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JOSEPH RINGAERT
Born: Mar 11, 1926
Date of Passing: Dec 26, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOSEPH RINGAERT On December 26, 2012, my father, my mentor, and my best friend left our life peacefully. I had the honour and the privilege to be with him in his last moments. Dad leaves behind his loving son Ken, his grandson and hero, Joey, daughter-in-law Debbie, niece Roseanne, nephews Richard and Neil and his godchild Caite. He was predeceased by his wife Sandra, sister Rachel, and parents Richard and Hermine. Dad was born in St. Boniface on March 11, 1926. He must have liked what he saw back then, and decided to stay there for his whole life. He was the son of Belgian immigrants, and loved to tell stories of his childhood in old St. Boniface, where everyone knew everyone else's business. Never big on change, he moved out of his childhood home when he married Mom at age 26 in 1952. After a brief stay in a house a block away, he moved to his brand new house another block away, where he lived with Mom for 57 years and then by himself until his passing. After a brief stint in the army, Dad started working for Canadian General Electric in sales, where he stayed until he retired in his late fifties. He had close to 30 years of retired life, and never missed working for a second. He spent a good number of those years solving the world's problems over coffee with his friends, Gus, Joyce, and Andy. He was a very political animal and loved to talk Canadian and US politics. He also spent innumerable hours studying the stock market and world economics. Totally self-taught, he could really spot trends and had a great feel for when to buy and sell stocks. BNN and Bloomberg Network were on his television constantly. His training in sales made him the perfect sidekick whenever a deal had to be negotiated. We dragged him along whenever a major purchase was made, from houses to cars to televisions. Dad was also a religious man who attended church faithfully. He believed in a higher power and tried to live his life accordingly. Dad loved sports and competition in general. He followed his Blue Jays religiously, watching every televised game and getting in on the managerial decisions. He followed PGA golf, World Curling, Jets hockey, Bombers football very closely. He loved dogs, and they loved him, and there was no greater fun than introducing them to people food . No dog ever left his presence hungry. Where Dad really excelled was at being a father and a grandfather. We were his passion. As far back as my memory goes, he was always there, at every school event, every hockey game, every curling game. Until his hospitalization, he still waited for a phone call after every curling or golf game, and patiently listened to the description of every shot, usually following this with some life advice like It's just a game or Just forget it and go relax . When his namesake Joey was born in 1986, he got to do it all over again. They had a special relationship, forever bonded by sharing the same name. Grampa quickly trained Joey to tell everyone that he was Grampa Joe's boy . We had great times watching Joey's games together, and getting together after the games with Joey to talk about them. Grampa also loved hanging around the other parents and grandparents, and quickly became one of the gang . Joey made him so proud, and Joey was very proud of his Grampa Joe. Grampa revelled in all Joey's successes and was there to talk to after any failures. Medical school for Joey meant Grampa could finally relax and stop worrying. Everywhere he hung out, people knew all about his boys . Although Dad was extremely fortunate to have had good health his whole life, the last many months were quite trying. We were fortunate to have great support from his neighbours. Neil, Jim, and Ron were there as a support for Dad, and we cannot thank you enough. Thanks to Roseanne, Neil, and Richard for helping around the house for many years. Thanks to Joyce for her Sunday morning visits. We would like to express our gratitude to the various doctors, nurses, and other health care team members who touched our lives the last few months. Your caring and compassion were fantastic, and truly appreciated. As well, thanks to Brendan and Denis for their support of Debbie, Joey and myself. Cari, he loved your visits. Adrian, your late night Christmas Eve visit was legendary, and will never be forgotten. Lastly, Joey, your courage, compassion and commitment to Grampa was inspirational. Dad, I am very proud to have had you as my father. You have been my spiritual guide my whole life and I only hope that I live up to your ideals. We will miss you. In keeping with Joe's wishes, cremation has taken place and a funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. in the Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald Street. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 2012
