ALBINI (BENNIE) PROULX (1917 - 2002)

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ALBINI (BENNIE) PROULX (1917 - 2002) Peacefully, after a lengthy illness, with his family by his side, Bennie passed away Friday, May 24, 2002, at the age of 85. Bennie was an honourable and compassionate man who had a kind word and helping hand for all those he met. His delightful sense of humour and caring nature endeared him to those who knew him. Bennie will be lovingly remembered by Louise, his beloved wife of 58 years, and their children, Denis (Moira), Lou-Anne (Ken) Buhr, Diane MacLellan, Janey Homeniuk (Garry Doney), Evelyn (Glen) Lenchuk and Jacquie (Eric) Crone; and their grandchildren, Carolyn (Brian), Jamie, Kevin (Tracey), Kristin (Dan), Stephen (Ange), Michael (Sonya) and Dan (Fiona) and Bennies sister Simone (Walter) Rudnicki and relatives, including Louises family, as well as many friends and colleagues. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Emery; sisters, Denise and Meline; and son-in-law Ray Homeniuk. Bennie was born on March 21, 1917, and grew up in St. Boniface, MB. As a boy, he helped his father in the family coal and lumber business and when he lost his father at the age of 9, he became a strong support to his family, especially his baby sister Simone. In his teens, he became a motorcycle enthusiast, winning countless racing trophies and awards and was quite the dashing young man! On April 12, 1944, in the St. Boniface Cathedral, Bennie married Lousie Chale who became his life-long companion and sweetheart and they subsequently started their family. Bennies life revolved around his wife and family and they loved him dearly in return. Having enlisted in the RCAF at the age of 16, Bennie remained with the Forces for almost 30 years. He was a war veteran, proudly serving his country in the Second World War as an aircraft mechanic in England and in the Korean airlift as a flight engineer. Bennie, along with his wife and growing family, enjoyed Air Force postings in Rivers, MB, Namao (Edmonton), Rockcliffe (Ottawa) and Winnipeg. In 1962, he retired from the Service having earned his Commission and the rank of Flight Lieutenant and completed a term with the 402 Squadron. With a family to support, Bennie immediately accepted a position with Standard Aero Engine where he worked with the engineering staff as well as the men "on the floor", earning the respect and admiration of all. After 16 years with Standard Aero, he retired in 1984 and he and Lousie had more time to enjoy each other and their grown kids and grandkids at home and at the cottage at Whytewold Beach. Bennie especially enjoyed visiting old friends at home, the cottage, and the Air Force Mess, and in later years the weekly lunches with Louises siblings and their spouses. While the family is relieved that his struggle is over and he is at peace with his Lord, we will miss our dear Bennie. We wish to extend our appreciation to the staff at the Deer Lodge and Grace hospitals and our special thanks to the staff, home care team and many friends at the Metropolitan Kiwanis Courts on Ness Ave. for their compassionate care and loving support of Bennie during the last two years of his life. A funeral service in celebration of Bennies life will be held Thursday, May 30 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2400 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB. A reception will follow in the lower hall of the church. At Bennies request, cremation has taken place and a private interment will be held at a later time. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Neil Bardal (949-2200). "The time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4: 6-7

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 28, 2002