MAURICE DEPREZ

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MAURICE DEPREZ February 4, 1924 - March 23, 2005 Peacefully after a lengthy illness, and with his family at his side, Maurice passed away at Stonewall Hospital. He is survived by his wife Germaine Deprez; sons, Rodney and Sheryle (Lesley, Chris and Brenda), Doug and Vicky (Ryan and Jenna), Don and Laurie (Craig, Jaymie and Chad), Laurie and Arlene (Derek and Robyn, Leah and Kevin), David and Debbie (Corey, Kyle, Trisha, Shane and great-grandson Nickolas); and daughters, Leanne and Doug Sinclair (Jennifer, Jacqueline and Charlene), Lindy and Gerry McEachern (Brennley and Bradley). He also leaves to mourn his sisters, Elsie Marion of Hamilton and Betty Pelletier of Winnipeg; and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brothers, George, Harry and Robert; and sisters, Irma and Madeline. Maurice was born in Lilyfield, MB, on February 4, 1924. He worked for the Department of Highways, the Stony Mountain Penitentiary and the City Quarry for many years. Maurice and Germaine were married in December of 1948 and started a family in 1950. They resided in Stony Mountain and raised seven children. Over the years they kept their children very active with baseball, hockey, church and all other community events. As the kids grew to marry and have their own children, Maurice retired and was quick to find new hobbies. He proudly restored five John Deere tractors and later spent his time fixing lawn mowers and motors. Maurice would never be seen at Polo Park - his mall was Tom Saunders junk yard, picking up parts for his passions. Dad loved his farm and still owns it to this day. When we were young, he never missed a baseball or hockey game, and was always available to offer an encouraging word. Never pushy and never overly profound, a simple do your best, guys was all that was needed, which has carried through into our future lives. Our 1961 Dodge must have put on 500,000 miles running us to hockey and baseball games. Dad was not only a coach for these teams, but also an important mentor in all of our lives. He taught us that honesty was not only the best policy, it was the only policy. Maurice was a very proud, very kind and very loving man. He was extremely devoted to his family and loved his grandchildren dearly. He could always be counted on for a good story, and was never short on laughter and smiles. Maurice will be missed greatly by his family, friends and the community. The family would like to give a special thanks to the doctors, nursing staff and ambulance attendants at the Stonewall Hospital for all their wonderful care shown towards Dad. Prayers will be held on Monday, March 28 at 7:00 p.m. at the MacKenzie Funeral Chapel, Stonewall. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 29 at 11:00 a.m. in the MacKenzie Funeral Chapel, Stonewall. Fr. Gerald Langevin will officiate. Interment will be held at the Stony Mountain Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be grandchildren, Brad McEachern, Derek, Ryan, Corey, Chris and Craig Deprez. Honorary pallbearers will be all the rest of the grandchildren. Lunch to follow the service at Stony Mountain Rec. Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Manitoba Lung Association or St. Joseph's Parish, Stony Mountain. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 26, 2005