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ALBERT (AL) DUCHARME Obituary pic

ALBERT (AL) DUCHARME

Born: Aug 15, 1937

Date of Passing: Dec 19, 2013

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ALBERT (AL) DUCHARME August 15, 1937 December 19, 2013 Albert Louis Ducharme came into this world on August 15, 1937. He was firstborn to Lena (Andreychuk) and Louis in Winnipeg and spent all his days in St. Vital. He was joined quickly by his adored siblings and lifelong friends, Gerry and Jeanette. Al discovered his great loves early on: Cars, Sport and Sheelagh Ryan. He drove well before 16, beginning with his Dad's Caddy, and never looked back. Who hasn't heard of the 'T-Totaler" or listened to him gush over his '32 Coupe? There are "Car Guys" throughout the province that shared this love and remained a loyal and respected presence to his last days. Al never backed down from a challenge and when it came to something physical he often rose to the top. One of his first endeavours was competing in Archery when he was 12, he continued into Track where he excelled at Pole Vault and High Jump and went to McNeese State College in Louisiana on a scholarship. Throughout his busy life he continued to cycle and skate and then turned his sights on Tae Kwon Do which he absolutely loved. In 1962 Sheelagh became his bride and although they shared only seven short years together, she remained forever in his heart. On top of this Al ran for City Council, and again, and again and, well, on it went. For 21 years he juggled Committee Meetings, Board Meetings, Constituent calls, read Minutes and Agendas and relished it all. He also managed to complete two degrees and developed an amazing ability to cat-nap on the couch. Finally he was a dad, to Sherrill, Lori (Jon), and Randall (Stacey). We saw a lot of California, hiked in Banff, wet our toes in the Atlantic and drove up Pike's Peak in a Volkswagen Thing. To this day we all three read, read, read, stay on our toes and hop on a plane whenever we can. We notice cars others don't see, appreciate good wrought-iron, and know that Indio, CA is the Date Capital of the World. We love you dad and are so sorry that your time with your grandchildren; Piper, Finn, Téharrah, and Zayde was so short. They had oodles to learn from you. Al spent the last chapter of his life with his wife of 26 years, Joyce. They enjoyed Sunday dinners with Heather and Edgardo and their children Jacinna and Marcello as well as Rosanne and Danny: who deserve special thanks for the time and energy they extended in the past few years. He continued in puttering around the workshop, and they made many trips South or West and even seeing some of Europe. Dad took his last breath December 19, 2013, a cold winter night in his Winnipeg. We will miss him dearly. In keeping with Al's wishes, cremation has taken place and a funeral mass will be held on Monday, January 6, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in Christ the King Roman Catholic Church, 847 St. Mary's Road, with reception to follow. The Coutu Family in Care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 28, 2013

Condolences & Memories (18 entries)

  • During my 40 years of teaching at the University of Manitoba, few students impressed me as much as Al Ducharme. I cannot reveal his grades but they were well above average, remarkably given his relatively late university entry and the heavy workload he had elsewhere while studying. Al was an eloquent and well-read debater - which became very useful when he joined an informal discussion group that met either at the university or at my home (a brief walk from campus). Unfortunately, I have lost contact with his wife Joyce. - Posted by: Jesse Vorst (one of Al's university professors) on: Sep 12, 2015

  • Condolences to Joyce and the family. Met Al at Winnipeg Supply and had many enjoyable conversations. Enjoyed our dinners with Al and Joyce. Will be missed by all who knew him. - Posted by: Henry and Elaine Gowryluk (Friends) on: Jan 11, 2014

  • I first met Al through WIN (Winnipeg in the Nineties). We were both on the executive of the organization when I decided to run for city council. We maintained our friendship when I was placed on the board of Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corp. His financial management skills and attention to detail made him a definite asset to both organizations. To me, personally, he was a caring friend who could be counted on for a discreet ear and good advice. - Posted by: Lillian Thomas (friend) on: Jan 06, 2014

  • Lynda and I in Victoria would like to send our condolences to you, Joyce, and to Al's family. We are so very sorry to hear the news. - Posted by: Doug Bateman (Friend) on: Jan 03, 2014

