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JACQUES (JACK) SAMYN
Date of Passing: Aug 20, 2022
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JACQUES (JACK) SAMYN
With his family by his side at Grace Hospice in Winnipeg on August 20, 2022, Jacques Samyn bid farewell to his time on Earth to join his wife who had passed on the same date nine month earlier.
Jacques is survived by his sons, Paul (Catherine) and Phil (Diane) and his grandchildren, Matthew, Eric, Josh, Christine, Grace and Marc. As well, there is his older brother Daniel of Toronto.
Jacques was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Dianne, his father Gerard, mother Jeanne and sister Simone.
Jacques was born in Wevelgem, Belgium, the third of three children in a family and a country still impacted by the First World War. He came of age in the Second World War, a time that was not easy for any and made all the more difficult when his father was forced into labour in Nazi Germany.
After his national military service and the death of his father, Jacques made his way to Canada to join with other members of his family and the Belgian community in St. Boniface in 1952. His skills as a draftsman soon landed a job that led to a long and successful career with Manitoba Hydro.
Jacques met Dianne Cousins at a baptism, and in short order, they were married in 1963. Together, they built a strong family life in St. James that would lead to two sons, lots of hockey and soccer, travels abroad and ultimately, six grandchildren.
As a father, Jacques not only helped spread the game of soccer he brought from his homeland to Canada but also his adopted sport of hockey, serving in a variety of leadership roles at Silver Heights Community Centre.
As a union member, Jacques was a tireless advocate for workers' rights whose service of solidarity led to a decade as president of the Manitoba division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
As an active member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church for nearly 60 years, Jacques was a regular fixture in the parish, whether giving hand signals from the front pew to his son as altar boy or helping out with church garage sales.
Our father's last year was not an easy one as he navigated a New Year without his wife. With great pride and perseverance, he soldiered on until the return of a brain tumor robbed him of his sight and sent him to palliative care. Even as he prepared to join his wife, he never complained nor lost his sense of humour.
We were fortunate his last few months saw him in the care of the always giving staff at Riverview Health Centre and Grace Hospice. In addition, we want to pay special thanks to Tenise Nolet and the entire team at the Prime program at Deer Lodge Hospital for the care and attention our father received during the last chapter of his life. Prime provided a wide range of integrated health care services and social programming, which made a significant impact to his quality of life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Deer Lodge Hospital Foundation.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 24 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2400 Portage Ave.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 17, 2022
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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I met Jacques and Dianne several years ago after purchasing the home across the street from theirs. Diane was the first to welcome me to the neighbourhood and we visited often, enjoying many a laugh together. Jacques kept close tabs on my renovations, often visiting to see for himself. He always had a joke for me as he went on his daily walks. The neighbourhood was richer for their contributions, welcoming natures and friendly attitudes…they are both missed dearly. RIP Jacques and Dianne! Thank you for everything! ❤️ - Posted by: Maureane O’Shaugnessy (Neighbour) on: Oct 08, 2022
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We are so sorry to have read of Jack's passing. We were backyard neighbours and met in 1993 when we moved onto Woodlands Cres. Jack would often stop for a chat when we were out in the yard. He loved it when Ron was doing some project that he could watch the progress on. I had a few chats with Jack at Sturgeon Creek II as my Mom resides there as well. I'm sorry you have gone through such a hard year with losing both parents in such a short time period. Cherish all the good memories. - Posted by: Sue Nicholson (Backyard neighbour) on: Sep 29, 2022
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My heartfelt condolences to Paul and families. I had the pleasure of working with Jacques at MB Hydro. He was a wonderful gentleman. We shared some laughs over the those years and I have many fond memories. I hope your memories and love for Jacques help you through this very sad and difficult time. Sincerely, Dan Massaroni. - Posted by: Daniel Massaroni (Co-worker) on: Sep 22, 2022
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Jacques was a leader within our union, serving as President of CUPE Manitoba for 10 years, and representing MB on CUPE's National Executive Board. He was a mentor to many young union activists, myself included, his was a strong voice for the rights of workers and for the importance of quality public services for all citizens. My sincerest condolences to Paul and Phil and the entire family. Our world is a better place as a result of Jacques's activism. Paul Moist Past National President, CUPE - Posted by: Paul Moist (Friend) on: Sep 19, 2022
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As a member of CUPE Jacques always encouraged us to take on new challenges challenging the status quo in the struggle for fairness and equality…Condolences to his family…. - Posted by: Shirley Lord (union activist) on: Sep 18, 2022
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Paul, Phil and families So sorry to hear of Jack's passing. Please accept my condolences. What a devastating year you have had. - Posted by: Sharon Jankovich (former neighbour) on: Sep 18, 2022
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Paul and family sorry to hear of your loss! Jack was located in the Engineering section resulting in many interactions. Memories fade but I can only say that they are mostly positive. May his journey be one of perpetual happiness as is indicated in our common Faith. Remembrance and prayer will be included in my daily ventures. GOD BLESS and welcome Jacques a member of a common heritage. - Posted by: Neirinck Cam (Co worker at MH) on: Sep 17, 2022
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We lived across from Jack and Dianne for many years in the loghouse. Since we renovated considerably, Jack frequently popped over to check the the progress. It wasn't uncommon to up look up from whatever we were doing to find him standing in our hallway unannounced. He kept us entertained. RIP to them both. Gunny and Garry Tennese - Posted by: Gunny Tennese (Neighbour) on: Sep 17, 2022