DR. ROBERT AUREL JACQUES

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DR. ROBERT AUREL JACQUES January 3, 1914 - July 15, 2004 He was a lifelong learner; he healed; he sang; he loved and was loved. Dr. Robert Jacques (Bob) was born in St. Boniface, MB in 1914. Bob took great pride in his Franco-Manitoban heritage and at age 78 received a degree in French Language studies from the University of Victoria. Thanks to the support and mentorship of the Late Dr. L.D. Collins, Dr. Jacques completed his medical studies at the University of Manitoba. In return, he routinely assisted and encouraged young doctors. After practicing in Flin Flon and St. Boniface, in 1950 Dr. Jacques and Dr. J.M. Huot co-founded the St. Boniface Clinic, today a major multi-lingual health care participant in Winnipeg/St. Boniface. Dr. Jacques was a dedicated healer. He practiced at the St. Boniface Hospital and was valued and trusted by the Grey Nuns for whom he had great respect. Besides daily house calls, Dr. Jacques travelled to small towns in southwestern Manitoba to assist local physicians. In later years, he established a small practice in Oakbank, MB. After his retirement, Dr. Jacques used his medical knowledge and supportive manner in visiting and comforting the aged and those in ill health. In these visits, he was accompanied by his wife, Mae, always a smiling "spark" in any sick persons day. Because of tragedy in his early years (the untimely early deaths of his mother and a brother), Dr. Jacques placed a special value on family life. He encouraged his children to pursue excellence. The Jacques household was always open to those who for some reason or another needed a temporary base from which to operate. These included new Canadians, young students from rural areas and even "adopted" friends of their children. Dr. Jacques lived his adult life with Parkinsons disease. He accepted growing disability with patience and grace. Dr. Jacques is lovingly cherished by his wife of 63 years, Mae Davidson Jacques and their children, Sharon (Richard) Driscoll of London, ON, Betty (Frank) Prosser of Parksville, BC and Robert (Pamela Waygood), of Nahanni Butte, NT and France; three grandchildren, Mike (Anita), Marsha (Greg), and Steve and four great-grandchildren, Sydney, Erin, Arman and Ronan. Dr. Jacques will be missed by his brother, Leo of Winnipeg. His brother Louis and his sisters, Cecile Vallee and Florence Zunic predeceased him. Thanks for all those friends who maintained contact with Bob over the years and especially, Roger Vadeboncoeur, who added such joy to his final years. Deepest appreciation is extended to those individuals at Beckley Farm Lodge in Victoria, who touched Bob in his final years and had the good fortune to be touched by him in return. Thanks for providing not only outstanding care but the opportunity for Bob to die peacefully "at home" with his family there. A service was held with family and friends at McCall Bros. Funeral Chapel in Victoria on July 17. In memory of Dr. Jacques, donations may be sent to Beckley Farm Lodge, 530 Simcoe St., Victoria, BC V8V 4W4 or St. Jean Baptiste Paroise Francaise, 301 Richmond St., Victoria, BC V8S 3T2. McCall Bros. of Victoria (250) 385-4465

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 24, 2004