JOHN ALFRED OMER BANVILLE

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JOHN ALFRED OMER BANVILLE It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Omer Banville at the Grace Hospital on February 18, 2008 at the age of 91. After a lengthy courageous battle against Amyloidosis, Omer was resting quietly and at peace with the Lord. Omer will be lovingly remembered by his closest best friend and loving wife of 61 years, Laura and their children: daughter Carol Dansereau (husband Bob), son Michael (wife Lia Tolaini-Banville); grandchildren, Ryan Dansereau (wife Jessica), Nicole Dansereau, Matthew, Alicia and Alexander Banville; great-grandson Logan Dansereau; brother Albert Banville; sister Joan Bogle; nieces, Leslie Bent (husband Brad), Moira Lucas (husband George), Judith Morris (husband Spence), Susan Pike (husband Steven); nephew Ross Bogle. Predeceased by his son Paul Banville; daughter Andrea, and sister-in-law Eileen Banville. Omer was born October 12, 1916 in Holland, MB. Predeceased by his mother Alice Beatrice Smith born in Holland, MB and his father Ernest John Banville born in Kenora, ON. Growing up in Holland, Omer attended school and enjoyed playing sports, never more so than, each year at the annual sports day in Holland. In 1943 Omer joined the services and served in Ottawa for three years directly with the intelligence bureau. Through a chance meeting with friends Omer met his wife to be and one year later would marry his sweetheart and the love of his life at St. Mary's Cathedral. Attending university for three years Omer worked through the summers at North American Lumber while obtaining his Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Manitoba. After working for Lumber Dealers Supply Ltd. and North American Lumber, Omer started Banville Building Supplies in 1957. This same year Omer joined the Granite Club to further enjoy one of his favourite pastimes, curling. Omer worked hard developing his business throughout Canada with a passionate focus on customer service and business conducted on a handshake. Through his business career Omer enjoyed several exciting ventures involving Alphair Ventilating, Westman Culvert and Canwest. Omer was a long-standing member of The Lions Club, Knights of Columbus (Grand Knight of Council 1107 in earlier years), St. Charles Country Club and The Manitoba Club. Omer was an avid golfer and well-respected businessman. He earned several awards and acclamations in his lifetime for various achievements, but his greatest achievement was the respect and many friends he gained over the years. Omer was always a member in good standing of the Catholic community and he went over and above the call of duty as a friend and colleague. His most significant accomplishment was that of husband and father. Omer was a dedicated husband and unselfishly always put his wife and family first. Omer was an outstanding role model to his children and grandchildren and exemplified how to live life to the fullest, believe in God, love your family and be positive no matter what life throws your way and be thankful for the people closest to you in your life. Omer maintained a keen sense of wit and enthusiasm for life until the end. We thank God for taking him without suffering and for giving us the quality time we had with him. The family is grateful to Dr. AbuLebdeh of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and the staff and doctors of the 3rd floor north at the Grace Hospital. Thank you for providing Omer with the love and adoration by which he treated everyone he ever met. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rossbrook House in Winnipeg. Pallbearers, Bob Dansereau, Ryan Dansereau, Mike Jones, Matthew Banville, Paul Tolaini, Louie Tolaini. Honorary Pallbearers: John Arnold, Pat Burns, Jack McCormick, Roy Foster. Catholic Mass in celebration of Omer's life to be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 22, 2008 at St John Brebeuf Parish, 1707 John Brebeuf Place, family burial at the Assumption Roman Catholic Cemetery, 3990 Portage Avenue. Please join us for a reception in celebration of Omer's life at The Manitoba Club, 194 Broadway from 3:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. CHAPEL LAWN 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 20, 2008