MICHAEL ROBERT VAN WALLEGHEM

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MICHAEL ROBERT VAN WALLEGHEM November 24, 1915 - March 23, 2010 With gratitude for Dad's long life, we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Dad was predeceased by his loving wife Anne. They were married for 65 years prior to her passing in 2008. He is survived by his three children: son Wayne (Leonne) and their children Michelle (Greg Deger) and Cory (Theresa); son Bob (Betty) and their children Rob, Stephen, Erin (Travis Dietrich) and Danny; daughter Betty Seol and her children Elana (Tino Sacino) and Ivory; and great-grandchildren Daylen and Finley Dietrich. Dad is also survived by brothers George and Gerard S.J.; sisters-in-law Yvonne Van Walleghem and Anita Van Walleghem; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jerry and Elsie DeBaets; sisters-in-law Adrienne Gagnon, Julia Guilbault and Germaine Willson, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers: Jerome, Lucien (Bea), Gerry (Alma), Julien and sister-in-law Helen Van Walleghem; brothers-in-law Brant Willson, Claude Gagnon, Art Guilbault, Adolph (Ruth) DeBaets, and Armand (Marguerite) DeBaets; sisters-in-law Aleda DeBaets, Mary (Phillip) Grift and Martha (Camille) VandeVyvere. Dad was in the dairy business with his brothers for over 50 years. He drove over one million miles in that time, sometimes with little sleep. Problem was - he sometimes caught up on sleep while driving! In his later years, he also delivered Meals on Wheels. He was a life member of the Belgian Club and the Heather Curling Club. An avid sports fan, he particularly loved curling, where he was renowned for throwing the high hard ones. It was a challenge to correctly position rocks after one of his famous take-outs! For many years he enjoyed 10-pin bowling in the Red Alix League and loved to take on all comers in Belgian bowls at family gatherings. Special thanks are extended to the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg where he spent his last three years and especially to Evelyn for the hugs and kisses that Dad loved. In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted for Father Gerard Van Walleghem, S.J., Canadian Jesuits International, 1325 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5R 2C4 A funeral service celebrating Dad's life will be held on Saturday, March 27 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Ignatius Church, 255 Stafford St. (Stafford and Corydon). We will always love and remember you. Rest in Peace. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 26, 2010