ANTONIO (TONY) BOUCHARD

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ANTONIO (TONY) BOUCHARD

Peacefully at Lions Prairie Manor on January 22, 2022, Antonio (Tony) Bouchard passed away at the age of 93.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Monique (Kevin) Laramee of Portage la Prairie, Louise (Lynn) Phaneuf of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Anita (Ian) Elgert of Portage la Prairie and Robert Bouchard of Winnipeg; his grandchildren, Travis (Regan), Melissa (Brandon), Alicia (Jess), Daylan, Renee, Denise (Brayden), Jordan (Taryn) and Nicole (Tanner); his great-grandchildren, Knox, Cruz, Stevee, Adanna, James and Ivy; his sisters, Theresa (Lou, deceased) Beaudin, Solange (Marcel, deceased) Martin and his brother George (Patricia, deceased.)
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Yvonne (Labbe); his parents, Ernest and Alice; brothers, Lawrence (Ricky, deceased), Adelard (Germaine, deceased), Rheal (Marie), Antonio, Marcel (Pauline), Ernest (Mona); sisters, Marie Ange (Henri, deceased) Beaudry, Stella (Paul, deceased) Laboissere; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jeanne (Harold, deceased) Hallmark, Emile (Margaret, deceased) Labbe, Elephege (Noella, deceased) Labbe, Irene Desjardins, Francois Labbe, Anita (Fred, deceased) Schmidt and John Labbe.
Tony was born on the family farm in 1928 in Elie, Manitoba. At 17, he began his career with Manitoba Pool Elevators in Sperling, Manitoba. This career spanned 42 years in several communities, primarily, Fisher Branch, Letellier, Killarney and Portage la Prairie. He started as an elevator helper and worked his way through different positions ending as a District Manager. He was well known for a strong work ethic and ability to be fair and impartial with all those he worked with. His dedication to his work was evident in his rarely taking all his vacation allotment.
Family was important to Tony. He married Yvonne in 1960 and as their family grew, he loved to have his children and grandchildren around him. He was always proud of their accomplishments, no matter how big or small and attended many of their extra-curricular events. As one of the younger children in his family, he had the opportunity to be an uncle at an early age, where he learned how to hold and cuddle babies, which he put to good use with his own children and grandchildren.
When not working, Tony loved to watch all sports and could channel surf and keep track of the scores of several different games all at the same time. His favourite hockey team was the Boston Bruins. He also enjoyed curling and attended many bonspiels over the years. Curling and golfing were two sports that he enjoyed into his late 80s. Card playing was another favourite pastime that he enjoyed with family and friends.
As an active member of the Knights of Columbus, he spent many Tuesday evenings working BINGOS and helping with the Communion Breakfasts. His volunteering efforts were recognized when he was awarded the Knights of Columbus Family Award.
To those who knew Tony, he was a content and humble man, happy with a good meal with family and friends. The one thing that he did take great pride in was his vehicles that were all purchased from Gillis Garage in Elie. Even when he moved to the Lion's Prairie Manor as his memory and health declined, he would repeatedly ask where his keys and car were. He was a gentleman to the end who will be missed by all who knew him.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the Lions Prairie Manor staff, doctors Quesada and Kinnear for their excellent care given to their father Tony.
A funeral service will be held at a later date.
As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Tony's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1379 Kenaston Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 2T5 or to Lion's Prairie Manor Foundation, 24 9th Street S.E. Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3V4.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.
www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 29, 2022