CLEMENT MEILLEUR

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CLEMENT MEILLEUR Clem died peacefully at Laurel Place Hospice in Surrey, BC on August 31, 2008. He was the firstborn of Wilbrod and Zelia Meilleur and was born in a small little shack' in Fort Frances, ON which was built by his father. In the early 1930s, the family moved to Fisher Branch, MB where he grew up on the family farm with his siblings, Marcel (who passed away in October 2007), Evelyn, Lea, Cecile, Jeanne, Andre, Emma and Simone. He had a special relationship with his youngest brother, Oliver. They were best friends. He worked hard on the farm as a young boy and then into his teens, he combined farm work with working as a lumberjack. He permanently left the family homestead in his early 20s and at the age of 28 married Claire Riel. His five children, Darlene (John), Marc (Paula), Claudia aka Sam (Keenan), Gerald (Laura) and Jacqueline (Robert), came shortly thereafter. His children and siblings will remember with humour his odd use of English phrases with a slight French twist' such as Oh my Gods and I tol' you . In 1967 he moved his family from Winnipeg to British Columbia but a large part of his heart has always remained with his Manitoba roots. In the early 1970s he made a career change and became the owner of Maillardville Lanes, which was (right up his alley) and in harmony with his love of the game and his success as a competitive 5-pin bowler. Clem loved all sports. As a young man he was tough to beat in the horseshoe pit and throughout his lifetime he gained national recognition as a bowler. He enjoyed watching all sports on television but was most passionate about hockey and football. Cards were another hobby Clem excelled at and enjoyed tremendously. An evening' of card playing with his relatives usually translated into an all night affair. Clem had seven grandchildren, Randi, Jaime, Brandon, Bryce, Meaghan, Michael and Deanna. Even though the miles between B.C. and Manitoba limited his relationship with them, he was very proud of them all as he was of all his children. In 1999 he met Susan Holt. He spent the last nine years of his life with her as his companion and best friend. We, the family are very grateful for the care and support she gave to him in those final years. Clem died very peacefully, with Susan by his side until he took his last breath. It is how he wished it to be. A graveside ceremony will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2008 at Green Acres Cemetery, Hwy. 1 E. at Navin Road. There he will be laid to rest with his mother, Zelia. A reception will follow at 58 Smithfield Ave. in Winnipeg between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 21, 2008