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ALAIN F. GIRARD
Born: Dec 14, 1960
Date of Passing: Aug 26, 2021
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ALAIN F. GIRARD
Alain is survived by his mother Rose, son Marc (Kyla), wife Marlene, and stepsons, Aaron Safioles and Mike Safioles (Kaely). He is remembered by his siblings, Guy, Roger (Yvonne), Luc (Dolores), Ray (Cheryl), Ginette (Randy) and Mario (Darlene). He was a favourite uncle to his many nieces and nephews and their families, as well as extended family members. He is remembered by sister-in-law Pat Myketa and members of Marlene's extended family. His beloved four-legged family members, Sophie and Shadoe are feeling the loss of his presence.
Alain was predeceased by his father Leopold, sister-in-law Barb, mother-in-law Teenie Myketa, aunts, uncles and cousins from both the Girard and Joubert families, as well as Marc's mother, Yvonne.
Alain was born on December 14, 1960, in Elie, MB, the sixth of seven children born to Rose and Leopold Girard. His family and relationships with his siblings were very important to him, and he cherished the many memories of growing up in the Girard household- the family gatherings, road trips and the many antics involving him and his siblings. His relationships with his siblings, nieces and nephews were very important to him and remain strong to this day. Growing up and living in Elie, Alain developed many close friendships resulting in numerous lifelong friends. 'Tokyo' cherished these friendships and the memories he had of his life in Elie and had countless stories to tell! Alain was very proud of his work as a volunteer firefighter with the RM of Cartier Volunteer Fire Department, and the bonds that grew out of his involvement with the crew.
Alain worked for many years in the automotive industry in Winnipeg, holding positions with Stern Trucks, American Motors, Selkirk Chrysler, Westport Chrysler and Eastern Sales. It is at Eastern that he worked closely with Joe Rewucki and family, valuing his time spent there. After his time at Eastern, he continued his career at Toromont CAT, Elrus Aggregates and finally PartSource as Assistant Manager.
Anyone who knew Alain became quickly aware of his passion for hockey. From his playing days with the Portage Terriers, to his coaching days in Winnipeg, Gimli, St. Eustache and Lundar, his love for the game was unshakable. He began his coaching career with the Gimli Vikings in the early 90s and with his son Marc's teams in the St James Minor Hockey Association. In 2011, he was offered an opportunity as assistant coach alongside his friend Kirk McCuspey, which resulted in the development of a lifelong friendship, which he valued greatly. This coaching experience led to further opportunities to coach and assistant coach on AA and AAA teams with Winnipeg Minor Hockey. He was proud of his involvement with all the teams he coached, most notably the AAA Midget Hawks, AAA Bantam 2 Warriors, AA Maj Bantam Railcats, AA Peewee Twins (2015 and 2017), AAA Bantam 2 Hawks, AAA Midget Warriors and Lundar Falcons Junior B teams. If you asked him, he would tell you that his proudest moment in hockey was coaching alongside his son Marc in the 2017 to 2018 season with the Midget Warriors. He loved coaching and mentoring the players and took great pride in seeing their progress and skill development over the season. He spent countless hours reviewing game sheets, video and preparing for upcoming matches so that he could assist the team in giving their best. He was proud to have achieved his Hockey Canada High Performance Level 1 coaching certification in 2016. Alain took pride in a coaching style based on respect for all, hard work, compassion and teamwork, but most of all, love for the game. He maintained a learning atmosphere where players developed their skills while enjoying their time on the ice and most importantly having fun.
Alain left us far too soon and leaves a deep hole in all our hearts, having received his diagnosis in mid-July and leaving us a mere six weeks later. He cared deeply for his family, always putting our needs before his, even during his illness. Always dependable and hardworking, he wouldn't hesitate to lend a helping hand whenever needed. His sense of humour and teasing nature kept a smile on our faces, especially when listening to his Joke of the Day, usually courtesy of Google. His kindness, compassion and even-tempered nature made him the rock of our family, and we miss him terribly. Until we meet again.