  • I met Al when I started working at Ducharme Agencies in 1997, he always had his cute little smile when he would come into the office, he later became Uncle Al to the office staff. Al was a very kind and gentle man and we will miss him dearly. My condolences to all the family. - Posted by: Sheila Peadson - Ducharme Agencies () on: Jan 03, 2014

  • A great shock indeed to hear of Al's passing. He was a friend (as he was to most St. Vitalers) but also a family friend and a fellow Hot Rodder. RIP Al!!! (We'll keep the motor running for ya AL) - Posted by: Doug Mager (friend) on: Jan 01, 2014

  • My condolences to you Joyce and Al's family. I have been away from Wpg. since 1964 &, unfortunately, have not kept up with the family. I visited a few years ago, though, & was well received by you & Al. You're very gracious people and I've been proud to call myself a cousin. - Posted by: Dianne Ducharme Alexandre (cousin) on: Dec 30, 2013

  • We are so sorry and shocked to hear of Al's passing. We have fond memories of getting newsletters ready for mail out while he was editor of MCAAC newsletter. It was always an enjoyable event followed by a glass of wine and bagels from Gunn's Bakery. Joyce and family our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Eleanor and Gord Brunette (friends from the antique car club) on: Dec 30, 2013

  • I met Al when he came to work for Winnipeg Supply. We became friends with a common car interest - he will be missed by many. My deepest condolences to the family. - Posted by: Art Cain (friend) on: Dec 30, 2013

  • I first met Al at Glenlawn Collegiate and later while on the Riel Resident's Advisory Group had the pleasure of working with Al. He was a gentleman and friend. Sympathies to his family. - Posted by: June Bell (Friend) on: Dec 29, 2013

  • Losing a parent is difficult and cherish the memories that have been created over the many years. - Posted by: Darlene Ingleson (Friend of Sherrill and neighbor on Nichol Avenue) on: Dec 29, 2013

  • I'm so sorry and shocked to learn of Al's passing. I had the chance many times to ride in the "32 coupe". it came with a little price. He had a tin can with a slot taped to the dash. We were encouraged to "donate" gas money and we usually put in a dime or quarter. I think I speak for many of the St. Vital gang wherever they are now. We share your grief. - Posted by: Murray Parker (Old friend from Glanlawn) on: Dec 29, 2013

  • I am sorry for your loss. Al took the time to be a friend. My sincere condolences to Joyce & the entire family. - Posted by: Doreen Demare (friend) on: Dec 29, 2013

  • I covered Al's St. vital council days as a rookie reporter with the St. Vital Lance. He donated memorabilia to the St. Vital Historical Society. A true St. Vitaller. - Posted by: bob holliday (friend) on: Dec 28, 2013

  • Sherrill, Lori , Randy and families...... Our thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time. Sending healing thoughts of love to all of you xoxo - Posted by: Leslie badger (Friend) on: Dec 28, 2013

  • So sorry to read of Al's passing. I remember Al's smiling face at City Council meetings as he did his job with great thought and consideration. Condolences to all of you in your loss of a father, husband, grandfather and friend. - Posted by: Shirley Timm-Rudolph (former City Councillor) () on: Dec 28, 2013

  • I first met Al when he worked for a brief time at Winnipeg Supply. He was one of the nicest, friendliest people I have ever known. I occasionally had lunch with him up in the mezzanine lunchroom. That's where he introduced me to his "cat naps"; which he said re-energized him and had nothing to do with the stories I was trying to tell him. Al came into my life again a few years later at Tae Kwan Do: where we both learned at the same Do Jang. Al was a good co-worker, instructor, friend. My heart felt condolences go out to Joyce and the rest of his family. His light has not gone out. It has simply moved up into the night sky. - Posted by: Rob Gibbons (Friend) on: Dec 28, 2013

  • Sincere condolences to Joyce, Gerry and family on Al's passing. Al was a dedicated public servant who served his city and his community with pride and integrity. - Posted by: Jae Eadie (former Council colleague) on: Dec 28, 2013

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