ALPHONSE EPHREM DURAND

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ALPHONSE EPHREM DURAND

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Alphonse Ephrem Durand on October 30, 2023.
Alphonse leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Normand (Shelly) Durand, Paulette (Garry) Kosheluk, Alice (Robert) Roy; grandchildren, Crystal (Steve) Derworiz, Jonathan Durand, Carolyn Kosheluk, Mélanie (Nicholas Van Seggelen) Roy, Carine Roy, and Josée Roy; great-grandchildren, Aspen and Paxton Derworiz, and Maëlle Van Seggelen. He also leaves to mourn his sisters, Germaine and Georgette Durand; sister-in-law Suzanne Durand, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Alphonse was predeceased by his wife Jeannette (Sénécal); his parents, Jean and Albertine Durand; and his brothers, Armand and Charles Durand.
Alphonse was born on August 2, 1935, in Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba. In 1954 at 19 years of age he moved to Winnipeg where he met Jeannette. They married on October 13, 1956, and raised three children. Alphonse and Jeannette spent 59 years together before her passing in March 2016.
In 1954 Alphonse moved to Winnipeg and enrolled in the Dairy Program at the University of Manitoba. Upon his graduation he found employment at Silverwood Dairies for whom he worked for 15 years. In 1970 he started working for Winnipeg Transit until his retirement in 1991.
When his children were younger he volunteered at the Glenwood Community Club presiding on various committees and coaching hockey and baseball. One of Alphonse’s favourite hobbies was woodworking. He built a shop which was attached to the garage at their home on Horace Street. He spent many hours of his time making wooden toys and games for his grandchildren and spoon racks, lawn ornaments and many other items which he sold at craft sales. His other passion was his vegetable garden. He was especially proud of his "Big Al" tomatoes which he grew every year from seeds that he dried from the previous year's harvest. Alphonse also enjoyed his weekly visits to the casino that he used to take with his cousin Noël Durand.
Unfortunately, Alphonse was no longer able to stay in his apartment at Place Des Meurons and moved to St. Norbert Nursing home for a short period of time, then subsequently at Actionmarguerite St. Boniface until his passing.
The family would like to thank all the staff on 4DE for the care, compassion and support given to Alphonse and his family during his stay.
A small private family gathering has been held and interment has taken place at the St. Boniface Cemetery, presided by Monseigneur Noël Delaquis.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Alphonse’s name to Actionmarguerite St. Boniface or a charity of your choice.

E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS
204-253-5086
ejcoutu.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 04, 2023