JOSEPH E. LAMARCHE

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JOSEPH E. LAMARCHE It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden death of Joseph E. Lamarche at St. Boniface Hospital on May 31, 2009 at 85 years of age. He will be lovingly remembered by family and friends. Joseph is survived by his sons John (Renee) and Jim (Marlaine); partner of 24 years Flo Parkinson and her daughter Lynn (Bob); son Ron (Terry); daughter Kathy and son Rick (Dale) as well as sister Eva (Andre) Roziere; 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Therese (nee Roziere), parents Joseph Emile Lamarche and Barbara (Cage), brother Gordon, sisters, Nathalie Steffan, Barbara Turcotte, Leigh Nadasdi, Peggy Hoy and Ivy Dube. Joe's love of family and friends was evident in everything he did. This love was particularly true with his grand and great-grandchildren. He was so proud of each and every one of them and marveled at their accomplishments. You should know that you provided Grand Pere / Grandpa Joe with great joy. He will always be with you in spirit to support you as you proceed through the joys and tribulations of your lives. Joe has another family of children through his volunteer sports activities at Archwood Community Centre and School; particularly hockey and swimming lessons. He also had a passion for the Winnipeg Colt/Mustang hockey teams. Every spring for 25 years, he took 40 players and coaches to tournaments in Goderich and Brampton, ON. The positive impact he had on these young children (ages 9 - 11) and their parents was remarkable. Years after players and parents have been involved with Joe, they would seek him out to say hello and they would always express their appreciation to him. Many would tell him that their time with Joe was the best time of their lives. What you probably don't appreciate was the great joy you also brought him. Thank you for making his life so fulfilling. Joe's love for Therese (Roziere) and their two sons was unconditional. Jim and John realize how lucky they were to be raised by such loving parents. The family spent every summer camping at their favourite lake in Ontario - Blue Lake; establishing many lifelong friendships and trying to catch the big muskie and Joe did! The first time they camped at this lake in 1954 with Eva and Andre Roziere's family, they were the only people at the lake. Hard to imagine this given the lake is now a provincial park! However, this explains why Joe was subsequently called the Mayor of Blue Lake. The Lamarche/Roziere clan was also very special and close to Dad. The home of Pepe and Meme Roziere (the grandparents) was the focal point of memorable family gatherings. Sadly, Joe's wife Therese died in 1984. However, within a year or two, Joe and Flo found each other after both had lost their loving spouses. The connection between the two families was already well established in that they lived on the same street in St. Boniface since the 1950's and also spent many a summer together at Blue Lake. Wow, the Lamarche family felt so lucky to have a new extended family The Parkinson Clan . Joe's love for his new found family was undeniable and the feeling was mutual. Joe retired a year or two later and Flo - Joe (as their license plate stated on their motor home) began to travel. The family needed to purchase Flo - Joe an answering machine so they could be contacted. Were they in Phoenix Arizona, Victoria BC, Leduc or Calgary AB, Europe, Cruises, Blue Lake or some other location? Leave them a message, they will call back! Joe worked at the CN Transcona Shops for many years and continued to meet his old retired cronies for the regular breakfast meetings to solve the problems of the world. The boys need to know that he treasured these opportunities and thank you for the joy you brought him. A celebration of Joe's life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Interment of his ashes will precede the service at 1:00 p.m. at Waverley Memorial Gardens, 1501 Waverley Street. Family and friends are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Send expressions of sympathy to www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 05, 2009