STIRLING KENNETH (MIKE) RIVIERE

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STIRLING KENNETH (MIKE) RIVIERE June 6, 1929 - March 19, 2009 With great sadness, our family announces the peaceful passing of Mike Riviere. With his family by his side, Mike passed into the arms of his Saviour on March 19, 2009. After being diagnosed with lung cancer and undergoing surgery in July 2008, Mike never fully recovered. He was able to stay at home the last three months of his life with the help of his wife and four daughters. He was admitted to Riverview earlier this month where he passed away after a short stay. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Theresa Riviere; two brothers, Edward Jr. and Keith; and one sister Shirley. He is survived by two brothers, Larry (Dora), Eric (Sandra) and five sisters, Beryl, Sally, Audrey, Zilda (Terry) and Sharon (Jerry). Mike is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 50 years, Grace; daughters, Cindy, Wanda, Denise, Donna and son-in-law Cam. He leaves behind four grandchildren, Mike, Dave, Christine and Kerry. Mike was born in 1929 in Cornwall, ON. He joined the Airforce in 1949. While stationed in Portage la Prairie, Mike met his wife Grace. A year later on April 3, 1958 they were married. They spent 50 eventful years together. Mike and Grace raised four wonderful daughters and took great joy in their four grandchildren. Mike was proud to serve in the Airforce which earned him five medals. In 1977, he spent six months in the Golan Heights with the United Nations on a peace keeping mission. During that time he was able to visit Israel, Saudi Arabia, The Dead Sea and many places where Jesus walked. After his 30 years of service in the the military, he went on to work as warehouse manager for Boyle Midway until he retired in 1991. Mike would never miss a cup of coffee with friends; especially Don and The Chief . Even when out at the cottage he had his daily coffee crew . Most of Mike's summers were spent at Manhattan Beach Retreat Centre at his cabin. He notably enjoyed having his grandchildren come and visit for the summer. All four of them thought he was an awesome Grandpa. He spent many hours with his grandchildren at hockey games, soccer games, concerts, ceremonies and many Saturday morning breakfast outings. Mike truely loved his son-in-law Cam and enjoyed his company immensely. It was a nice change after living in a house full of girls for so many years. Mike enjoyed his days playing mini golf with Grace, Myrtle, Henry and Alma, he never could beat Henry. For several years Mike, Grace and their friends attended Grays Auction and were able to bring home many treasures! Mike loved to tell stories and crack jokes, especially blonde ones. He was always ready for an arguement, especially when it came to politics. He always made sure to check in with his daughters daily with endless phone calls. Mike was always willing to lend a helping hand, giving anyone a ride anywhere and frequently visited friends in the hospital. Mike was a member of Grace Community Church. He served in many ministries within the church including Brigades and Seniors. Dad also volunteered at Good Hearty Cafe helping those less fortunate. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Community Church, (formerly known as Charleswood Gospel Temple) West Perimeter Hwy. south of Roblin Boulevard. We wish to thank the hospital staff at Riverview for their care of him during his stay, home care nurses and Dr. Breckman. Donations in his name can be made to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2009