JEAN (JOHN) OSCAR GUIBOCHE

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JEAN (JOHN) OSCAR GUIBOCHE Jean (John) Oscar, beloved husband of Paulette; father of Christina (Scott) Robertson and Natalie (Trevor) Handford; and grandfather of Daylan, Logan, Landan and Tyran Robertson, passed away at the age of 75 on November 8, 2003 in Brandon, MB. John was born on December 27, 1927 in St. Laurent, MB, to Toussaint and Rosalie. He grew up on the farm in St. Laurent, very eager to learn. He knew from an early age he wanted to teach. Upon leaving home he attended teachers college and later obtained three university degrees in pedagogy. In 1970, John married Paulette Baril and they settled in Portage la Prairie where they had two daughters, Christina and Natalie. He was a very devoted and proud father, instilling his love for music and dancing in them. John taught for 40 years in many schools in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. His last 15 years were spent in Portage la Prairie. He retired in 1990, leaving him more time to devote to his passions. His greatest was presenting the cultural history of Manitoba. This led to him being the recipient of two heritage awards. The Douglas Campbell Award in 1998 and the Prix Manitoba Award presented by Culture, Heritage and Citizenship Minister Rosemary Vodrey in the category of education and communication for his many years as a teacher and presenter of French Canadian and Metis history. John also had many other interests such as sports, camping, travelling, cooking and presenting the life of the voyageur to elder hostels, schools, and various organizations. He loved to laugh and share stories with friends and family. He enjoyed life to the fullest. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Joe, Romeo, Jim, Victor and Marc; and sisters, Lil, Alma, and Elizabeth. Also left to treasure his memory are his sisters, Jeannette (Don) Chartrand of St. Laurent, MB and Theresa of Winnipeg; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws, along with many friends. Funeral mass was held at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church, Portage la Prairie, on Wednesday, November 12, with Celebrant Fr. Michael Wollbaum. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Jeans memory to ICUnit of Brandon Regional Health Centre, 150 McTavish Ave. E., Brandon, MB R7A 2B3. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of John by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements. 857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 06, 2003