AIME DOLLARD ISIDORE BOITEAU -

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AIME DOLLARD ISIDORE BOITEAU 1927 - 2014 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Aime on January 11, 2014 at Riverview Health Centre, at the age of 86. We are so grateful that he had his daughter by his side, holding his hand, providing love and comfort while guiding him home. Dad called Riverview home for the past seven weeks where he had his family by his side every step of the way...all for one, one for all. Aime will be greeted by his parents Euclid and Diana; brother Denis; sisters Carol, Marie; mother-in-law Florence (Pion) and father-in-law Leon Bogaert. Also waiting are brothers-in-law Art Havers, John Wiebe, Tuffy Lemay, Ray Horsman, Ron Evans and sister-in-law Helen Bogaert. The time has come for us to hand him over to Aime's Angels to take over where we left off and carry him under their wings. Forever cherished by his wife of 52 years, Shirley; "Aime's Girl's" Donna (Darcy), Gisele, Michelle (Jason); grandsons Denis (Jessica) and Gilles; and furry grandchildren Kyah and Rocky. Kyah and Dad had a special bond - she was there to give him one final "face wash". He will be sadly missed by his sisters Mariette (Pete), Terry (Don), Yvette; brother Coco (Shirley); and very special sister-in-law Alice; along with numerous nephews and nieces; all an important part of his life. Born December 29, 1927, in Letellier, Manitoba, to Euclid and Diana, Aime was one of eight children. Dad's obligation from an early age was to work the family farm, which meant he was not able to finish school. He often said, "What do you expect, I only have a grade six education". He realized farming was not for him and moved to Winnipeg where he met and married Shirley in June 1961, starting their family soon after. Dad gave everything for his family to ensure that we experienced everything in life while learning from those experiences. He taught us life lessons that far outweigh what he would have learned from a textbook. Dad had an appreciation for nature and the great outdoors. So many excursions; camping, travelling, visiting abandoned homesteads and yes, even trips to the dump with his girls; each one was an adventure. Aime also had a love for hunting and fishing where he was able to share his passion with many friends, nephews and daughter Donna. Ironic that this man who hunted in his younger years, would go to the extreme to help an injured animal. Dad was employed by Winnipeg Transit for 29 years, a dedicated employee with a strong work ethic, a trait he passed on to all his girls. His compassion for people was always in the forefront, literally giving the shoes off his feet to a less fortunate passenger. Dad also drove the school bus for the St. Boniface School Division. Aime had a fondness for his "kids", as well as his co-workers. He was often the instigator of practical jokes with retaliation to follow; he'd have it no other way! Dad was fortunate and was able to enjoy almost 30 years of retirement. Mom and Dad became snowbirds and spent winters in Weslaco, Texas, along with his siblings. They sure knew how to have fun; where happy hour was a regular occurrence. Many summers were also spent at their trailer at Heather Game and Fish in Lac du Bonnet where they enjoyed many great times with good friends. Pepere was thrilled to teach Denis and Gilles to fish and drive the golf cart and trike, even though they were far too young. A sense of humour was essential and if you told him a joke upon meeting, you were instantly a friend. As much as he loved to hear a joke, he did not possess the gift of being able to repeat one. Even near the end, his humour had not wavered. On Christmas Eve he was asked if he would like a drink. Mom immediately said "absolutely not" to which he said "said who?" Mom snapped, "the doctor", without skipping a beat, Dad responded "then I'd better get a new doctor". Aime was a man of strong Faith, selfless and simple. A humble man with a heart of gold; wealthy by no means, but rich in family and friends. Dad loved family get-togethers of any kind. "Shooting the sh*t" over a beer (or two) made him happy. He was known for playing practical jokes, while being equally amused at being on the other end of one. He was a rugged outdoorsman, as well as a baker and a gardener. Dad's flowers and his grass were the envy of all. Outside is where you always found Aime, puttering in the yard or garage from sunup to sundown. He could fix, build or "macgyver" anything; eager to take on projects, none too large, none too small. Often heard, if I can't get a part to fix it, I'll improvise. The phrase "random act of kindness" may have been coined after him, although it should have been "frequent acts of kindness". It meant more to him if he could help, yet fly under the radar while doing so. He helped without judgement and without boundaries; family, friends, neighbours and strangers alike. He was creative and talented in many ways and always accepted a challenge to create something. Wood was his passion, whether carving or carpentry. Life was always filled with fun, laughter, adventure and of course, family. Mom and Dad's lives became whole when they became grandparents, a role they were meant to fulfill. There were few days over the years where time was not spent with the boys. He was so proud of his grandsons and was blessed that he was able to watch them grow and witness their accomplishments to date. Anyone who knew Aime knew that Denis and Gilles were his everything. We hope this provides some insight as to why Aime had such a huge presence in the lives he touched. He was our foundation; we love him deeply and forever. The hardest thing we've ever had to do was to let you go - no more pain, no more suffering and no more anguish Dad. As we promised you, Mom is safe and by our sides as we continue where you left off. Your wish to us on Christmas Day was to carry on without you. The thought of honouring your wish seems unimaginable at this time...in time we will understand and be comforted in knowing that we will never truly be without you. Dad, when we count our blessings, we count you twice. Shirley and family would like to extend our heartfelt thank you to those who stood by Dad's side always, but especially during these past four years. Dad lived life by this phrase: CELEBRATE Family - Friends - Traditions Our lives have been touched by the face of many diseases, no one more deserving of your gift than the other. If you wish, please share a gift with the charity closest to your heart. In keeping with Aime's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial mass celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in St. Bernadette Church, 820 Cottonwood Road. 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 Jan 18, 2014