MARCEL HAEGEMAN -

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MARCEL HAEGEMAN 1926 - 2001 Surrounded by his family, Marcel Haegeman, of Swan Lake, MB, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2001, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer, at the St. Boniface Palliative Unit at the age of 75 years. Marcel leaves to mourn his passing and to cherish his loving memory, his wife of 49 years, Germaine, four children, Diane (Ron), Wendy (Dennis), Reg (Pat), and Sandra (Barry), grandchildren, Tara (Dan), Jessica, Bryce, Bryn, Pam (Curtis), Jamie and Holly. He is also survived and remembered by sisters, Estelle, Angele (Gerry), brother, John (Claudette), brothers-in-law, Mike (Annie), Joe (Maggie), Lucien (Laurette), Roger (Alice) and sisters-in-law, Alice (Richard), Rose (Lorne), Mary (Felix) and forty seven nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Judith and Arthur, his in-laws, Maria and Theophile, brothers-in-law, Walter and Leon, sisters-in-law, Madeline and Angele and two nieces and one nephew. He was born July 4, 1926 and raised on the family homestead near Bruxelles, MB. He took ownership of the family farm and married Germaine Baete on May 27, 1952 and together they farmed there with their four children until 1967 when they re-located the family homestead on their property near Swan Lake. They retired to the village of Swan Lake in 1981 and together enjoyed travelling across Canada, the US, Europe and Hawaii. Dad had a very generous nature and community spirit and because of that they joined several committees together, dedicating their time to Meals On Wheels, the Lorne Memorial Hospital, the Community Hall, the Parish Church, the Belgian Club, the Gathering of Nations Festival as well as the Friendship Centre. Dad treasured the many friendships that he made while farming, travelling and as a committee member. Family was very important to Dad and he considered his brother, sisters and in-laws to be close friends, planning vacations together as well as many casual gatherings. He delighted in the company of nieces and nephews and they were always welcome in Uncle Mics home for a game of billiards or cards. He also took pride in being godfather to some of them. Dad was a skillful Belgian bowler and collected many trophies. He was a history buff, an avid reader and interested in the genealogy of other families as much as ours. He had a wonderful memory and we often relied on it instead of our own. Dad was a gifted storyteller, he had an appropriate tale to relate for almost any occasion and was known for his comic poems and witty sense of humour which he maintained through to the end. He was a loving father and kind soul who will be missed by all who knew him. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the Palliative Care unit in St. Boniface Hospital for their care and support. "Rest In Peace" Prayers will be said from the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church Swan Lake, on Thursday, September 6 at 8:00 p.m. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated from the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Swan Lake on Friday, September 7 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the St. Martin of Tours Parish Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial tributes may be made to the Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation Inc. at 1-877-407-2221, the Lorne Memorial Hospital, Swan Lake, MB, or to the St. Boniface Palliative Care Unit, 409 Tache, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6. Budz Funeral Service of Holland, MB. in care of arrangements, 526-2380, 1-866-526-2606.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 06, 2001