DR YVES JOEL JOSEPH JOUBERT DR. DOREEN OLIVE JOUBERT

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DR YVES JOEL JOSEPH JOUBERT DR. DOREEN OLIVE JOUBERT It is with profound sadness that the family of Dr Yves Noel Joseph Joubert and Dr Doreen Olive Joubert announce their tragic passing on September 1, 2004 at their home in Brandon. Yves Noel Joseph Joubert (Noel) was born in St. Pierre, MB on December 22, 1925. Noel spent his early school years in St. Pierre. In 1939, he attended the St. Boniface College in Winnipeg, and in 1947 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin Philosophy. In 1948, he was accepted at Laval University in Quebec, however, returned home after three months as he missed his family. Upon returning, he taught school in a small country school. In 1950, after encouragement from a former professor, he returned to the University of Manitoba. In 1951, Noel was accepted into medicine and graduated in 1956. For the next year and a half, Noel practiced medicine in Winnipeg and this is where he met Doreen. Doreen was born in Winnipeg on March 24, 1929. She attended Principal Sparling School and later Daniel McIntyre Collegiate and was on the Honour Roll at both schools. In grade eleven she won a scholarship and entered pre-med at the University of Manitoba. In 1953, at 24 years old, Doreen graduated as the youngest doctor in her class of mostly returning the Second World War vets. After graduation, Doreen became an assistant to Dr. Ben Schomperlin, a chest specialist at the Manitoba Clinic. It was on the chest ward at the Winnipeg General Hospital that Doreen and Noel met. They were married on June 22, 1957. After their marriage, they moved to Dunrea, and in late 1957 moved to Brandon where they took over the practice of Dr. Baker. In 1958, Doreen was the first woman doctor to be admitted to the Brandon General Hospital staff. As Doreen was the only female physician in Brandon her obstetrical practice grew rapidly. Although Doreen and Noel were devoted to medicine and their patients, they were equally devoted to their children - Richard, Michelle and Paul. When Noel and Doreen started a family, it became clear that they needed help. In 1959, they were joined by their devoted nanny and lifelong companion Ada Cameron. Professionally, they enjoyed an expanding practice. Dr. Rose came from England and joined them in 1960, followed by Dr. McQueen in 1963, and a surgeon in 1964. The group founded the Western Medical Clinic in 1964. Shortly after in 1965, Dr. Andrews joined the Clinic. Noel was a visionary and it was his vision to build a downtown medical clinic and adjacent pharmacy. The doctors, in association with three pharmacists, purchased land to build a clinic in 1966 and the building was ready for occupancy in the spring of 1967. In 1968, Dr. Dalling, an orthopaedic surgeon, joined the group. Noel was proud of the clinic and it held prominent part in the lives of Noel and Doreen. His direct, out-spoken and honest approach to life with Doreens gentle wisdom were great assets to the group and played a major role in the loyalty of all staff, from business manager, to nurses, lab technicians and receptionists. In 1980, Doreen left private practice and to become Clinical Director of the Assiniboine Centre. She was instrumental in implementing a palliative care program at the Centre as well as a day hospital for handicapped and disabled persons, and a diabetes education program. Noel and Doreen were members of the Manitoba Chapter of the College of Family Physicians, and Noel was recognized by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and became a Fellow of the College in 1996. Noel was an active member of the medical staff at the Brandon General Hospital from 1957 to 1987, and Doreen from 1957 to 1991 and both belonged to many committees at the hospital. Doreen was also active in the community and was a lifetime member of the Canadian Federation of University Women. She served tirelessly on many boards throughout her years in Brandon. Noel and Doreen enjoyed an active family life and many activities centred around their family. In the summer they spent weekends and vacations at their cottage at Pelican Lake. Since retirement, they have resided at Pelican Lake from April until Thanksgiving each year. Noel and Doreen travelled extensively and enjoyed many vacations with their immediate and extended family. They vacationed yearly in Hawaii. In their younger years they were avid cross-country skiers and more recently enjoyed walking. Noels love of animals, especially dogs is well known by all who knew him. Noel devoted his life to his "many projects" at Pelican Lake and as of lately recruited his grandson as his willing apprentice in these endeavours. Doreen played piano daily and found much contentment in music. She shared this gift of music with her grandchildren. Doreen played bridge twice a week, and both Noel and Doreen enjoyed their gambling junkets. They were positive people who brought much joy and understanding to those around them - especially their grandchildren. Noel and Doreen will be lovingly remembered by their son Richard (Cindy) of Campbell River, BC; and daughter Michelle (Dean) and their grandchildren - Peter, Kira and Zoe of Winnipeg. They are also survived by their son Paul of Brandon. Left to mourn are Noels brothers Victor and Luc, and sister Claire (Edouard) - of Winnipeg. As well as Doreens brother Jim (Tina) of Winnipeg, and sister Gayle (George) of Mississauga, ON, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and former colleagues. They are predeceased by Doreens parents William and Lena, and Noels parents Ambroise and Rose. As well as by Noels sister Gabrielle and sister-in-law Aline, and their lifelong friend Ada. "Do not mourn us when we are gone for we have had a good life - rather celebrate our lives" (Noel). A celebration of Noel and Doreens lives was held on September 14, 2004 at Central United Church in Brandon. Reverend Harold Nightingale and Father Leo Fernandes officiated. Internment followed at Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Dr Noel and Dr Doreen may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 23-12th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 4L6 Our family would like to thank all the family and friends who have supported us through this very difficult time. God Bless. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com. Arrangements were in care of Brockie Donovan, Brandon.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 30, 2004