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RENE TOUPIN  Obituary pic

RENE TOUPIN

Date of Passing: Mar 15, 2014

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RENE TOUPIN On Saturday, March 15, 2014 René Toupin passed away. René was born in Craig Siding (Ste. Rita) on May 15, 1934 to Romain and Clara Toupin (née Lamoureux). René's work experience was varied to say the least: lumberjack, White Father of Africa, aircraft mechanic, Caisse populaire manager, politician, real estate broker, tribal administrator and investment advisor. René was proud of his achievements during his time as the New Democratic Party member of the legislative assembly for Springfield and especially his tenure as Minister of Health. After politics, René moved on to administrative work for the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council. He then took a position with Investors Group as an Investment Advisor and retired in the year 2000. Following his retirement René spent two months in Costa Rica immersing himself in the Spanish language. He also attained his motorcycle license, renewed his passion for singing with a second turn as a choir member of Les Intrépides, and continued on with his study of Spanish. René's greatest passions were helping people and caring for animals. He found his time with Hospice and Palliative Care particularly rewarding. Some of his other volunteerism included serving as national president of la Fédération des Ainés, president of la Fédération des ainés franco-manitobains, and vice-chair of the Manitoba Council on Aging. He was also a member of the East St. Paul Lions Club. René loved all kinds of animals and he could often be found feeding, walking, caring for or having an attentive conversation with one of his four-legged friends. René is predeceased by his brothers Gerard and Henri, and his sister Lorraine. He is survived by his dear sister Claire. He leaves his loving wife Frances Spooner and his children Paul (Carmen), Louise (Dave), Yvette (Scott), Rosanne (Darren) and Michel. His 11 grandchildren and five great-grandsons brought him much joy. A special thank-you to Dr. Houston and Barb at CancerCare, Anne at Palliative Care and Pat at Concordia Hospital. The service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2014 at Thomson "In the Park" located at 1291 McGillivray Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society: 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3 or the Manitoba Hospice and Palliative Care Association: 2109 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3J 0L3. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
Publish Date: Mar 19, 2014

RENE TOUPIN On Saturday, March 15, 2014 René Toupin passed away. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2014 at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard A longer obituary will follow on Wednesday, March 19. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
Publish Date: Mar 17, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 19, 2014

Condolences & Memories (39 entries)

  • Chere Rosanne, and family. Sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Our thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Gisele,( Ron, Robert ancien eleves) () on: Mar 27, 2014

  • Dear Frances, Michel and family, my sincerest condolences in the loss of Rene. Rene was a very special and caring person to me, especially when I most needed a friend to help me through difficult times. Family was most important to him and I am sure, Michel, you carry many of his traits and empathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom during this difficult time. - Posted by: Marcia Fetterly (Cousin) on: Mar 23, 2014

  • To all the family: May God comfort your hearts and surround you with His tender love during this most difficult time. - Posted by: Isabelle and Emery Gal (Friends of Rene's Son Paul and Carmen) on: Mar 20, 2014

  • I had not seen Rene for many years. But I remember him well; as a man who had a kind helpful heart and who was always a fine gentleman, every time that I saw him. His spirit has touched many people that I know in a good way, and so I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Thank you for sharing his life with us. - Posted by: Douglas Culliford (Friend) on: Mar 20, 2014

  • My thoughts and prayers are with Frances and family at this time...Rene was such a dear man. Rest in peace Rene - Posted by: Kathy Hill (Friend) on: Mar 20, 2014

  • Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. May the Lord comfort you. - Posted by: Ron and Veronica den Otter (Friends of Yvette) on: Mar 19, 2014

  • Frances, Michel and family, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rene, he was a remarkable man with an inspiring legacy. Our thoughts and deep condolences are with you and the family at this very difficult time. - Posted by: Rab & Pal Gill and Mann family (Friend/Former co-worker of Frances) on: Mar 19, 2014

