EDWARD DEBUSSCHERE

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EDWARD DEBUSSCHERE Near Minnedosa, MB on Thursday, April 29, 2004, Mr. Ed Debusschere of Winnipeg, MB passed away at the age of 72 years. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife Rolande (nee LeRoux) three children, Evelyne Putulik of Winnipeg, Charles Debusschere (Heather) of Calgary, and Marie-Lynne Debusschere (Ryan) of Winnipeg; five grandchildren, Nicole, Teresa, Braden, Tyler and Carter. He also leaves to mourn his passing two brothers, Auguste (Therese) and Bob (Pauline) three sisters, Angele Mazurat, Alice Dondo (Roland) and Marie Rose Major; and numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his father Charles in 1963, his mother Marie-Louise (nee Durupt) in 1997, one brother Leon, and by two brothers-in-law: Albert Mazurat and Albert Major. Edward (Ed, Dad, Grandpa) was born in Forget, SK on April 29, 1932. Ed spent his youth attending school and helping out on the family farm. While still a teenager, he left home to complete his primary education and earned his high school diploma. One of his first jobs was teaching school in the small town of St. Rose Du Lac. In 1956, he earned his degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Manitoba. On October 4, 1959 Ed met his future wife Rolande at a wedding reception for a mutual cousin. She fondly remembers a song he sang that day, which would spark a relationship that would last forever. On July 8, 1961 he took her hand in marriage. Eventually, they settled into their present house of 36 years which he designed and built. They raised their three children there, and would later help to raise two grandchildren there as well. Dad enjoyed having coffee with Mom at Salisbury House, watching TV and travelling to Las Vegas. His love and devotion to mom never faltered over the 43 years they were married. Ed worked for many different engineering firms in Winnipeg while at the same time operating a farm near Haywood, MB. In 1982, he went into business together with Mr. Walter Wolfe to form Manengco Engineering; a multi discipline firm providing consulting services to many clients and businesses across central and southern Manitoba. He was well known and respected in the business community. In his later years Ed continued to work from home while caring for Rolande who suffered a stroke in 1998. His patient and caring nature provided much needed comfort, love and support in the years following. Our fondest memory of Dad was his passion for music. Many Christmases and Easter gatherings were spent listening to him sing and play guitar with his daughters, cousins, and nephews. Bluegrass music was of special interest to him over the last few years, and he could be found jamming in the basement of his home in Charleswood with his bluegrass buddies or attending festivals in various locations. He could also be found with one of his grandchildren on his knee showing them how to play guitar, banjo and fiddle. He loved his family dearly and always made time to help and guide them. He loved cars and was always tinkering away on whatever was sitting in the driveway. Many family vacations were delayed because he would decide to overhaul the brakes, tire or whatever needed last minute improvements and repairs. He was a remarkable man who will be truly missed by all those who knew and loved him. We have seen strength, like an oak in the storm... We have felt gentleness, like a golden summer dawn... We have heard laughter, like a splashing waterfall... We have felt protection, like a shelter all around... All from a life that gave us life... All from our husband and fathers love. Prayers will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Monday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. (corner of Roblin and Grant, access to parking lot via Grant Avenue). Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Tuesday, May 4 at 2:00 p.m. Cremation to follow with interment in the Haywood Parish Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ed Debusschere Trust Account, 10-650 Stafford St, Winnipeg, MB R3M 2W8 (for his grandchildren). Adams Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326. www.afh.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 03, 2004