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DUANE GEORGE BOUTANG Obituary pic

DUANE GEORGE BOUTANG

Born: Jun 26, 1950

Date of Passing: Feb 04, 2020

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DUANE GEORGE BOUTANG
June 26, 1950 - February 4, 2020

After passing suddenly while grooming trails, he leaves to mourn his wife Wanda, of 47 years, his children and their spouses, Marisa (Keir), Dayna (Grant) and Darren (Cheryl), grandchildren, Rory, Jesse, Jada, Gemma, Paige and Leah, his sister Donna, mother-in-law Reg, nieces and nephews, Randeen, Raimey, Mich, Tina and Trevor, and numerous close relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his sisters, Lori and Shelly, brother Lyle, brother-in-law Bill, cousin Nevin, his parents and father-in-law.
Duane was born and raised in Vassar, MB, spending his early days on the local baseball diamond, helping his dad in the bush, and courting Wanda. He moved to Winnipeg at 17 to finish high school and then to attend Engineering at the University of Manitoba. The year he graduated he married Wanda and started at PFRA (Agriculture Canada), where he worked till his retirement. If you ever crossed paths with Duane you know he was a bit of a legend; known for his impatience, short fuse and complete inability to use technology; but he was always willing to lend a hand no matter the job. He was a devoted volunteer and dad who spent many years coaching his own kids and many others in baseball. After retiring, Duane moved back to Vassar to spend his time golfing, snowmobiling and doing every job imaginable at the local ball diamond, he even tried a stint in local politics serving as Reeve. His door was always open to visitors, but more importantly so was the beer fridge. He will be truly missed but we take solace knowing he will be keeping a close eye on us all.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. at Greendell Park Community Centre, 75 Woodlawn, Winnipeg.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Vassar Community Centre (vassarreccentre@gmail.com) or the Southeast SnoRiders, 56 Frederick Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2M 1E5.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 08, 2020

Condolences & Memories (28 entries)

  • My sincere sympathy to Donna & extended family on the loss of Duane. God Bless. - Posted by: Rose Pelland (Delorme) (Childhood neighbours) on: Feb 24, 2020

  • I send my sincere condolences to Wanda and family. It was with sadness I learned of his passing. I worked with Duane at PFRA for over 21 years. Duane was a legend then and even more so now. The stories of the work he was involved in by making changes in the landscape of Manitoba were the sort you find in history books. He was also a force to be reckoned with and was greatly respected. - Posted by: Maxine Kollar (PFRA colleague) on: Feb 19, 2020

  • Our sincere condolences to Wanda and all her family. Duane will be missed by everyone that knew him. We surely would of liked to attend his memorial but were unable to. It was way too early but the good memories of weekend ball games and beer gardens will remain with us forever. - Posted by: Craig & Kathy Thompson and Family (Family friend and played For Duane for Vassar ) on: Feb 14, 2020

  • We want to express our sincere sadness upon hearing of Duane's passing. We came to know Duane, Wanda and family through our children growing up in St. Germain. Our paths crossed through hockey, baseball, school and neighbourhood functions. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Gary, Irene, Doug and Dave Lacoste (neighbours and freinds) on: Feb 13, 2020

  • Duane....what a guy! Although it was a long time ago, I vividly remember coaching our kids in baseball with Duane. His passion for the game was special...his laugh was infectious. We had a lot of fun together and every time I saw Duane we would reminisce. Two guys who loved baseball always could find things to talk about. My thoughts are with the family and I hope you have been able to share your own favourite stories. I am so disappointed I missed the service at Greendell, but I literally just heard a few minutes ago of Duane's passing. John - Posted by: John Hindle (friend) on: Feb 12, 2020

