LUCIEN MARK JOSEPH CHAMPAGNE

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LUCIEN MARK JOSEPH CHAMPAGNE Lucien Champagne, aged 78, died at Ste. Anne Hospital on July 19, 2004, following a courageous battle with cancer and heart trauma. Lucien was born April 20, 1926 , in the town of Richer MB. He served in the Royal Canadian Armed Forces. He later worked for Kleysens Transport, Barnes Security and Seine River School Division. Lucien loved sports. He not only played but he coached and was an official umpire of the Manitoba Baseball Association. He was affectionately called "Uncle Lou" by players and fans. He was fondly remembered for his distinct "Yourrr outta of here", during games all around Manitoba. Lucien will also be remembered for his love of music. He played guitar and sang at many social events and enjoyed family gatherings. Lucien was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion where he served as President and Vice President for many terms. Lucien is survived by his devoted wife, of twelve years, and best friend Louise; her five children, Annette, (Randy), Nancy (Pete), Ed (Theresa), Roger (Sherri), Diane (Rob) and his eight children, Lucy Saindon, (Jean-Louis), Gary Champagne (Gail), Micheal Champagne (Tanya), Ronald Champagne, Paul Champagne (Linda), Paulette Champagne (Donald), Susan Champagne Shapiro (Butch), and Mark Champagne (Maura). Lucien is also survived by his only brother Paul Champagne (Tommie) and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Lucien loved animals, and leaves behind his loving canine companions, Bear and Dollie. Peacefully he will rejoin with "Lucky" . . . Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge When an animal dies that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills and our friends are comfortable. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. But, the day comes when one (Lucky) suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers . Suddenly he (Lucky) begins to run, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You (Lucien) have been spotted, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. As Lucien requested, a private service and cremation will be held, followed by interment in the Green Acres Memorial Gardens . A memorial fund has been established with the Winnipeg Humane Society. Thanks to the Department of Veterans Affair and all the staff at the Ste. Anne Hospital for their help and support. To my darling Father . . . Lucien Mark Joseph Champagne Thank you Dad for watching cartoons with me and making me laugh with your famous "Yabba Dabba Do" Thank you Dad for getting up in the wee hours of Xmas morning to cook the turkey Thank you Dad for buying me a new bike even though I knew we couldnt afford it Thank you Dad for bringing home tasty baked treats wrapped in brown wax paper, when you came home from long hauls Thank you Dad for teaching me how to be a good baseball player Thank you Dad for setting my feet a dancing when you sang and played guitar, my favourites Cab Driver, and Trailer for Sale or Rent Thank you Dad for taking me to the Drive Inn Theatre to see the Beetle Bug Movies Thank you Dad for accepting my husband, Butch, into the family, as soon as you met him Thank you Dad for not being mad, when I got caught stealing a pair of pants from Woolco - instead you said if I needed them, you would find a way to get them for me Thank you Dad for being so proud of me when I graduated university and then became a principal Thank you Dad for having parties that were filled with music and laughter Thank you Dad for our special dinner nights when we had Kentucky Fried Chicken Thank you Dad for the party where we played pool on a little table and you bought trophies, one that I still cherish today Thank you Dad for instilling in me the love of sports, music, animals, and especially how to have fun Thank you Dad for loving my son with all your heart and giving him such wonderful childhood memories of the two of you Thank you Dad for coming home from work and making Marko and me lunches when we were still in school and you worked for Barnes Thank you Dad for letting me stay up past bedtime so I could stay at the dances until closing Thank you Dad for taking us to those wonderful Baseball picnics when you umped and were famous for "Yourrrrr outta here" and we would get a nickel for every foul ball we got Thank you Dad for the wonderful homemade Pea Soup - no other has come close Thank you Dad for having my favourite cookies waiting in the freezer every time I visited Thank you for being my Dad I love you very much, Sue Z Q

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 21, 2004