WILFRID DONALD BENOIT

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WILFRID DONALD BENOIT It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Wilfrid Donald Benoit on Saturday, June 23, 2001, at the age of 67 years. Don was born December 22, 1933, in Saint-Boniface, MB. He was predeceased by his parents, William Georges Benoit and Marie Josephine Lucie Lagimodiere; and his brother Murray. He is survived by his spouse Margaret Benoit (nee Nichol) and four sons, Allan and his wife Sherry Langlois, and daughter Genevieve; William and his wife Sandra Benoit (nee Stobbe) Brian and close family friend Rachel Murdock; and Daniel and his wife Kimberly Elphick. He is also survived by his brother Earl Benoit, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Family was important to Don. He and Margaret married April 23, 1960, at Sacre-Coeur Roman Catholic Church. He proved to be a good husband and a loving, supportive father who was always directly involved in his sons education, sporting activities, hobbies, and business ventures. Although family came first, he found time to participate in curling, as well as to be a baseball umpire, hockey referee and coach at the community club. In 1988, he retired from Manitoba Telephone System after 36 years of service. In his emerging role as a Metis Elder, Don supported the cause of Metis Aboriginal and Land Rights. He also saw the importance of promoting the cultural heritage of his ancestors, as well as the social and political aspirations of his People. Towards these ends, he started, and was secretary of, the St-Norbert Parish-La Barriere Metis Council, a local of the Manitoba Metis Federation. It was here that he shared his experience and knowledge with a younger generation, and participated in such volunteer activities as teaching others the art of Metis sash finger weaving. His final hours were spent amongst Metis traditional dances and Red River fiddle tunes, and enjoying the companionship of his friends, family and the community that he loved. He will be sorely missed by all. Viewing will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 27, in the funeral chapel at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, located on Trans Canada Hwy. No. 1 East at Green Acres Lane. Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 28, in the St-Vital Roman Catholic Church at 1629 Pembina Hwy., with Rev. Dr. Patrick Morand presiding. This will be followed by interment at Green Acres Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made, in Dons memory, to a charity of ones choice. GREEN ACRES FUNERAL CHAPEL 222-03241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 27, 2001