. Over the last seven years, he worked diligently to beat his diabetes by changing his lifestyle and diet. In the last year, he shared this successful quest with his brother Gilbert. He considered this was the greatest gift he would give him.
The family thanks Dr. P. G. Mehta for taking care of Renel. They became friends and shared a lot of wisdom together. We also appreciate all the support we have received from friends and family.
Nous désirons aussi remercier Frère Germain Kpafafi pour l'appui inconditionnel offert à son ami, Renel et à toute la famille. Vous avez su nous apporter de la paix, de la sagesse, du réconfort et de l'amour.
A celebration of Renel's life and funeral mass will be held at St. Martyrs Canadiens, 289 avenue Dussault in Saint-Boniface on Saturday, October 2, starting at 10:30 a.m.
Covid 19 restrictions, masks and social distancing will apply. The celebration can also be followed live on You Tube with this link:
https//www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLbnkM6HIRYpb4QjiXeBOg/live

We are confident that Renel has found love and peace in the arms of the Lord.

Renel nous t'aimons, tu es épinglé à notre coeur pour toujours. Repose en paix.

Family and friends may sign a
book of condolence online at www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca

Desjardins Funeral Home
204-233-4949

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 25, 2021