DEACON ROBERT JAMES GIASSON

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DEACON ROBERT JAMES GIASSON September 12, 1924 - October 10, 2009 It is with heartfelt sorrow that the family of Robert Giasson announces his peaceful passing on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at Stonewall and District Health Centre with his family at his bedside. He was predeceased by his parents, Napoléon and Marie Giasson; his brothers, Aime, Raoul, Edouard, Laurent, Joseph, Napoleon, Jules, Henri and Denis. Robert will be forever remembered and sadly missed by Bertha, his devoted and loving wife of 57 years. Remaining to forever cherish Robert's memory are his children, Louise (Ron), Anita (Denis), Marcelline (Tomas), Julie (Ivan), Giselle (Rance), Ralph (Lori), Daniel (Doreen), Yvette (Robbie), Bernard and Donald; his grandchildren Michelle, Neal, Darren, Brianne, Dominic, Amara, Breydon, Rachelle, Renée, Danielle, Justine, Brittney and great-grandchild Jordan. Robert is survived by sisters, Florette, Doris, Dianne and many other extended family members and friends. Robert was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the fourth child of 14. At the age of two years his family relocated to Fisher Branch, Manitoba where he resided until completion of his high school education. He continued his studies by attending St. Paul's College in Winnipeg and obtained his teaching credentials. His first teaching job took him to a one-room schoolhouse in Maple Ridge, MB. Robert enjoyed teaching but as time went on he chose to seek other forms of employment. He held varied jobs throughout his life such as gold mining, brush clearing, mechanic and welder. In 1950 Robert met his soul mate Bertha Smith and they wed in 1951. Their love and friendship grew and endured throughout 57 years of marriage. Together they raised their family and leave a legacy of fond memories with their children and grandchildren. In 1960, with the purchase of a GM and John Deere dealership, Robert and his brother Jules became proud business owners. In 1989, after many years of dedication and endless workdays, Robert retired as a businessman. Over the years Mom and Dad were able to enjoy much deserved vacation time traveling to Hawaii, Europe, Las Vegas and throughout Canada sharing many memorable experiences. Robert was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight from 1979 to 1983. In 1985 Robert was ordained as a Permanent Deaconate by his Grace Archbishop Adam Exner. He lovingly and faithfully served the parishes of Fisher Branch, Arborg, Teulon, Stony Mountain and Stonewall. Robert found great joy and comfort in serving the Lord and ministering to the parishioners. Dad, you were an inspiration to all of us. You instilled in your children a strong work ethic, honesty, integrity and courage. Your sense of humour, love, loyalty and understanding will be sadly missed by all of us. Your dedication as a father and husband was unending. Our family would like to express our sincere and special thanks to Dr. Pinniger and staff of Stonewall Health Centre. We would especially like to thank family and friends for their love, kindness and support during Dad's illness at our time of loss. Prayers will be held at Christ the King Church, Stonewall on Thursday, October 15 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Christ the King Church, Stonewall on Friday, October 16 at 11:00 a.m. with interment at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Fisher Branch, MB. In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert's memory may be made to the Lung Association of Manitoba, 629 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3A 1P6. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 15, 2009