  • So sorry to hear of Rene's passing. We remember Rene as a friendly, kind & compassionate person. I hope you will find comfort in knowing that he is in a better place without pain. Our love and deepest sympathy to Francis, Michael & family - Posted by: Tak & Rose Kawasaki (My sister Irene Spooner's brother-in-law) on: Mar 19, 2014

  • Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Toupin Family at this sad time. Paul & Elaine - Posted by: Paul & Elaine Stimpson (Friend of Rene's son Paul (Carmen)) on: Mar 19, 2014

  • Mi querido amigo perdiste la guerra pero no la batalla. Hoy te encuentras el un lugar presioso junto a nuestro Creador "God" Rey de los reyes Y senor de senores."God bless his family during this time". Renne love to practice his spanish with every spanish friends. - Posted by: Clile Villa (Spanish "Amiga") on: Mar 19, 2014

  • So sorry to hear of your loss. What a wonderful man who touched so many lives! Our thoughts are with you through this tough time. - Posted by: Marsha Bibby (Co-worker of Yvette) on: Mar 19, 2014

  • Francis and Michael: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sorry we lost track of each other over the years. We did enjoy the time we spent together. Sorry we can't attend the sevice as we are out of town right now. Love Carol, Rick, Dean and Mark - Posted by: Carol and Rick Wilson (Old Friends) on: Mar 19, 2014

  • Chère Yvette et Rosanne, Condoléances les plus sincères. Je souhaite beaucoup de courage à toute votre famille pendant ce temps difficile. Je pense à vous. Toute mon amitié. Lisa - Posted by: Lisa Wallack (Amie) on: Mar 19, 2014

  • Our condolences to the family. - Posted by: Steven and Mitzi Maksymyk (Friend of Rene's son, Paul) on: Mar 19, 2014

  • Francis, my sympathies go out to you and your family. Rene gave me my first office job......He was a very special man. - Posted by: Paulette & Robert Leclerc () on: Mar 19, 2014

  • Frances, so sorry to hear about René. I have many wonderful memories of my close relationship with René both as working for him during his tenure as Minister of Health and Social Development and our family friendship over those years. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. - Posted by: Louis Leclerc () on: Mar 19, 2014

  • Frances & Family, So sorry for your Loss. I am happy to have met Rene over the years. It was always a pleasure meeting him at family gatherings & anywhere our paths crossed. He was always smiling, always very interesting, family loving and very easy to talk to. May his smile continue to shine down on all of you. It was a privilege to have met you Rene, R.I.P. - Posted by: Diane Marion-LeFloch (Family Friend) on: Mar 19, 2014

  • Much condolences to Frances and family. - Posted by: Joe Brockowski (friend) on: Mar 19, 2014

  • While I did not meet Rene, I offer my condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Lud Domaratzki (co-worker) on: Mar 19, 2014

  • Frances and Michel, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm happy to have had the pleasure to meet and get to know him. You are in our thoughts. - Posted by: Charlene Brisbin (friend) on: Mar 19, 2014

  • Frances and family - Our hearts go out to you. May it help you to know that Rene's contribution to good government and to the preservation of Medicare in Manitoba will never be forgotten. - Posted by: Judy Wasylycia-Leis (friend) on: Mar 18, 2014

  • I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with your family. - Posted by: Bobbi Beaty (Co-worker of Yvette) on: Mar 18, 2014

  • Dear Frances and Michel. We were so sorry to hear about Rene's passing. He was a wonderful inspiring man with such a big heart. He was a friend and a mentor. He will be missed. You are in our thoughts. - Posted by: Ellen and Peter Olfert (Friends) on: Mar 18, 2014

  • So very sorry to hear of Rene's passing. He was a very special mentor to so many and we will all miss his unique humour and wonderful storytelling. It goes without saying he will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Wendy Bailey (Family Friend) on: Mar 18, 2014

  • Yvette and family, so deeply saddened to hear of your father, Rene Toupin, passing. I did not know your father but I know you and the wonderful person you are. So, he has to have been a wonderful father, husband, grandfather and a friend to many. I hope it gives you comfort to know he will always be with you in your heart and your memories. My deepest sympathy. - Posted by: Mary Jo Godwin (Co-worker of Yvette) on: Mar 18, 2014

