J. PAUL MAGUET

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J. PAUL MAGUET

May 16, 1930 - April 20, 2025

In Loving Memory

It is only befitting of a person of such great faith that on a beautiful, sunny Easter morning, April 20, 2025, Paul Maguet peacefully passed into the Lord's arms, surrounded by his family, less than one month shy of his 95th birthday.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 57 years, Marguerite; his beloved children Roger and wife Carolyn (Marion), grandchildren, Mario, Milaine, Annabella and Zavier; Joanne and husband Gaëtan Beauchemin, grandchildren, Brianne and Janelle. He is also survived by his brother Germain, sister Marie, sister-in-law Karen (Mailman) along with numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was predeceased by his brothers Louis in 1996 and Denis in 2024.

Paul was born in Ochre River and grew up in Ste-Rose-du-Lac, MB. A hard-working man throughout his life, he was always ready to lend a helping hand to his family, his parish, and the community. He earned a Diploma in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba in 1950 and was awarded the Nuffield Western Canadian agricultural scholarship in 1962. He farmed until 1977, when he joined the Public Service as a Co-operative Development Officer, a position that allowed him to combine two things he loved - agriculture and helping people. His new career meant a move to the city in 1983, certainly the most difficult decision he ever had to make. He worked to build and expand co-operatives, sometimes into incorporation, until his retirement in 1996, when he received the Manitoba Co-operative Order of Merit. He later received a Certificate of Merit from the University of Manitoba in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the agricultural industry and the public at large.

Paul was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He believed deeply in living with purpose, integrity, and compassion. Paul documented his life's journey in his autobiography, From the Hamlet of Kergwenan to the Capital of Manitoba. In it, he humbly reflected on how blessed he had been. He hadn't dreamt of wealth, but rather of living a meaningful life, raising a strong family, and contributing to good causes. His guiding principles were simple but powerful: "Love thy neighbour as yourself" and "Give to the world the best you have, and the best will come back to you." These ideals defined the way he lived - and the legacy he leaves behind. In the closing words of his autobiography, Paul offered heartfelt gratitude to Marguerite for her unwavering support and for giving him the treasures of life: their children Roger and Joanne and their spouses Carolyn and Gaëtan who brought into his life the additional blessings of his beloved grandchildren. His life spanned an incredible era - from a youth of horse-drawn plows and hand-pumped wells to a world of instant communication and global travel. Yet through all this change, Paul held firm to the timeless truths that success comes only with effort and that faith in the Lord is the cornerstone of a meaningful life.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Actionmarguerite Saint-Vital (Foyer Valade) for such compassionate care and support over Dad's many years there.

Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Paroisse Saint-Norbert, 70 rue St-Pierre, with interment to follow at the St. Norbert cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation in Paul’s memory to a charity dear to your family.

Le Seigneur est ma lumière et mon salut. (Psaume 27)

Que Paul repose en paix.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 22, 2025