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JEAN-GUY PAGEAU
Fier fils de Québec
Vivait dans des couleurs vives
Joie danse dans son âme
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Jean-Guy Pageau, age 68, at the Acute Cardiac Care Unit at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba on August 4, 2025.
Left to mourn are his wife of 38 years, Beverly Pageau, daughters Geneviève (Jeff Read) and Jacqueline (Will Jaffe), brother André (Diane Allard) and sister Linda (Paul Lavoie).
Jean-Guy was born in Québec and carried his love for his French heritage wherever he went. He moved to Ontario as a young man to work first in Research for Alcan Aluminum in Kingston where he met and married Beverly, and then to Toronto and Woodbridge Foam Corp where their two children were born. The family then moved to Manitoba and Jean-Guy worked as Director of Quality for Palliser furniture until he retired in 2017.
Jean-Guy had a fierce enthusiasm for everything he did, and he did a lot: working in China and Mexico, soaking in the culture along the way; sailing lake Ontario and lake Manitoba; painting with the Norman Art Group; dancing with the Westview Ballroom dance club; volunteering as a “Blue Shirt” tourist guide in Mazatlán, Mexico; teaching running at the Running Room; enjoying the cottage at Grindstone Provincial Park; volunteering with his beloved dog Winston at the Humane Society’s See Spot Read Program; and participating on the Patient and Family Advisory Council at St. Boniface Hospital. On retiring he took up knitting and made beautiful hats, socks and sweaters for the family. Especially well-known for his cooking, everyone remembers the many generous meals prepared by Jean-Guy.
His enthusiasm for all his activities and experiences was overshadowed only by his endless devotion to his family. He was very proud of the accomplishments of his two girls and would somehow manage to get all the details into any conversation.
Jean-Guy was an original, adventurous, and spirited individual and a bright light that illuminated everyone he met. He will be sorely missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Unitarian Church, 603 Wellington Crescent, on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 16, 2025
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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Dear Bev, We were saddened to hear of Jean-Guy's passing. Reading his obit made my head whirl, in a good way. I remember his energy. He will be missed by many. Our condolences to you and your family. A big hug from Deanna and Bob Burton. - Posted by: Deanna Burton (Friend) on: Sep 27, 2025
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We were deeply saddened to hear of Jean-Guy’s passing. He was a wonderful friend to both myself and my husband, and we feel fortunate to have known him over the years. Jean-Guy had a true gift for storytelling—whether he was recounting travel adventures or sharing tales from sailing on Lake Winnipeg, you couldn’t help but be drawn in to his enthusiasm. He had a unique charm, a talent for self-deprecating humor, and a way of making everyone around him feel at ease. We will miss him dearly. Sending our heartfelt condolences to Bev, Genevieve and Jacqueline. - Posted by: Don & Val Barnby (Friends) on: Sep 15, 2025
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Quand Jean-Guy est venu en France avec notre cousine Beverly pour nous rencontrer, son enthousiasme et sa joie de vivre ont été communicatifs des les premiers instants. C'était en 2018. Nous avons fait connaissance très rapidement. Il était enchanté, ainsi que Beverly, de découvrir nos vies, notre famille et notre région: Charleville Mézières, la Champagne, mais aussi la Belgique, le Luxembourg, le vignoble de Moselle...etc. Curieux de tout, Jean-Guy échangeait avec nous sur de multiples sujets et ne manquait pas de nous amuser avec ses bons mots et ses expressions québécoises. Cette courte visite nous a laissé le souvenir heureux d'un homme très ouvert, joyeux et attachant, plein d'amour pour son épouse et ses filles dont nous partageons la peine et à qui nous adressons nos pensées affectueuses. - Posted by: Facchin Michel et Marie (Cousins de France) on: Sep 05, 2025
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Jean Guy was hands down one of the best leader-managers I ever worked for. The rigour and excellence he brought to his work was fully met by his support in helping us all achieve the high standards he set. The depth of caring he had for his staff was unparalleled; at one extremely unusual challenge I was facing in my work he made it clear he was there to see me through it. When he came in to work he made it a practice of saying hello to people before turning on in his laptop; humans always came first. RIP my friend. You left us too soon. - Posted by: Susan Doerksen Castro (Work Colleague) on: Aug 20, 2025
