MAURICE DUFRESNE

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MAURICE DUFRESNE 1924 - 2004 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather. Maurice Dufresne passed away peacefully on July 23, 2004 at Portage General Hospital at the age of 80 years. Maurice was born on July 14, 1924 in Lorrette, Manitoba. He is survived by his wife, Joan; by his children and their partners: Estelle Dufresne and Arnaud Zondag, Robert Dufresne and Penny Dixson, and Rene Dufresne and Jenny Schrader; and by his grandchildren: Justin, Joshua, Jeremy, Curtis, Braden, Tanner, Austin and Nika. Also left to mourn are his siblings: Danny (Ilene) Dufresne, Agnes Precourt, Joseph (Viola) Dufresne and Lucien (Antoinette) Dufresne; sisters-in-law Angele and Pauline as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Leopold; his mother, Marie deLiesse Lagace; and his brothers: Andre, Felix and Ferdinand; and brother-in-law Leo Precourt. Maurice owned and operated the Oakville Transfer from 1959 - 1966. He continued trucking - hauling gravel, grain and sugar beets - until his retirement in June 1986. Maurice was always a very generous family man. He supported his mother and siblings as a young adult, babysat his nieces and nephews before having a family of his own, and made his career choices based on the least disruption to his family. Even after a long work week of driving, he would chauffeur his children and their friends to various parts of the province, supporting their hockey, baseball, and other activities. Maurice experienced Alzheimers in the last years of his life. Although it brought some challenges, it also gave him gifts - the return of his sense of humour, the ability to relax and to enjoy his grandchildren. Maurice will be remembered for his commitment to family, his strong work ethic and his firm handshake. Prayer service will be held on Monday, July 26 at 8:00 p.m. at McKenzie Funeral Chapel, 56 Royal Road South in Portage la Prairie, MB. Funeral mass will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27 at Good Shepherd Parish at 1125 Saskatchewan Avenue East in Portage la Prairie, MB followed by internment at the Oakville Cemetery. Father Michael Wollbaum will be the celebrant. Funeral arrangements by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel 857-4021. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimers Society, 21 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1T8; Good Shepherd Parish Building Fund, 115 Countess Ave. Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0T3; Lion Prairies Manor Foundation - Chapel, 24 9th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3V4; Oakville Community Club (Skating Rink), in care of George Otsuji, Oakville, MB R0H 0Y0.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 25, 2004