FERNAND (FERNIE) LEGARE

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FERNAND (FERNIE) LEGARE

Fernand Légaré (Fernie) of Brandon, MB, passed away peacefully at Rideau Park PCH on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at the age of 93 years.

Fernie leaves behind his wife of 72 years, Orise (nee Aquin), residing at Glenboro PCH; his four daughters: Denise Légaré, Brandon; Elaine Brown (Randy), Brandon; Anita Munn (Bart), Winnipeg; Claudette McKenzie-Cochrane (Ken), Brandon. Grandchildren: Jason Medwechuk (Stephanie), Curtis Brown (Colleen), Sarah Hiebert (Rene), Amanda Buhse (Jeff), Kyle Munn (Stephanie), Teneille Haiko (Brett), Katlyn McKenzie-Cochrane, Amber McKenzie-Cochrane (Zac), Mia McKenzie-Cochrane and eleven great-grandchildren. His youngest brother, Camille Legare of Winnipeg remained close to Fernie, calling and visiting often. Also left to mourn Fernie is Orise’s brother, Herman Aquin of Brandon. Fernie was predeceased by his parents, Lucien and Emma Légaré of Dunrea, Manitoba, his siblings Germaine Pineault, Therese Lavoie, Simone Carney, Jeanne Légaré, Charles Légaré, Raymond Légaré, Roger Légaré and Jules Légaré

Born in Dunrea, Fernie grew up on the family farm. He was especially close to his kind and loving Mother. Following his graduation from high school, he followed one of his brothers getting work as a fireman on the CN Railway. During this time, he met a lovely looking local girl from Ninette.

Fernie and Orise married on August 22, 1953 and moved to Brandon. When the railway diesel engines replaced coal, he sought work at the Brandon Mental Hospital. He trained to be a Psychiatric Nurse while Orise watched their babies. They decided to build a home at 1034 Dennis Street with a bit of help from his Dad and a lot of effort. He furthered his training to become the head of Industrial Therapy and developed countless programs, hugely benefiting patients and advocating on their behalf. He retired at the age of 55 after 35 years at the hospital. Fernie was always heard singing and whistling away. In retirement, Fernie and Orise entertained as the “Legare Band” with various friends and musicians.

Volunteering was important to them. They performed at the BMHC, senior homes, community dances and co-ordinated entertainment for the Rocky Addison Christmas Dinner for many years. Always with a smile on his face and a tune in his heart, he loved to work in the yard and garden. Infamous for his raspberries, etc., his grapes were the highlight. He found true pleasure creating and sharing his own special blends of wine as only he could make. He was always caring for and feeding his bird, squirrel and rabbit friends. Well into his later years, he was very physically active and able to confidently ride a horse, even bareback.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, he was genuinely interested in everyone’s life. His positive, calm nature and his sense of humour (always with a bit of mischief) defined his character. Special thanks to the wonderful staff of Sokol Manor and Rideau Park PCH for their excellent care and kindness extended to him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Felix Catholic Church, Dunrea, MB, followed by a gathering at the Ninette Community Hall, Ninette, MB at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Jamieson’s Funeral Services of Glenboro-Holland in care of arrangements.

As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 06, 2025