Obituaries

ALFRED ARTHUR LAFLÈCHE
               Peacefully, with his wife at his side, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s, Alfred LaFlèche passed away on Monday, February 8, 2016, at the age of 85 years.  He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years of marriage, Suzanne (née Durand); his children, Paulette (Kelly Sullivan), Denyse (Jim Turnbull), René (Donna Piasecki), and Ronald (Dayna Quinn); grandchildren, Carmelle (Travis), Michelle (Garvin), Robert, Danielle, Mathieu (Cathy), Nicholas (Kailey), Jeffrey, David, Rémi, Jacqueline, Christopher, and Carter; as well as three great-grandchildren Ashton, Hunter, Dane, and three more on the way.  He was the best husband, dad, and pépère!   Alfred was born August 24th, 1930, in Charleswood, to Irenée and Berthe (Doré) LaFlèche.  He was predeceased by his parents, brother Martial (Bouncer), brother-in-law Jean Brûlé, and foster brother Jojo.  He will be missed by his sister Monique, brothers Lionel (Yvette), Sylvio (Agnès), Robert (Alice), Gerry (Céline), sister-in-law Berthe; and many members of the Durand family.  Alfred is also survived by his uncle Aimé Caron, his aunts Délima (Lamoureux) Bruce and Béatrice LaFlèche, and is cherished by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.   Dad stayed close to his family roots, residing in the Charleswood/St. Charles area all of his life.  In 1957, he married Suzanne, and together they raised four children.  He was an active member of St. Charles Parish, belonging to the Men’s Club, and helping out wherever needed.  Dad had a strong work ethic which he passed on to his children.  He worked for the CPR as a conductor for 42 years, until his retirement from Via Rail in1992.    Dad loved people and he loved life.  A perfect day often started at the coffee shop with Bouncer, Aimé, and Louis.  His favourite things included trains and tractors, making wine, working out at the spa, the Montreal Canadians, his long daily walks, barbecued T-bone steaks, and sitting in the sun.  He loved camping, playing cribbage and 500, and spending winters in warmer climates.  Christmas and New Year’s Day with his family were special occasions.  He was always the last one to leave a party!  His joie de vivre will never be forgotten.   The family would like to acknowledge the excellent care and compassion that Alfred received from his home care providers Menasse, Robert, George, Alex, Raymond, Melanie, and Marina, as well as the staff at the Golden West Nursing Home.  We are forever grateful that we were able to spend the last few days with him and say our goodbyes in our own special ways.   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Alfred’s name to Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg MB R3C 4G2.   A sharing of Alfred’s life will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 6:30 p.m., followed by Funeral Mass at 7:00 p.m. in St. Charles Roman Catholic Church, 320 St. Charles Street, with Rev. Msgr. Maurice Comeault, P.H. presiding.  Interment will take place in St. Charles Cemetery at a later date during a private ceremony.   Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com