  • My deepest condolences to Wanda and family on the sudden loss of your loved one. Dwane and I worked at PFRA all of respective careers. He was one of the best construction engineers in the Province working on numerous infrastructure projects benefiting practically every town in Manitoba from Altona in the south to The Pas in the north. He was well known and respected withing the construction industry in the Province. Such large projects as the Vermillion Dam in Dauphin and the Carman Floodway diversion were completed on time and on schedule because of his technical abilities and his mannerisms in working well but firmly with contractors. Over three decades in construction including such complicated multi-million dollar projects as the Portage La Praire waste treatment plant there was never a contract where formal litigation was required to resolve disputes, mainly due to Dwaine's close oversight of projects and the respect that contractors and engineering consultants had for his abilities and his expertise. During the 1997 Red River flood, Dwaine supervised dozens of survey crews dispatched in southern Manitoba to designate projected water levels on nearly 4000 farms and numerous towns in the valley so that individuals, Mayors and Reeves had the information needed to decide whether to stay on the farm or town or to evacuate. Over 28,000 people were temporarly evacuated with no loss of life. Dwaine loved his work in PFRA and I and his collegues are definitely proud of his accomplishments. He will be missed, but his memories and legacy live on. - Posted by: Erminio Caligiuri (work collegue) on: Feb 12, 2020

  • Hello Wanda: We are so very sorry to read about Duanes sudden passing & sorry we can’t come to his celebration of life, as we are in Mazatlan right now. Wes remembers the two of you coming up to La Pas where Wes was, for Duanes first job out of school. He thinks you came for about the first week, then likely had to go back home to work? They both worked for PFRA for many years, then together with baseball off & on. Many memories & again sorry we aren’t able to attend. Our deepest sympathy, Wes & Joyce - Posted by: Wesley and Joyce Powell (Friend and co worker) on: Feb 12, 2020

  • It breaks our heart to hear about Duane's passing but we take solace in the fact that he was doing something he loved and did not suffer. He always had a golf tip for me (Jo) and we enjoyed his sassy tongue, lol. Our thoughts and prayers go to you Wanda and family. Duane will be missed! - Posted by: Joanne & Greg Ward (snowmobiled and golfed with him) on: Feb 12, 2020

  • Shock and grief we well know this past year. We can only offer deepest sympathy and ask for God's grace and His love, to get us through this overwhelming loss, as we grieve with you. - Posted by: Glen & Lana Buchanan (Cousin) on: Feb 12, 2020

  • Our deepest condolences to the entire family. - Posted by: Gordon & Valerie Klym (Friends) on: Feb 11, 2020

  • Getting to know Duane and his family after his retirement when he moved back to Vassar directly across from our family cabin was literally life altering, our Côté Drive suddenly became bigger than life in a very positive fashion! So many great conversations, so many laughs, such warm sincerity in every aspect, wishing the Family all the best because that void is impossible to fill ❤️ - Posted by: Ross and Sandra Peters (Friend) on: Feb 11, 2020

  • Duane - my younger brother and last remaining sibling. I will miss you beyond words. I don’t want you resting in peace, I want you here. Your work on earth is not done. He ain’t heavy he’s my brother Love you Donna - Posted by: Donna Boutang (Sister) on: Feb 11, 2020

  • My condolences to you all! I had the pleasure of spending some time with Duane when I was dating Raimey. My heart is sad for you all! He was fun and a wonderful man! Hugs and love and lots of prayers ❤ - Posted by: Bridget (Friend ) on: Feb 11, 2020

  • I babysat for the Boutang’s almost 40 yrs ago! Wanda and kids, I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Boutang’s passing. I have many, many fond memories of your family. Sending love, Lisa - Posted by: Lisa (Babysitter) on: Feb 10, 2020

  • I worked with Duane at PFRA. I was there when he first started and it was my first job out of school. I had a great respect for all the engineers and I do remember a lot of them. I REALLY enjoyed my place there as the secretary clerk and typed ALL THEIR very long multiple copies had to be error free, exactly correct report on dams, water stations and weekly material reports on a manual typewriter. I was barely 18 easily influenced. I considered coming to the memorial service just to see a few of the fellas, pay tribute. As my daughters played fast pitch for Holinski and Newshams I would always give a big HELLO. - Posted by: Vick Ponomets (Co-worker St PFRA) on: Feb 09, 2020