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Dear Pageau Family, We were profoundly saddened to Jean-Guy passing. He was such a warm, generous spirit—someone who lit up every room he entered and left a smile on everyone’s face. His kindness and laughter will be deeply missed. He enjoyed learning the sign language. He was great at cooking and many hobbies! Please know that our thoughts and hearts are with you during this difficult time. May the love and memories you shared with Jean-Guy bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead. With heartfelt sympathy, Douglas, Marie & Family of Toronto, Canada (Brother-in-law) - Posted by: Douglas and Marie (Brother in law) on: Aug 19, 2025
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So sorry for your loss, I'm glad I bumped into you two in the airport and had a chance to say hello this year. Loved chatting with Jean-Guy at work and at play! He was a character I won't soon forget, sending love. xo - Posted by: James Culleton (friend) on: Aug 18, 2025
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Dear Bev, we are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. We know how much Jean-Guy cherished the cottage and his art groups, and how much delight painting and happy hour brought him. He always lit up when we chatted about art and traveling and life. Painting was a true expression of his creativity and reflected the wonderful person he was. May those memories bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Marvin and Roma - Posted by: Roma and Marvin Paetsch (Friend) on: Aug 18, 2025
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So sorry for your loss, Bev. Hugs to you and your family. Tu amiga, Donna - Posted by: Donna Prowse (Friend) on: Aug 18, 2025
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I will miss painting with the messy painter in Grindstone, as he always referred to himself. I will also miss cocktail hour and all the interesting conversations we had about life, family and career. Go out and paint the sky my friend. - Posted by: Andrea Bedard (Friend) on: Aug 18, 2025
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Je veux offrir mes sympathies à la famille de Jean-Guy, à sa sœur Linda et à son frère André. Jean-Guy fut mon meilleur ami à l’adolescence. Nous chemins se sont croisés à quelques reprises à l’âge adulte mais la vie à fait en sorte que nous avons perdus contact. Je n’oublierais jamais le temps que nous avons partagé ensemble. - Posted by: Michel Hétu (Ami) on: Aug 17, 2025
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I had the pleasure of working with Jean Guy at Palliser, he was very passionate, and there were times you just wanted to yell at him but by the end of the day, you were joking around. One fond memory was when Jean Guy and I were staying in the Palliser House in Mexico. He and I went out for lunch and had some extra spicy food. We came back to the house after work and were going to get something ready for supper. I said I couldn’t eat or drink a thing because my stomach was churning. Jean Guy said “have a shot of Tequila“ like that was the last thing I needed. I took the shot and sipped it. Ten minutes later I was good to go, still use that trick to this day. We had many good times and after his retirement I was happy to stay in touch with him, talk about the cottage, family and how proud he was of both his girls and all their accomplishments. My deepest condolences to Beverly and family. Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Paul Dureault (Friend) on: Aug 16, 2025
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It was always entertaining getting together with the messy painter in Grindstone with our art group. Enjoyed cocktail hour and the many conversations we had about art, life and family. Paint the skies my friend. - Posted by: Andrea Bedard (Friend) on: Aug 16, 2025
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Mes plus sincères Condoléances à Beverly et à toute la famille Pageau. Il nous manquera à Mazatlán. Jorge Felton. - Posted by: Jorge Felton (Acquaintance) on: Aug 16, 2025
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Jean-Guy, a man who expressed his passion, his jeux de Vive, in his conversation, cooking, art, running, hosting. Always experimenting and loving to share a new non alcohol cocktail, a conversation, a new coffee blend, his beloved family. He will be missed by those who shared his many passions in life. - Posted by: Morgan Willacy (Friend) on: Aug 16, 2025