Alexander DIONNE

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DIONNE: Alexander Joseph Dionne. In the early hours of April 29, 2010, Alex passed away in the Virden District Hospital.  Though in failing health, he lived every moment of his 88 year life experience with a belief that there was more to come. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Nellie (2008), his father, Stanislas (1962), mother Amanda (1945), brothers Felix, Andrew and Daniel; sisters, Solange Maurice and Rose Roussel.  He is survived by his children, Mary Hockley (Wes) and Brent Dionne (Giovanni), two sisters Sr. Simone Dionne and Monique Brulhart as well numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. His friends and comrades were his extended family from whom he received a new purpose for every day. Born on the farmstead near Notre Dame de Lourdes, May 2, 1922, Alex was destined to live a life of family, travel and adventure.  He left the farm community at age 16 to work in Winnipeg at St Boniface Hospital and to attend St. Boniface College.  As soon as he was of age, he joined the Canadian Army in 1941 and began his first adventures in the service of his country.  These life defining events were created in England, Belgium, France and Holland where he served in the “all volunteer’ Canadian Armored Division as an artillery signaler and driver operator. He witnessed the liberation of Holland and the final days and hours of the occupation of Europe. He returned to civilian life, New Year’s Day, 1946. He married Nellie Osiowy in December 1947, thus beginning his family life in Virden.  After a brief stay at the Kent Flour Mill, he began his lifelong profession as reporter and typesetter for the Virden Empire Advance in 1948 until his retirement in 1988. Dad’s sense of adventure and travel continued with the annual family vacations where, after much planning and preparation, he showed his family any place that could be reached with an Oldsmobile and a tent.  Among his favorites were California, Colorado, any national Park and, of course, his beloved Canadian landscapes.  In his later years, he ventured back to Europe to pay tribute to the deeds of his Canadian battle comrades, to visit the cities and people who were liberated by Canadian Forces and to uphold the legacy of 'Lest We Forget'. Only greater than his desire for travel was his dedication to his community, his church and his extended family at Legion Branch 8, Virden.  He campaigned for the Canadian Heart Association (Founding Life Member) for over 40 years to promote their message.  For his church, as a member of the Knights of Columbus and church Board member, he contributed his expertise and workmanship when a new Catholic church was needed in Virden.  To his Legion Branch his volunteerism extended over 60 years of service and culminated in a Life Membership.  His work as Sergeant At Arms, Executive Committee (Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President), DVA Service Officer, Last Post Reporter)  were truly his most honored contribution in life.  His extended family of men and women of the Legion were a source of camaraderie, lifelong friendships and mutual purpose during his long life.  He proudly wore his Campaign Medals: Voluntary Service Medal 1939-1945, King George VI Defense Medal, France and Germany Star, The 1939-1945 Star and the Empire Service Medal 1939-1945. His family and friends have many memories of Alex that they hold close to their hearts. These recollections encompass his patriotic, supportive, loving, charming, humorous spirit; his loyalty for family and friends and his desire to experience the world as he had experienced it.  Each of us had a different experience of Alex but these few words would best represent our father, Alex.Life LessonsYou may have thought I didn't see,Or that I hadn't heard,Life lessons that you taught to me,But I got every word.Perhaps you thought I missed it all,And that we'd grow apart,But Dad, I picked up everything,It's written on my heart.Without you, Dad, I wouldn't beThe person I am today;You built a strong foundationNo one can take away.Alex, from all of us left behind, ‘Mission Completed’ and Well Done !!!!!

As published in Brandon Sun on May 15, 2010