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AURAY FIDELE MEILLEUR
Born: Jul 27, 1930
Date of Passing: Oct 16, 2021
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AURAY FIDELE MEILLEUR
July 27, 1930 October 16, 2021
He leaves to mourn his 13 children: Jacqueline (Regis), Réal (Beverly), Roger, Lucien (Cindy), Gilbert, Estelle, Gerald (Darlene), Claudette (Dean), Dolores (Rick), Pauline (Mark), Mariette (Stu), Anita (Tom) and Réjean (Cheryl); 37 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister Eva Bernier, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Ovila and Zéphérina; brothers, Théodore, Wilbrod, Ernest, Albert, Emery, Maurice, Alcide; sisters, Célina, Lea, Delia, Amanda; and son-in-law Robert Wedensky.
Dad was born on the family homestead in the Meridian district. As a child he attended North Meridian School until Grade 8 at which time he became old enough and was needed to work on the farm. Even as a young boy he worked hard and learned to stack loose hay, stook grain sheaves, and haul threshed grain to the granaries using a team of horses.
Despite all his chores he still found time to pursue and marry the love of his life, Simonne, a special and unique bond that spanned over 70 years. He was a loving and devoted husband, and eventually the wonderful father we all knew.
His other love was sports, especially hockey, and he became a lifelong fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Baseball became his summer pastime and led him to form his own team, the Meridian Orioles.
Above all, Dad will always be remembered for his love of music and his passion for playing the pedal steel guitar. He was a member of several bands; he played at clubs, various parties, weddings, in church, and until recently, entertaining friends and neighbours at the weekly Fisher Branch Golf Course jam sessions. Whenever we hear a song with a steel guitar piece, we will forever associate it with our Dad.
Dad was a proud man. He fought hard during his brief illness and he fought with dignity. We are forever grateful to Michelle Truthwaite and Evelyn Stoess for their care and compassion.
Public viewing will be held at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Fisher Branch on Friday, October 22 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 23 at 1:00 p.m. Due to existing health restrictions, the funeral service will be by invitation only.
"Take it away, Auray"
Fisher Funeral Home Inc
In care of arrangements. Fisher Branch, MB
204-372-6803 or 204-372-6271
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 20, 2021
Condolences & Memories (19 entries)
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Our sincerest condolences to Mariette, Stu, Bobby and family. Our thoughts are with you in this time of loss… - Posted by: Joanne Dumaine & Deny Gravel (Friend) on: Nov 01, 2021
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My sincere condolences to the family, I went to school with many of your children Uncle Auray, you are a pillar of the community, friend, father, husband, God bless. - Posted by: Neil Muzyka (Friends) on: Oct 25, 2021
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From Deb & I, a big hug to Auntie Simonne and my wonderful cousins on the passing of Uncle Auray. I’d been so much looking forward to getting to play music together with him again with Covid behind us, or at least being able to resume visits in person with him and auntie. I so regret that it has turned out not to be. But I’ll always cherish the times, and the talks, and the music jams at the F. B. golf course shared with him. Thank you ‘Mon Oncle’ for being you, and for my collection of great memories of you in my life, back from my earliest childhood. Godspeed. - Posted by: Gil Bernier (Neohe) on: Oct 24, 2021
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Ruth and I offer our condolences to aunt Simone and family. Always remembered the visits as a teen on the farm. Thanks for letting us stay at the house at Real and Beverley's wedding (no room at the inn). May the loss bring you closer as a family and the reflection of our need for Jesus, the Healer and Comforter of our souls, the greatest gift to mankind. - Posted by: Raymond and Ruth Hince (Nephew) on: Oct 24, 2021
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I was saddened to hear of Uncle Auray's passing. I have many great memories of him. He gave me my first job as his plumbing helper and was absolutely great to work for.........very patient and a wonderful teacher. Many of those lessons have served me well. I fondly recall many a game of pool at Tony's Poolroom after a hard day of work. He always insisted on playing the 5' x 10' table. The smaller tables were for "sissies". On behalf of Sylvia and I, our condolences to Aunt Simone and all of her children. Our prayers are with you. The mark of a great man is measured by the memories he leaves. Rest in peace Uncle. Ron Meilleur - Posted by: Ron Meilleur (nephew) on: Oct 22, 2021
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My sincere condolences to auntie Simonne and all her family (my cousins). May God hold you close during this difficult time. I will always remember the weekend of Uncle Aurey's 80th birthday when he took the time to drive me around and showed me where my old home used to be and also where Laval School that I had attended in my youth were located. It was then that he shared with me how Auntie Simonne became the love of his life when they first met during the summer Catechism school. He told me he knew at that very young age that he had found the girl he was going to marry, and he did marry Auntie Simone. - Posted by: Simone Meilleur (Niece) on: Oct 21, 2021
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Ma chère Simonne, tous les enfants, petit-enfants et toute la famille Meilleur. Je vous envoie toutes mes condoléances. Je me sens privilégiée d'avoir pu côtoyer Auray à quelques reprises. À toutes les fois, ce fut avec joie et grand plaisir. Auray était un homme si bon et toujours de bonne humeur avec un grand coeur. Quel beau message vous avez écrit pour votre papa. Je vous embrasse. - Caroline Meilleur (fille d'André de Kiamika, Qc) de Woodbury, MN - Posted by: Caroline Meilleur (Cousine éloignée) on: Oct 21, 2021