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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I grew up playing on the same hockey team as Joey for SJR. Joseph was definitely a permanent fixture on the sidelines of our hockey games and was always enthusiastic and quite obviously a huge fan of the sport, of Joey, and the Eagles! I have many memories of scanning the audience to see familiar faces at the games and I could always count on seeing Joseph cheering us on. Terribly sorry for your loss. God bless. - Posted by: Nicholas Barnes (Team/Schoolmate of Joey (junior)) on: Jan 05, 2013
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Dear Ken, Debbie and Joey. Our sincere condolences. Joe was a man who touched many lives. His positive influence will continue to be passed on to others through stories and memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tom and Lisa Ruta - Posted by: Tom and Lisa Ruta (Friends) on: Jan 05, 2013
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Joe was not only my Godfather, but also my Little League baseball coach with the St. Boniface Optimist Club Senators. He taught me lots and treated me well. My mother and father liked Joe a lot, and enjoyed the times they spent together, at family and Optimist functions. Maybe they are getting together again upstairs in the heavens. - Posted by: Richard Renouf (Godchild) on: Jan 03, 2013
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To Ken, Debbie and Joey, I have had you guys in my mind so much the last few days and now I know why. I was trying to contact you and came across this amazing tribute to a very genuine and lovely man. So very sad and sorry to hear your news, we have very special memories of time spent with Sandra and Joe. You will very much be in our thoughts and hearts in the coming days and on the 5th. I will be in touch separately as I have an invite for you but meanwhile much love from us all xxx - Posted by: Alma Maclean (Scottish Cousin) on: Jan 03, 2013
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We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Although we never knew your Dad, we recognized and understood the wonderful relationship you and your son had with him. Treasure your memories - they last forever! - Posted by: Darryl and Shirley Gunnlaugson (Friends) on: Jan 02, 2013
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Deepest sympathy to the family. Remember Joe from days of St. Boniface Optimist Club. My father, Alphonse was a member and I remember Joe from those days. I played baseball at the time. René La Rivière - Posted by: René La Rivière (Friend from St. Boniface Optimist Club) on: Jan 02, 2013
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Deepest sympathy in your loss. - Posted by: Jules and Joyce Gervais () on: Jan 01, 2013
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When I was younger, I'll never forget the visits to my mom and dad that Joe made almost daily. His conversations and political perspectives were intense and informative. He always had a kind word for the boys and treated us in a very adult way. I'm sorry that over the years we lost touch. He had a very full life and his success can be measured by those he touched. God bless him. - Posted by: Bert De Leeuw (relative and friend) on: Jan 01, 2013
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Ken, Debbie and Joey. Thinking of you during this difficult time of the passing of your dad, father-in-law and grandpa. May God give you the courage and strength to get through the difficult days to come. Very nice and heartfelt Obit. - Posted by: Evelyn Hofer (co-worker) on: Jan 01, 2013
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Dear Ken, Debbie and Joey, I am so sorry to read about your dad's passing. What a beautiful tribute you wrote about your Dad. I hope all the wonderful memories that you all have shared through the years brings you comfort and peace during this difficult time. The special bond that your dad, Joey and you shared will always live in your hearts. With my deepest condolences. Arlene - Posted by: Arlene Whyte (co worker WSC) on: Dec 31, 2012
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I have known Joe and Sandra since I was a little girl. We had so many long chats and visits when Joe would pop in on my parents George and Jackie. I have very fond memories of Joe. He was a good man and I greatly enjoyed his company as I was growing up. May he rest in peace. Susan - Posted by: Susan Gwyer ( Bockstael ) (family friend) on: Dec 31, 2012
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I am so sorry for your loss. I think back fondly to my many conversations with Joe on the financial world and how he could easily be drawn into heated discussions on certain politically affiliated people involved in it. I will truly miss these conversations! He was so so proud of his family and always made sure that he would be there for all of you in whatever capacity was needed. I know it will be hard in the days to come but you know in your hearts of hearts that he is watching over you from above. I hope all of you find peace and comfort with that and the memories you have! My condolences to all of you! - Posted by: Bernie Savoie (Family Friend) on: Dec 31, 2012