DENNIS JOYAL

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DENNIS JOYAL Peacefully on June 8, 2008, Dennis Gerard Emile Joyal passed away surrounded by his family. Dennis is survived by his wife of 45 years, Joan, his son Rick (Colleen) and his daughter Suzi (Dan Meisner). He also leaves behind his grandson Evan and his granddaughters Bridget and Caroline, and his special buddy Trevor. He will be missed by his sisters, Therese Lagimodiere, Louise (Ben) Marykuca, Claire (Al) Sarna, and his brothers, Lucien (Joan) and Eddie (Eileen) along with his sister-in-law Margaret Wishnowski. Dennis also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Dennis was predeceased by his parents Tony and Emilienne Joyal, parents-in-law John and Hanna Bjornson, his auntie Hermine Carriere, his sister-in-law Anna Hooke, his brothers-in-law, Jim Hooke, Bob Walsh and Victor Wishnowski, and his infant granddaughter Jasmine. Dennis was born September 8, 1933 in Fort Garry. After completing high school he joined his father at the Manitoba Pool Elevators where he worked for 28 years. In 1962 he married Joan Bjornson. Together they built a home in St. Andrews where they lived until 1988 where upon they moved to Selkirk. After leaving MPE he and Joan opened a ceramics shop in Winnipeg and later moved their business to their home in St. Andrews. Dennis was also a school bus driver in the Lord Selkirk School Division until his retirement in 1995. Dennis was a devoted husband and father whose greatest pleasure was his children and grandchildren, with whom he loved to tease. Dennis lived the last 30 years of his life in pain and discomfort as a result of Rheumatoid Arthritis, which stymied his ability to play guitar, draw and paint. He was a wonder to all who knew him in that he never complained or felt sorry for himself because of this debilitating disease. Grandpa, we love you and miss you! The family would like to thank Dr. Lindenschmidt, Bev and the staff of the Selkirk General Hospital. We would also like to extend our appreciation to the staff at the Victoria Hospital ICU and the 4th floor ward for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Dennis over the last seven weeks. Thanks to Liz for caring for him while Mom was in the hospital, Iris and Gail from home care. Thanks to Pastor Stan Richards who will be officiating the service. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11 (today) at the Gilbart Funeral Home, 309 Eveline St., Selkirk, MB. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arthritis Society. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 11, 2008