ROBERT EMOND

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ROBERT EMOND September 5, 1956 - January 16, 2002 On January 16, 2002, after a devastating three year fight with the debilitating disease ALS (Lou Gehrigs), Robert Emond has at last been relieved of his suffering. He is survived by and will be forever missed by his wife Bonnie; their sons, Robert, Daniel, Jacob; his mother Leonie (Emond) Damphousse (Jean) sisters, Luci (Bill), Merritt, Colette (Roland) Boily; brothers, Joe, Leo (Anne), Denis (Michelle) numerous nieces and nephews; and his "dukedog" Chaos. Robert was predeceased by his father Noel in 1993 and a sister Rita in 1957. Also grieving Roberts demise is his "other" family, Barbara and Peter Marino, Royston and Beverly Springett, Rick (Lynn), Debbie (Tim), Robert (Karen), Barbie (Dean) along with his forever valued friends, Gilbert Jolicoeur, Robert Keam, Randy Van Elslander and Gary Van Elslander. Robert was a natural born roofer and lived his entire life in the Norwood/St. Boniface area. He "grew" into the family business and, after many years of strenuous work and dedication, eventually rose to own and operate Robert Emond Roofing & Siding. Unfortunately in 1999 as the ALS ravaged his body, Robert, with great dismay, was forced to close his business. Robert was an extremely proud man and was known and respected for the great pride he took not only in his trucks, his 85 Baja boat, "his" former cottage at Twin Beaches, his garden of banana peppers and tomato plants and, last and most important to him, his three sons. Robert was not a man of many words but he did show his undying love by making sure that his boys had the best of everything he could give them. He instilled in them his love of the lake, fishing, water-skiing and snowmobiling just as he had known as a boy while spending time at Laurentia Beach with his second family, the Mourants. His sons will always cherish the annual fishing week to Dogtooth Lake, which their Dad made possible every July no matter what. Robert will live on through Robert, Daniel and Jacob. Deep, heartfelt thanks to family and friends who have unselfishly given their time, talents, treats, meals, and meaningful messages of consolation. Also a huge thank-you to those who participated in the tremendously successful and emotional social evening of April 28, 2000. Special thanks to those who made monetary or silent auction donations, and also to those who attended the Robert Emond Fundraiser. An extra-extra special thanks to Mood Jga Jga for their superb performance that night. The support and affection shown that evening by one and all was truly overwhelming and thanks is just not enough to express our utmost gratitude. Robert was determined not to have to go into the hospital at any time during his struggle with ALS and to die with dignity at home. This would not have been possible without the patience and steadfast love of wife Bonnie, his dedicated brother (bath buddy) Leo, the support of family and friends and most important a sense of humour. A sincere thank-you to the coordinator of the Palliative Home Care Program, Christine Newell, for her quick action any time a request was made, and also to Dr. Garcia for his home visits which enabled Robert to fulfil his dying wish. Viewing will take place Saturday, January 19 at 12:30 p.m. in Christ The King Church, 847 St. Marys Rd., with funeral mass celebrating Roberts life to follow at 1:00 p.m., also in the church, with Fr. Sam Argenziano officiating. Pallbearers will be Gilbert Jolicoeur, Robert Keam, Lorne Mourant, Jerry Savard, Rick Springett and Roger Bernardin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in support of the ALS House in Roberts memory to ALS Society of Manitoba, in care of Deer Lodge Centre, 2109 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3J 0L3. In care of arrangements: EDWARD J. COUTU LTD. 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 18, 2002