We would like to thank Dr. T. Buchel and Lisa B.; Dr. E. Steyn- SRHC; Dr. A. Kaufman, Dr. P. McDonald and team from the Neuro clinic; Dr. Kakumanu and Kim P. from CancerCare. To the entire team on H3 at Health Sciences Centre - your care, compassion, accommodation and expertise shown during Alain's short stay there, made a very difficult situation somehow bearable. We offer our sincere gratitude and appreciation for all that you did for us.
Cremation has taken place with a private family funeral planned, respecting provincial COVID guidelines. Glen Eden Funeral home is in care of arrangements.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 04, 2021
Condolences & Memories (16 entries)
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Bit late to the game here. I had the pleasure of working with Alain after he was transferred to Toromont Winnipeg from the Elie branch. Alain and I had a mutual respect. He would have given me the shirt off his back. Many laughs were had in the trenches together. I couldn't believe it when I heard what happened and I talked to Kirk. Until we meet again my big-hearted friend. - Posted by: Mike Crerar (Former coworker (Toromont Cat)) on: Mar 28, 2023
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I am so sorry to hear of Alain’s sudden passing. Condolences to Marlene, Marc and the rest of the family. - Posted by: Laura Wegner (Previous Friend of the Family) on: Sep 28, 2021
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My deepest sympathy in the loss of your son, brother and husband and Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with You at this sad time. May he rèst in peace. - Posted by: Elizabeth Stolle (Ex brother in law from my daughter Angela) on: Sep 18, 2021
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Was coached by Alain. Very nice and caring coach. He always helped us when needed. Always showed respect to the players. He cared so much about us all. So sorry for your loss. I know that I will always remember him. - Posted by: jack oleksiuk (Player) on: Sep 16, 2021
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To aunt Rose and all the family, sincere condolences. His smile and that twinkle in his eye will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Madeleine and John Bedard (cousin) on: Sep 13, 2021
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To Marlene and family, please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. Ashley Martyniw - Posted by: Ashley Martyniw (Friend ) on: Sep 10, 2021
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My sympathies to all of the family. Take consolation in the memories you have of Alain. - Posted by: Evelyne Riffel (Cousin) on: Sep 09, 2021
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Our condolences to Alain's loving family and friends at this time of sorrow. Marlene, our thoughts are with you 💟 - Posted by: Tami Livingston Ewert (Cousin) on: Sep 08, 2021
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We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Ed & Anne Janzen (Friends) on: Sep 07, 2021
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Paule & moi sommes attristés d'aprrendre le décês d'Alain et désirons offrir nos plus sincêres sympathies à tante Rose, ses frêres et soeur et sa conjointe de même qu'à leurs enfants. Cher cousin tu peux maintenant reposer en paix. - Posted by: André Joubert (Cousin) on: Sep 06, 2021
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So sorry for your loss, our sincere condolences to all the family. - Posted by: Ron and Marie Vinet (Cousins ) on: Sep 06, 2021
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Miss you so much, Buddy! So many awesome memories, I will miss you more than you will ever know. I keep thinking this is a bad dream and that you’ll call me laughing that it’s all a bad joke. Marlene, my heart is broken for you; it was an honour be invited to your wedding, I remember it like it was yesterday. He was so proud of his family and you were a beautiful couple! Many Hugs, Kirk, Kelsey, Colton and Cali - Posted by: Kirk (Brother) on: Sep 05, 2021
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We are saddened by Alain's untimely passing. He had a big personality, an infectious laugh and a never ending supply of stories and jokes. His passing has left a void in our family and we miss him. RIP Alain - Posted by: Evelyn & Jim Livingston (Family) on: Sep 04, 2021
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Steve and I are so sorry for your tragic loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Christine Johnson (Friend ) on: Sep 04, 2021
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Darling Marlene, My heart is broken…so sorry to hear of your loss. It was such an honour to attend you beautiful wedding. I loved hearing stories about your blended family. Our time working together was very special to me. Life can be so hard. Please know I am sending you all of my love during this very difficult time. Take care of your beautiful heart. Love Kim Szyszkowski - Posted by: Kim Szyszkowski (Friend ) on: Sep 04, 2021
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To Rose and family from Joe and Maria Wallack. Our sincere condolences. Love you all. - Posted by: Maria Wallack (friend) on: Sep 04, 2021