FATHER PAUL BISSON

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FATHER PAUL BISSON

Father Paul Bisson passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of family on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

Paul was born December 5, 1958 to Alcide (Sid) and Marie (Mangin) Bisson of Margaret, MB.

Paul's early years were spent on the farm where he loved working with his hands, whether fixing old machinery with his dad or manufacturing some tool to make life easier. He spent two years at Hudson Bay Coop Lumber in Saskatchewan after Grade 10 and enjoyed the building of houses. He was very particular with an eye to detail. He then went back to school to finish Grade 12 at Boissevain Collegiate.

He spent many years doing what he loved - farming and bee keeping with his uncle Fernie. Paul taught himself to play several musical instruments through many hours of practise. He then played in carehomes, with a group of musicians, around bonfires and anywhere he was asked to share his music. Wherever people were gathered, he loved to play and make people happy. He was also known for his love of food and especially desserts.

After he turned 40 a different vocation called and he answered. He entered the seminary and started his journey to priesthood. Over the 20 plus years Father Paul has served in several parishes in Winnipeg, Roblin, San Clara, Fisher Branch, Arborg, Deloraine, Melita, Boissevain and lastly Russell and Rossburn. He served his parishioners with humility, faith, dry sense of humour and his quiet calmness.

Father Paul never forgot his farming roots and there was always a reference to farming and farmers in every sermon and prayer until the last day.

His music was also a large part of his service to his church. His guitar travelled everywhere he went. He was well known as the priest who played and sang before, during and after services. He had such a wonderful gift and he shared it very willingly.

Although diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in 2024, he continued with his ministry until the end. His greatest regret was not being able to play and sing at his services as his strength and health deteriorated.

Father Paul was predeceased by his father Sid (2003) and his mother Marie (2018).

He will be missed by his sisters, Rita (Ken) Shackel, Brandon and Linda (Albert) Lamy, Regina, SK and brother David Bisson, Kelowna, BC and their families.

Prayers were held at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Russell on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Funeral was held at St. Augustine of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church, Brandon, MB on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Officiating were Most Reverend Murray Chatlain - Archbishop of Winnipeg with Fr. John Okosun, Fr. Wayne Morrissey and Fr. Chris Pugh.

Burial was in Saint Felix de Valois Roman Catholic cemetery, Dunrea, MB.

Donations may be made to Community Cancer Care, Russell Health Centre, Bag Service 2, Russell, MB R0J 1W0 (cheques payable to "Expanding Community Cancer Care"), Catholic Foundation of Man c/o Archdiocese of Winnipeg, 151 de La Cathedrale Ave., Wpg., MB R2H 0H6.

Friends may visit www.braendlebrucefs.ca to leave messages of condolences for the family.

Braendle-Bruce Funeral Service, Russell were in care of arrangements (204) 773-2747.

The family would like to thank the staff at Russell Hospital and Dr. W. Pieterse for their care and compassion throughout Father Paul's illness.

Thank you to the parishioners for their years of friendship, food and prayers. All was greatly appreciated.

We are very thankful to all the people who did readings, led prayers, and helped in any way to celebrate Father Paul's life.

Thank you to the staff at Braendle-Bruce Funeral Service for their professional manner and attention to detail. Bryce helped us immensely with preparations which brought great comfort when we needed it.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 02, 2026