FLORENT ANTOINE COLLETTE

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FLORENT ANTOINE COLLETTE Florent passed away peacefully in his home in Ste Anne's Villa Youville on July 7, 2006 at the age of 81 years. Florent leaves to mourn his beloved wife Germaine (nee Gauthier) of 55 years and his children, Jocelyne (Mark) Duprey of Florida, Guy (Diane) Collette of Winnipeg, Lynne (Dale) Manikel of Morris, Joanne (Robert) Milne of Emerson, Rhéal (Theresa) Collette of Calgary, Gaétane (Dan Reimer) Kroeker of Altona, along with his grandchildren, Ashley Duprey, Adine (Scott) Cameron, Jamie (Kim) and Roxanne Collette, Stacey (Chad Matthies) and Britney Manikel, Janelle, Leanne and Kevin Milne, Rachael and Liana Collette, Tyler and Joel Kroeker. He is survived by his two brothers, Alcide (Carmelle), Raymond (Irène); three sisters, Beatrice Ritchot, Rolande (André) Sabourin, Lorraine (Roger) Daneault, as well as numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. Florent was predeceased by his parents, Amedée and Bella Collette, brothers-in-law Paul-Emile Berard, Dollard Ritchot, and Maurice Gauthier and sister-in-law Doris Gauthier. Florent was born in Morris, MB and grew up on a farm near Ste. Elizabeth. He later met Germaine who was teaching at St. Martin School not far from his parents' homestead. He often talked about the long drives he took to Somerset to court Germaine who at the time was a teacher. They fell in love and were married on JULY 24, 1950. Early on in their marriage, they moved to Cochenour, ON where Florent spent almost ten years working in a gold mine. However, he longed to go back to farming and when the opportunity arose he moved his family back to Ste Elizabeth where he resumed his first passion which was farming. He was very hard working and provided well for his family. He enjoyed and was talented in carpentry and built his first home in Cochenour and later, fully renovated his home on the farm at Ste Elizabeth. In his later years, he loved woodworking and was very creative in making wooden crèches and all kinds of gadgets. He was always giving of his time and was always willing and eager to offer his carpentry services. Dad built many rec rooms for his children, and took great pride in his workmanship. Like his father, he was gifted with a creative mind and any who knew him were witness to his inventions. Dad and Mom also enjoyed many years of camping with family. They loved to go boating and fishing. He often entertained us with his harmonica and spoons. Of Dad's many qualities, the most precious ones were his love and devotion he had towards his wife Germaine, especially during the latter years when she developed Alzheimers. He was Mom's best friend and primary care-giver for many years even in spite of his declining health. He remained committed to her to the very end and his love and devotion to Mom is something we will always remember and cherish in our hearts. In his final months, he never complained and was always positive. He drew his strength from his relationship with the Lord and always reminded Mom that even though they were apart they were blessed to be able to be together at times. His faith and courage helped all of us deal with the difficult situation they were in. He will always remain close to our hearts and we will always be grateful for his unconditional love, faith, strength, and courage. Dad, we are looking forward to being reunited with you one day, but in the interim we will cherish the fond memories we have of you and the joy you brought to our lives. We promise to continue to take care of Mom with as much love and devotion as you would have done if you were here. We love you! Many thanks to all those who loved and cared for Dad. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 10-120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 9Z9. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Vital Roman Catholic Church, 1629 Pembina Hwy. Interment of the cremated remains will follow at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens. Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 233-4949 or toll free 1-888-233-4949.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 11, 2006