HUBERT JOSEPH RIGAUX

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HUBERT JOSEPH RIGAUX With saddened hearts, we announce the passing of our Husband, Father, Grandpa, on Monday, August 28, 2006, at Glenboro, MB, at the age of 91 years, 7 months. Hubert (Pop) will be missed by his loving wife Evelyn; his sons, John (Sandra), Norbert (Gloria Cassidy); and his daughters, Joyce (John Rayment), Agnes Rigaux, and Lisa (Alan) De Ceuleneer; daughter-in-law Edna Rigaux; grandchildren, Sherri Rigaux, Landon North, and Shandi North. He is also survived by his brother Gilbert; sisters, Magdelina Hutlet, Justine Kitto; sisters-in-law, Alma Rigaux and Marie Rigaux. He will also be fondly remembered by the Chevalier families: Johnny and Alice, Maurice and Ali; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Hubert was predeceased by his sons, George and Robert; parents, Ernest and Victorine; brothers, Rene, William, Albert, Robert and Omar; and by sisters, Angelina Van Den Bussche and Germaine Delichte. Hubert, born on January 24, 1915 at Cypress River, MB, was one of eleven children born to Ernest and Victorine, both of whom as children, immigrated to Canada from Belgium. Hubert was raised on the Rigaux family farm at Cypress River and received his schooling at Cypress Valley School. Post secondary education was not an option in the 1930's and Hubert worked on the family farm, and as a hired man at area farms. He took a keen interest in horses and fancied himself as a competent horseman . He retained his interest in horses throughout his life. Courting soon occupied his mind, and courting trips to the Bruxelles area Chevalier farm became quite frequent. Neighbours often listened to the jingle of the harness bells at night as Hubert and his team and sleigh made their way over the snowy roads to visit Evelyn. Whether it was the fancy team of horses, or Hubert himself, the wedding took place at Bruxelles, MB in November 1941. (Hubert and Evelyn were looking forward to celebrating their 65th Wedding Anniversary this fall). Hubert and Evelyn established their first farm in the Swan Lake area, and it was here that the first half of the family arrived with the birth of two sons and a daughter (George, Joyce and John). In 1949, family and possessions were loaded into the new Ford car and moved to the newly purchased farm in the Bru District, located south-west of Cypress River. It was there that the second half of the family arrived with the birth of two more daughters and another son (Agnes, Norbert and Lisa). With the Bru District being predominantly Icelandic, there were adjustments to be made, and the locals were soon introduced to the splendid game of Belgium bowling . An entire book could be written on Hubert and Belgium bowling , and with Hubert, losing a game was not an option. His most often used phrase was, standing bowl wins . Hubert loved to teach his grandchildren to bowl, and he was also a familiar face at area bowling tournaments, and on occasion, games would be finished under the headlights of the car, accompanied with a beer or two. Life on the farm was not easy and contained disappointments and hardships for Hubert and Evelyn, including the loss of two sons, Robert and George. Hard work was the order of the day, and it quickly became clear to the kids that this was not a vacation farm and milking had to be done , and Hubert was in charge. Along with the hard work, Hubert found time to spend with the kids and many a hockey game was played on the pasture dugout, and hockey pucks were plentiful, thanks to the horses. Hubert was a hard worker and had established in his mind what was important. He took pride in seeding his crops in a straight row, and was a good neighbour. Hubert also enjoyed his time off on Sundays, and after Mass, picnics to local lakes were the order of the day. In 1986, the tractor was parked for the last time and Hubert and Evelyn retired to Glenboro. Hubert was not a globe trotter, and preferred to remain close to family and friends. Trips to George and Edna's cabin at Lake of the Woods, and visiting family members in Thompson, Vancouver and Sechelt, BC, occupied his time. Trips to Banff and Alaska were also special. Hubert enjoyed reading, and any books on horses were gratefully accepted. His daily newspapers and gazettes were a must and his times spent reading were the rare occasions when he was silent. TV news and game shows were another necessity. Hubert was especially fond of his grand-children, and his practical jokes and humour kept them and everyone else entertained. Hubert was a combination of many things and will be remembered in many different ways. Everyone though would agree that he was not a shy man, and certainly had the gift of the gab . Ending a conversation with Hubert was as difficult as winning a game of bowling against him. Hubert will be sadly missed for all that he was. We know that all those in Heaven are in for a grand time. A remembrance service celebrating Hubert's life was held on Saturday, September 2 at 1:00 p.m. at Willmor Chapel (Jamieson's Funeral Service), Glenboro, MB with Pastor Harry Friesen officiating. The inspirational gospel music was performed by Henry Martins and Dianne Lodge. Pallbearers were Hubert's nephews: Ken Rigaux, Ron Van Den Bussche, Allan Delichte, Michael Chevalier, Albert Chevalier and David Chevalier. Immediately following, a reception was held in the Christian Education Hall of the Glenboro United Church, with the courtesy group serving. A family interment service took place in the St. Alphonse Cemetery. Memoriams may be made in Hubert's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Canadian Cancer Society. Rest in Peace, Pop

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 10, 2006