REVEREND FATHER EMILE CHAMPAGNE

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REVEREND FATHER EMILE CHAMPAGNE On February 14, 2001 Father Joseph Emilius Anaclet Beaugrand dit Champagne died peacefully at Grace Hospital surrounded by prayers and hymns. Father Emile was born on the 13th of July, 1919 at St. Norbert, Man. After attending the local school, he went on to St. Boniface College where he graduated in 1949. In the footsteps of his uncle Father Antonio Champagne, he decided to enter the Order of the Regular Canons of the Immaculate Conception. He subsequently entered the Seminary of the same Order in Toulignan, France. Following the pressures and trials of the war he was ordained to the priesthood by the Archbishop of Avignon. Some months of joyful ministry followed in the same area. Through the good influence of Canadas ambassador to France, Georges Vanier, he was finally able to fly back to his country in a military plane. Following a successful ministry in St. Pierre, Man., with his uncle Father Adonias Sabourin, his Order appointed him Prior of his Religious Confreres at Brigham in the Province of Quebec. There, with the help of the Provincial Government, he founded a promising Agricultural School. It is after these exciting years that he was invited to minister in the diocese of St. Paul in Alberta. First of all, in Elk Point, then in Cold Lake, Mallaig and finally in Edmonton. His frail health and a serious surgery led him to a dryer and warmer climate in Kelowna, B.C. where he undertook the establishment of a non-profit organization to promote many good works. Most of his life he was a man of tremendous energy and dedication to the tasks at hand and appreciated the privilege of his priesthood. He was preceded by his parents, Armand and Angelina Sabourin, Sister Blanche-Emma, oblate, Gerard, Laurent, Reginald and Marcellin. He leaves to mourn his two sisters, Rose-Aimee Beaudette and Angelina Champagne; a brother Doctor Fortunat, numerous nephews and nieces and their children. The family wishes to extend grateful thanks to the staff of the Grace Hospital for their compassionate care during his short stay there. On Saturday, February 17, viewing from 9:00 a.m. at the St. Boniface Cathedral followed by silent prayers at 9:30 a.m. At 10:00 a.m. Bishop Noel Delaquis will preside at the funeral service. Interment will follow in the priests plot in front of the cathedral. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL in care of arrangements - 586-8044.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 17, 2001