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DENNIS RENE GIGUERE
Date of Passing: Sep 29, 2026
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DENNIS RENE GIGUERE
Peacefully at Grace Hospital with family at his side after a short illness.
He is survived by his wife Jean; daughter Jeanine (Winnipeg); son Jeremy (Shawna); and beloved grandson Norman (Hong Kong).
Predeceased by his parents, Rene and Helen Giguere and youngest sister Dianne.
Dennis was born in Winnipeg and lived there as a proud Manitoban for his entire life. He attended St. Ignatius, St. Paul’s High School and St. Paul’s College. The oldest in the family of aviation pioneer, Rene Giguere, his eyes were always focused on the skies.
He learned to fly at the Winnipeg Flying Club and was hired by Trans-Canada Airlines (Air Canada) in April 1965. Dennis enjoyed a wonderful career that he was equally very proud of and proficient at. Fortunate to have flown and been promoted to Captain on the Vickers Viscount, he later flew the DC9, B727, DC8, B767 retiring from his favourite aircraft, the B747-400.
Dennis and life partner, Jean Stewart, were married in 1967 enjoying almost 60 years of love and friendship.
His two children, Jeanine and Jeremy both followed in his footsteps pursuing careers as professional aviators. He supported them tirelessly throughout their lives and was their greatest cheerleader.
His grandson Norman has been perhaps his greatest pride and joy, with whom he shared so many wonderful times, particularly his Saturday breakfast outings and watching football together.
Throughout his life he was interested and interesting. He attended and followed every professional sport Winnipeg had to offer, most recently the Sea Bears. Equally, sharing Jean’s passion for the arts, he supported and attended them all.
He travelled the world with his career, as well as, extensively on global vacations with his family sharing with them “his world” and building treasured memories.
He served on many volunteer Boards, including the Canadian Airline Pilots Association (CALPA), Winnipeg Flying Club, the Western Canada Aviation Museum, Red River College, Harvest Winnipeg and the Misericordia Foundation.
Although unexpectedly cut short, Dennis had a full life, well lived and well loved.
His memories will live on forever with his family and those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
A private family service & burial has taken place.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, 2088 Wellington Avenue on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 2:00 pm (14:00) to 5:00 pm (17:00).
Donations in Dennis’s memory can be made to the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada or to CancerCare Manitoba.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 03, 2026
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Dennis was such a wonderful friend to Dick and I and to our family. Dick and Dennis could talk "planes" forever, and when there was something special happening at the airport, Dennis made sure Dick got there. His kindness was always present. Our condolences to Jean and family. Dick and Dennis will be enjoying The Eagles in heaven. Mary Scott - Posted by: Mary Scott (Friend) on: Oct 05, 2026
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Thanks to Dennis I lost my fright of flying !!! A friend for over 50 years. I will miss you Cristina - Posted by: Cristina Ronald (FRiend) on: Oct 04, 2026
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Condolences to the Family Dennis was a friend and MENTOR to me his leadership as a Captain and how he treated his crew was an inspiration to me. - Posted by: Hermann Schweizer (Friend) on: Oct 04, 2026
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I am so sorry for Dennis' dear family. Bob and I were so grateful for his friendship. He and Bob will be up there having a good chat. Accept my most sincere condolences. He will be missed by many, many people. - Posted by: Linda Washington (Friend) on: Oct 04, 2026
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Dennis was an ever-present steady friend of my parents and I'm so sorry to hear this news. I thought he was a wonderful person. my sincere condolences to Jean , Jeanine and Jeremy and Norman. - Posted by: Kae Edwards (friend) on: Oct 04, 2026
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Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Mr. Giguere was an important part of the St. Charles Catholic School community through his generosity and support of our school. His donations helped create opportunities for our students, and his commitment to St. Charles made a lasting difference. He will be remembered with gratitude and will be greatly missed. Please know that your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I hope you find comfort in the love and support of those around you and in the many memories you shared together. Aneta Prettie - Posted by: Aneta Prettie (Principal of St. Charles Catholic School) on: Oct 03, 2026
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I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Family of Dennis. - Posted by: Elli (Lee) Warrian (Friend) on: Oct 03, 2026
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My sincere condolences to the Gjguere family on their loss. - Posted by: dale trueman (fellow air canada pilot) on: Oct 03, 2026
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Linda and I are so shocked and saddened by this very unexpected news. Dennis was such a fun individual to be with and we never tired hearing about his global exploits with Air Canada or his warmhearted stories of family. He will be missed by us and I am so grateful to have seen him recently sharing laughs over a wonderful dinner with Jean. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. James Cohen (Family friend). - Posted by: James Cohen (Friend) on: Oct 03, 2026