  • We will always remember snowmobiling adventures and hockey games shared together with our families. Every encounter with Duane ended in a good laugh. He was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone. Our condolences to you Wanda and the family We are out of the country so unfortunately will be unable to attend Duane's Celebration of Life. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers God give you peace - Posted by: Jim and Pat Burns (friends and neighbours) on: Feb 09, 2020

  • My sincere wishes to Duane's family on your loss. I worked with Duane on numerous diverse projects over a period of twenty years and found him to be a tough client, competent engineer and a good friend. His passing will be a loss to all who had the fortune to be associated with him. - Posted by: Terry Holding (Work associate ) on: Feb 09, 2020

  • My sincerest condolences. I will fondly remember visiting, and spending time with the family as a child. My thoughts and prayers are with you all through this significant loss. Big Hugs from myself and the kids. Love you all - Posted by: Colette Hele (Cousin) on: Feb 08, 2020

  • Our sincere condolences to all Duane's family. He will certainly be missed! - Posted by: Gord & Doris Pavlick (family friends) on: Feb 08, 2020

  • My sincere condolences to Wanda and her entire family on your sudden loss. Pona Mohammed —colleague from Vic. - Posted by: Pona Mohammed (Colleague) on: Feb 08, 2020

  • Please accept my sincerest condolences in Duane's passing. Many good memories at Mountbatten with Duane, Wanda, Marissa, Dayna & Darren. Duane has passed on far too early. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Jan Woytowich (Former employee of Mountbatten School) on: Feb 08, 2020

  • I met Duane during the flood of 1997. Duane was such a great individual who helped us during those difficult times. Always was a jovial person. He will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest In Peace Duane, you left way too soon. - Posted by: Yves Sabourin (Working Acquaintance) on: Feb 08, 2020

  • I am saddened to hear of Duane's passing. My thoughts are with you. When Duane came to Emo during the summers we always had a great time. (He was from the CITY!) He and Nevin could always find some mischief and of course I would always tag along. I know that he and Nevin are golfing and drinking beer! RIP. - Posted by: Kathy Rea (Oien) (friend) on: Feb 08, 2020

  • Over 30 years ago Duane and I were board members together and for a time Duane served as President. He was very committed to fielding competitive boys elite teams in the city leagues as well as having a program for all levels of talent. He was also instrumental in improvements to playing facilities as well as the development of the Whittier Park baseball field. Duane was a tireless worker for the baseball community. Only right that he got a “quick out”. - Posted by: Bob Stewart (Former board member of BoniVital baseball Association) on: Feb 08, 2020

  • Condolences to Wanda, Darren and family. Duane was an unforgettable person in my life. Coached me for several years of baseball and I might have him to thank for helping me find my true calling as a golfer. He was a very dedicated coach and you could tell it meant a a lot to him. I really enjoyed seeing Duane again in recent years as a patient and I am glad our lives were able to cross again. - Posted by: Terry J (Player, dentist and friend) on: Feb 08, 2020

  • Henry and I send condolences to the family. Prayers for you and the family at this time and moving forward. - Posted by: Carla Van Rooy (Friend of Cheryl) on: Feb 08, 2020

  • Our sympathies to Wanda and her family on the loss of a good man. - Posted by: Ken and Andrea Rozsa (family) on: Feb 08, 2020

  • My sincere condolence to Wanda and all of her family. Duane and I became acquaintances and then friends while sharing decades of projects as part of the engineering fraternity. His works on this planet are now complete. Rest in peace my friend and Godspeed on your next endeavor..... - Posted by: Roger Leuzinger (Long Time Friend) on: Feb 08, 2020

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