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ROBERT LOUIS NOEL BETOURNAY
Born: Sep 23, 1931
Date of Passing: Dec 13, 2021
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ROBERT LOUIS NOEL BETOURNAY
He was predeceased by his parents, Louis Bétournay and Alice (née Bougard), by his first wife, Eva (née Dubois), by his brother, Paul and his sister-in-law, Thérese (née Toupin), his nephews André Bétournay and Paul Dubois, his cousin Louise Prévost and many of Eva's siblings with whom he maintained a relationship. He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Léa Duval; and his five children, Marie (Randy Guzman), Claude (Bibianne Comte), Robert-Jean (Yvette Bérard), Nicole and Chantal, 10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, his cousin Germaine Malabre (née Huot) (Michael) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Robert was born on September 23, 1931 at his parents' home in St. Boniface. He attended the Collège St.-Boniface and St. Paul's College. At 19 years of age, he caddied at Jasper Lodge in Alberta and, with two friends, climbed Mount Edith Cavell, an achievement of which he was very proud. He played hockey with the Flying Frenchmen and with a Manitoba Law league.
He obtained a Bachelor of Law degree in Manitoba and practiced law with his father until the latter's death. He then became a partner in the firm of Marcoux, Dureault, Bétournay, Monnin and Teffaine. His practice in St. Boniface made him many friends and took him to branch offices in St-Claude and St-Malo, where the people of those communities and the personnel of each Caisse Populaire made him welcome. He was proud of his French heritage, culture and language which he spoke fluently. Throughout his career, he remained an active member of the Kiwanis Club of St. Boniface.
Bob was an avid golfer and a member of the St. Boniface Golf Club for over 50 years. With his golf travel buddies, he escaped Winnipeg winters to golf in San Diego, California and San Antonio, Texas. He loved road trips, travelling to the Dakotas, to Yellowstone National Park, to the Maritimes, to British Columbia, as well as sight-seeing in Hawaii, Florida, Mexico, California, France and Greece. He enjoyed nature and the cottage life at Minaki with his parents and brother, and later, at his cottage on beautiful Lake of the Woods. He made lasting friendships amongst his neighbors at Echo Bay while boating, golfing in Kenora, taking walks with his dog, Shadow, working on his cottage and hosting Trivial Pursuit nights. He was very proud of the deck and gazebo that he built with his sons and son-in-law. He worked hard, played hard, loved generously and lived a full life.
Bob will be remembered for his great sense of humour, his charm, his easy banter, his jokes, laughter, his loyalty and his easy forgiveness. Fun and laughter followed wherever he went. Bob had a zest for life that never waned, despite health issues in his later years. He waged a long and brave battle against dementia.
Chantal and Léa wish to thank Bob's caring, gentle, and patient caregivers at North Island Hospital in Courtenay, British Columbia. Their compassion, respect and understanding of Bob's condition brought comfort in his last days.
No service will be held after cremation. Bob's remains will be interred at a private ceremony at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia or a charity of your choice.
ROBERT LOUIS NOEL BETOURNAY
L'inhumation des cendres et les prières pour le repos de son âme auront lieu à une date ultérieure.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 24, 2021
Condolences & Memories (17 entries)
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I worked as a legal secretary for Bob for several years, first on Tache and later on Provencher. He had a great sense of humour. Once I handed him a telephone message and he put it on the floor to read as he had forgotten his reading glasses. He always made clients feel at ease. I watched his repartee many times when closeted with clients to sign wills etc. Family was very important to Bob. He spoke of having to raise his children alone after his first wife's death and said they were like steps, motioning with his hand to slow they decreased in height slightly, being close in age. Sincere condolences to Lea and all his family. - Posted by: Kathleen Saunders (employee) on: Sep 19, 2024
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Léa and Chantal, It was special to connect with both of you and talk about Bob's passing and the challenges faced by loved ones caring for a someone with dementia. Although I never met Bob, I can empathize. Alzheimer's robs patients and their families of so much yet the gifts, while few and oh so rare, are special indeed. It is such an emotional journey we are on. Take care of yourselves. Kirk Williams - Posted by: Kirk Williams (Neighbour) on: Oct 02, 2022