  • Yvette, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. While I did not know your dad, he raised a wonderful woman of whom I'm sure, he was very proud. You and your family are in my prayers, Linnea - Posted by: Linnea McNair (Colleague) on: Mar 18, 2014

  • So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. - Posted by: Sue Rollins (Co-worker of Yvette) on: Mar 18, 2014

  • So terribly saddened to hear of Rene's passing. He was truly a wonderful person - so caring, gentle & loving to all God's creatures big & small. We shall always remember him with great fondness & love. We will miss him greatly. Sorry we cannot be there at this time. Terry & Irene Spooner (in-laws) - Posted by: Terry & Irene Spooner ((in-laws)) on: Mar 18, 2014

  • A kind and "gentle"man whose generosity, selflessness, and easy smile affected everyone around him. A dear friend who will be missed. - Posted by: Debbie, Rick & Andrea Barney (Friends) on: Mar 18, 2014

  • I will always remember the first time I came for Christmas at your house - 27 years ago. I was your youngest daughter’s boyfriend and you and Frances, welcomed me as part of the family immediately. I have enjoyed our friendship ever since. Thank you for being a wonderful grandfather to my girls, showing up for school plays, grandparents' day, violin concerts ... everything. Goodbye René, I will miss you. - Posted by: Darren Ramlal (Son-in-law) on: Mar 17, 2014

  • Dear Fran, Michael and family, We were devastated to find Rene's announcement today. Having just lost our dear Dagan, we were thinking of Michael and wondering how the family was doing. We had such super conversations over the years as neighbours and Dagan and Michael had a great friendship growing up together across the street from each other. What a wonderful man Rene was! He suffered with such strength and dignity. God bless you all at this difficult time. We feel your pain. Please know, Michael and Fran, that you are forever in our hearts. Love Wayne and Roslyn Binda and family. - Posted by: Wayne and Roslyn Binda (friends and neighbours) on: Mar 17, 2014

  • I'm so sorry you're gone...you were one of the best bosses I had in my lifetime. I loved listening to your stories and your passion for helping others. You will be greatly missed my friend...my boss who loved to chat and have coffee. You will always be in my heart Rene! Your journey has just begun my friend! <3 Condolences to the Toupin Family! <3 - Posted by: Delores Shorting (Ex-Co worker) on: Mar 17, 2014

  • Sorry to hear of Rene's passing. He was a good friend in his time in government. - Posted by: Natalie Pollock and Ron Pollock (friends) on: Mar 17, 2014

  • Sincerest condolences Rene was a great friend as well as a valued member of the East St. Paul Lions Club. - Posted by: Bill & Laurie Zonnebeld (Friend) on: Mar 17, 2014

  • Rene and I had many fine conversations about his days in Government,I will miss him greatly. Condolences to Francis,Paul and Family - Posted by: Ian Macaskill (Friend) on: Mar 17, 2014

  • Dad, you will be greatly missed. I consider myself blessed to have married into his family and privileged of having Rene as a father-in-law. My prayers go out to his family and to his wife, Francis. - Posted by: Scott Debrecen (Son-in-law) on: Mar 17, 2014

  • To Family. Rene's foot steps have left a strong print, leading to greater road for all mankind. Rest in peace my friend. - Posted by: Doreen Dodick (Friend ) on: Mar 17, 2014

  • Rene was a great friend and co-worker in the Schreyer Government! - Posted by: Howard &Adele Pawley (Friends) on: Mar 17, 2014

  • René était mon mentor et a laissé une belle empreinte sur mon passage! Tu seras toujours dans mes pensées cher ami. Bon voyage. Josée. - Posted by: Josée Théberge (Friend) on: Mar 17, 2014

Thomson In the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery

Thomson In the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery

1291 McGillivary Blvd. (Map)
Ph: 2049251120 | Visit Website

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