RENE EMERY JOSEPH MEILLEUR

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RENE EMERY JOSEPH MEILLEUR April 19, 1939 - January 24, 2011 It is with saddened hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Rene Meilleur at the age of 71 years on January 24, 2011 at the Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg. Rene suffered a spinal stroke after undergoing triple by-pass heart surgery at St. Boniface Hospital in September 2008. He was later moved to the Re-Hab Centre at Health Sciences Centre and more recently transferred to Deer Lodge Centre. He is survived by his daughter Tina, her husband Peter Whitehead, grandson Joshua and granddaughter Krista. He is also survived by his friend Diane, former wife Louise as well as two brothers Raymond (Lucie) Meilleur (Fisher Branch), and Daniel (Kathy) Meilleur (Calgary, AB); three sisters Juliette (Richard) Myers (Morden, MB), Aline (Claude) Boisjoli (St. Adophe) and Claire Piggott (Winnipeg, MB). He will be fondly remembered by his 13 nephews, three nieces and their families, as well as 27 great-nephews and nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Predeceased by first wife, Bonnie Meilleur (Finch), his parents Emery Meilleur in 1977 and Leontine Meilleur in 2008, brother Denis Meilleur, January 25, 2011, as well as nephew Jean-Guy Meilleur in 2000. Rene loved music and was a gifted musician, more specifically as a guitarist. He took two guitar lessons from Lennie Breault and he went on to master playing guitar, Chet Atkins style. He played at many dances with different bands as well as accompanied our Mom on the guitar when she sang at different functions. Besides playing guitar he taught himself to play the violin and banjo. Rene had a mischievous side, he loved playing tricks on people. He loved teasing children, especially his nephews and nieces but never forgot to treat them. His love of children extended beyond family, children of poor families were at times recipients of winter outerwear. His generosity was beyond measure, often done with anonymity. Rene had many hobbies. Oh how he loved to play cards, especially cribbage and pinochle! He often loved to sneak a little cheat if he could get away with it! He loved to knit, a skill learned at the hospital, the many times he had to undergo surgery on his club feet. From this he went on to knit himself a curling sweater. A celebration of Rene's life will begin with Prayers on Sunday, January 30 at 8:00 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Fisher Branch, MB. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Monday, January 31, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. also at the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church with Father Paul Bisson presiding. Interment to follow at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the staff at the St. Boniface Hospital, the Re-Hab Centre and Deer Lodge Centre for their loving care. To all of Rene's extended family and friends who visited Rene and extended kindness, thank you. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Immaculate Conception Cemetery Fund, c/o Raymond Meilleur. FISHER FUNERAL HOME INC. In care of arrangements. Fisher Branch, MB (204) 372-6271 or 372-6803

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 29, 2011