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À toi Simonne et ta belle famille, Nous sommes profondément peinés par le décès d'Auray. Simonne tu pers ton compagnon de vie, 70 ans. Que de précieux souvenirs nous conservons d'Auray et toi Simonne. Nos conversations téléphoniques vont nous manquer. La distance et la pandémie nous empêchent d'être avec vous mais nos pensées sont avec toi et toute ta grande famille durant cette épreuve. Bon courage. - Posted by: Nicole Meilleur et Grégoire Diotte (Cousine du Québec) on: Oct 21, 2021
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I heard Saturday of the passing of Auray. I am sorry but I can’t go to the service. - Posted by: Danny Klus (Cousin) on: Oct 20, 2021
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May God hold you close as you grieve the beautiful memories of your dear dad, husband, grandfather & friend. His sweet music will forever play in your hearts as he now plays in the biggest band of all. His music will light up the heavens. Big hugs to you all. - Posted by: Barbara Gosselin (Friend of the family) on: Oct 20, 2021
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Condolences to all the family. So sad when you hear of another person who worked so hard and made our little town of Fisher Branch what it is today. Proud of the fact I came from their and Mr. Meilleur was a lifelong resident. He brought up 13 wonderful children along with his wife which I know. God Bless and may your journey be as sweet and beautiful as your life has been. - Posted by: Ron Malkowich (Friend ) on: Oct 20, 2021
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Our sincerest condolences to Simonne, all the children, grandchildren, and extended family. We have very fond memories of Auray who along with Simonne was always so welcoming to our family when we visited to Fisher Branch on many occasions for anniversaries and weddings. We enjoyed when Auray would play the steel guitar, such beautiful music, one we will remember for a very long time. We are all so very sad for your loss and thinking of you all ❤ - Posted by: The Rilling Family: Jeannine & Dale, Christine & Suzanne (Cousin) on: Oct 20, 2021
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We are sending our condolences on the loss of your dear dad. May the precious memories carry you through on more difficult days and may your dad live in your hearts forever. He will be fondly remembered. - Posted by: Iris Yuzwa & Joe Cordeiro (former coworkers of Estelle & friends of the family) on: Oct 20, 2021
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Great Mon oncle Aurey had the biggest heart that light up everyone near him. I remember all the wonderful times in Fisher Branch with him and with great ma tante Simonne. Their family is super close to everyone in the Meilleur families. I remember many times playing cards, listening to music and playing baseball. My Pepere (Alcide) adored his little brother. I’m sure all the siblings in haven are having the best reunion. Hugs Rachelle (Fillion) Payne - Posted by: Rachelle Payne (Great niece) on: Oct 20, 2021
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So saddened to hear of "mon oncle's" passing. My sincerest condolences to "ma tante" and to the entire family. The Toronto Maple Leafs have truly lost their strongest fan. I will always cherish the memories as a Meridian Orioles player, and listening to his steel guitar, but mostly will cherish the memories of the Christmas Day visits to your home. It was a must on my holiday list, well into my adulthood. "Rest In Peace" mon oncle. - Posted by: Rene Bernier (Nephew) on: Oct 20, 2021
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Although we never met Auray, we felt we knew you through your son Roger. Roger spoke of you often and sent little clips of you with your music. We enjoyed watching them and hearing the band play. I wish now, we had found the time or made the time to meet you and your lovely wife. Roger is a dear friend to us, and you raised him well. I am happy that he was with you as you left this life and were greeted by your Heavenly family. Our sincere condolences to all the family and know you are in our prayers. - Posted by: Barbara and Marc Mager and family (Friend) on: Oct 20, 2021
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My condolences to the family, your loss, I know, must be hard to take. I wouldn't be surprised if the Maple Leafs didn't have two minutes silence at the next home game in his honor for being such a staunch fan. (pardon my funny side). I had the opportunity to play with him at the jams and saw in him his love for entertaining for his friends and family. He will be missed by so many people, God bless him and take care of him while he's entertaining in heaven. Good-bye dear friend. Dollard - Posted by: Dollard Menard (friend) on: Oct 20, 2021
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My fondest memories are all the summertime visits to Fisher Branch. We stayed at uncle and auntie's house. My dad bought a camper that we'd stay in, parked on their property. Uncle and auntie always made it feel like home. Dolores and I formed a great friendship over the years. The example of the love uncle and auntie have shown to all family and friends is priceless. Uncle will be greatly missed. My condolences to the entire family. - Posted by: Meilleur Noel (Nephew ) on: Oct 20, 2021
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To the Auray Meilleur family - so sad to here of Auray passing. Over the years I have Enjoyed playing and singing with Auray he was a great Steel player my prayers are with the family - Posted by: Ted Switzer (Friend) on: Oct 20, 2021
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