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Dear long ago friend Marie. I hope you are doing ok and coping with the loss of 'Pa'. He lived a wonderful long life and will be warmly and lovingly remembered by many. Your Dad was charming, handsome, kind, funny...an adventurer. I remember lovely summer vacations with you and Jocelyne M. We'd walk you "home" to that fabulous Airstream parked at Falcon Beach. I know he's with my dad Camille - yaking, philosophizing, laughing, plotting - up there wherever we go. Thinking of you and your family! Michelle Turenne from the shores of Lake Huron - Posted by: Michelle Turenne (Camille's daughter, long ago family friend) on: Jan 13, 2022
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Lea So very sorry to hear of Bob's death. A lovely man, always such fun to be around. I know you will miss him terribly. My thoughts are with you, Chantal and the rest of his family - Posted by: Colleen Suche (friend) on: Jan 02, 2022
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Léa et famille, c’est avec une grande tristesse que j’ai appris la nouvelle du décès de Bob. Je n’ai que de bons souvenirs de lui en début de ma carrière comme avocat à l’étude Marcoux, Bétournay, Labossière. Mes condoléances les plus sincères. - Posted by: Roger Lafrenière (Ancien collègue) on: Jan 01, 2022
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Allô Léa, Mes sincères condoléances à toi et à ta fille Chantal. J'espère que tout se passe bien pour vous deux. Mes pensées et prières vous accompagnent. Sincèrement, Louise Lafond - Posted by: Louise Lafond (College friend of Léa) on: Dec 31, 2021
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His signature laugh is engraved in my memory. Arctic Cat ski-doos driven way too fast, sub-zero temperatures and Triple sec come to mind (sometimes with the Milliers). Falcon Lake and barefoot skiing too. After mass at St Martyrs... checking out the driveway (300 Dussault?), Airstream trailer and big boy toys for sure. We didn’t realize back then that we were making memories, we were just having fun. Special days. - Posted by: Marc d'Eschambault (Friend of family) on: Dec 29, 2021
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Léa je t’offre mes sincères condoléances en ce temps pénible. Les mémoires te donneront du confort et de la paix. Je pense à toi. Suzanne Gagnon - Posted by: Suzanne Gagnon (amie USB) on: Dec 27, 2021
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Nos sorcières condoléances Lea et Chantal. Louis, Christine et Maryse - Posted by: Louis Bétournay (Neveu) on: Dec 27, 2021
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Robert-Jean, Claude and Marie: Please accept my sincere sympathies on the loss of your father. I have fond memories of playing a few rounds of golf with your father and Roger Millier many years ago when I was still a teenager. I always enjoyed his sense of humour and appreciated his kindness. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Jean Piché (Friend) on: Dec 26, 2021
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Nos plus sincères condoléances à toute la famille Betournay. Nos pensées et nos prières vous accompagnent en ce temps difficile. - Posted by: Jean & Ginette Malo (Friends ) on: Dec 25, 2021
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Condolences to the Betournay family. Robert was always kind to us. He did enjoy his golf and we had the privilege of golfing with him at St. Boniface Golf Club. Rest In Peace, Bob. - Posted by: Gord & Donna. Riddell (Friend) on: Dec 25, 2021
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Mes sincères condoléances à Claude et à toute la famille Bétournay. Je garde de très beaux souvenirs d'enfance de M. (Bob) Bétournay qui était toujours accueillant et souriant. Je vous envoie de douces pensées et des prières pour soulager votre peine. - Posted by: Louise Dureault (Friend of the family) on: Dec 24, 2021
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Dear Claude, Bibiane and familes, Our deepest condolences on the passing of your father. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Guy and Dianne Martine - Posted by: Dianne Rousseau Martine (School friend of Claude and Bibiane) on: Dec 24, 2021
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Worked in the law firm in Winnipeg. Met a man from Vancouver and married, moved to B.C. still married and living in Tappen. Bob was all of the obituary said about him. A very good boss. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Suzanne Nicoll (Lambert) (Secretary in ,1965 -67) on: Dec 24, 2021
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Bob was a kind and personable gentleman. He saw clients at the Caisse St Claude branch- which is where I was an employee and first met him. We shared many jokes and laughs over the years. His love of family and golf was obvious. Condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Bob. - Posted by: Pat Pineau (Friend) on: Dec 24, 2021
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Mes sympathies a les familles Betournay et Duval. Mes sympathies a ma petite cousine Léa pour le deces de votre mari. Léa, just in case you do not remember me, we met a long time ago when we were kids. My mother Beatrice Champagne and your mother Aline (Baril) Duval are 1st cousins on the Baril side of the family. I will let the other cousins in Winnipeg and Edmonton know about Robert's passing. - Posted by: Richard Girouard - Ste. Julienne, Quebec (2nd cousin to Léa Marianne Duval.) on: Dec 24, 2021