ALFRED HUGUES (RED) BLANCHETTE -

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ALFRED HUGUES (RED) BLANCHETTE 1922 - 2003 Red was born November 9, 1922 in Ste-Anne-des-Chenes, MB. After a relatively brief illness, he passed away at Tache Centre on December 16, 2003. Red was predeceased by his parents, Raymond Blanchette (1951) his mother Aurore (Lanthier) (1986) and an infant brother Marcel (1921). Red grew up in the St. Boniface area, attending Provencher School. He joined the Air Force and later moved to Calgary. He owned and operated Inglewood Plumbing and Heating. He was a member of the Canadian Riflemans Association and represented Canada at the British Commonwealth Marksman Competition in Bisley, England in 1955-1960. In 1964, Red had a brain tumour removed which left him with partial paralysis. In 1966, he moved back to Winnipeg after a partial rehabilitation where he adapted to his disability with courage, determination and independence. After returning to Winnipeg, he later went to work selling lottery tickets outside on the corner of Portage Avenue and Hargrave Street. Once again, "Lucky Red" excelled at entrepreneurship. Red is survived by his sons, Robert (Monica), Raymond (Lynn), Richard (Karen) of Calgary and daughter Sandra Van Meer of Surrey, BC. Red is survived by eleven grandchildren and his special friends, Madame Jeanne Bretecher, Jennie and Walter Romaniuk; and his sisters, Raymonde Tascona, Lucille Blanchette; his brother Hubert (Yvette), as well as numerous nephews and nieces. A special thanks to Dr. Wollner, Dr. Albi and Catherine Chernesky; to the 4 ABC staff at the Tache Centre and the Pastoral Care personnel for their kindness and excellent care. Funeral mass will be celebrated at Precieux-Sang Church, 200 Kenny St. at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 20 with Father Isaie Blanchette, O.M.I. officiating. Cremation has taken place and burial will be in the St. Boniface Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald St., Suite 200, Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0K6 or to a charity of ones choice. The Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 233-4949 or toll free 1-888-233-4949.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 19, 2003