JEAN-CLAUDE ROUGET

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JEAN-CLAUDE ROUGET

May 18, 1938 - August 11, 2025

With deep sadness and full hearts, we announce the passing of Jean Claude Rouget on August 11, 2025.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Jean Claude was known for his booming laugh, generous spirit, and extraordinary culinary talents. Born in Baigneaux, France, Jean Claude’s journey took him from Paris to the Côte d’Azur, Edinburgh to Bermuda, before eventually settling in Winnipeg. A classically trained chef, he brought flavour, flair, and laughter to every kitchen he touched - including local institutions such as the Fort Garry Hotel, La Vieille Gare, Le Beaujolais, Dubrovnik Restaurant, Orlando’s and the Marlborough Hotel. It was in Bermuda that he met the love of his life, Susan “Suzie” Sarmatiuk. Together, they built a life full of food, music, love, and joyful chaos, eventually raising their family in the Norwood Flats, where their home became legendary for its open-door hospitality.

Jean Claude was predeceased by Suzie in 2014, his parents George and Charlotte, and several siblings. He is lovingly remembered by his children Jean Paul, Renée France (Melissa), Philippe (Sarah), and Olivier (Lisa); grandchildren Bailey, Sage, Alexie, Sacha, Brandon, Leon, Roger, Josie, Julien, Xavier, Elliot, Emilie, and Sophie; brother Raymond; extended family and lifelong friends in Canada, France, and beyond. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and the kind of meals no one ever forgets. Bon voyage, Jean Claude - you will be missed dearly and remembered often, especially at dinnertime...

Tribute Link:                              kilcollinscremationservice.com

Arrangements for Jean-Claude’s celebration of life are still being finalized and will be shared soon.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 13, 2025