- Brandon Sun Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
CLEMENT LAVOIE
Born: Feb 08, 1919
Date of Passing: Jul 03, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDR. CLEMENT LAVOIE Peacefully in his sleep in his 96th year, Dr. Clément Lavoie left us on July 3, 2014. Clément was born February 8, 1919 in the small town of Dunrea in southwestern Manitoba, the fourth of twelve children of Athanase and Virginie (née Paradis) Lavoie. At the age of 13, Clément left home to attend boarding school at the Collège de Saint-Boniface where he completed his secondary education and a Bachelor of Arts degree under the guidance of the Jesuit Fathers. After graduation in 1941, he taught for a year in a one-room school in rural Manitoba. He then joined the war effort by enlisting in Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal where he eventually reached the rank of First Lieutenant. In October of 1943, during live arms manoeuvres to prepare for deployment to Europe, he suffered a serious injury from a mortar shell that left him with a permanent pronounced limp. He was discharged from the Army after nearly two years of convalescence and began his studies in Medicine at Université Laval in Quebec City in the fall of 1945. Upon graduation in 1950, he was assigned to an internship at the St. Boniface General Hospital. It was here that he met a pretty student nurse, Joan Kammermayer from Langenburg, Saskatchewan. She became his wife and partner on July 2, 1955. While meeting the demands and responsibilities of a busy family practice, including the delivery of over four thousand babies, Clément and Joan raised a family of eight children including two sets of twins. Clément also found time to make important contributions to his community through his church, the Cathédrale de Saint-Boniface, La Société historique de Saint-Boniface, and the St. Boniface Federal Liberal Riding Association, among others. He was also an entrepreneur who developed 400 Taché, a seven storey commercial building located next to St. Boniface Hospital. Clément retired in 1988 at the age of 69, allowing him more time to tend to his collection of Canadian stamps and his cherished hobby farm in Lorette. Unfortunately, his dreams for the farm were struck down in March 2001 when he suffered a stroke, leaving him partially paralyzed but still sharp of mind. He worked hard to overcome his new physical challenges at home with the help of his family and Home Care, but a second stroke in July 2003 forced him to move to Centre Taché (now Actionmarguerite). Clément was ever so proud of the accomplishments of his children as they progressed in life, married and had families of their own. He had a profound love for his wife Joan who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis early in their marriage and whose condition deteriorated steadily through the years. Having moved to Centre Taché in 1979, she fell into a coma in 1983 that lasted until her passing in October 2003. During this time, Clément, with tremendous devotion, rarely missed a day without visiting her. In addition to his wife Joan, Clément was predeceased by his parents Athanase and Virginie, and his siblings Father Roland, Irène (Gordon Fraser), Rodolphe, Gérard, Josephine and Thérèse. His memory will be cherished by his surviving siblings Cécile, Athanase (Thérèse), Germain (Françoise), Lucie and Joseph, as well as by his children Marc (Monique), Denis (Eileen), Richard, Lise, twins Michel and Marie-Thérèse (Kam) and twins Pierre (Chantal) and Paul, and by his 14 grandchildren who loved their Pépé dearly. He considered it a great honour to serve his community as a doctor who could also be a trusted confidant. He was an extraordinary man, notable particularly for his integrity, sense of duty and responsibility, and deep religious faith. Clément's family is most grateful to the live-in help (particularly Rose and Louise) who provided much-needed support during our childhood, and to the personnel of Centre Taché who looked after both of our parents with genuine concern for their well-being. Your care, patience and understanding are appreciated more than our words can express. A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 10 at the St. Boniface Cathedral. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada 100-1465 Buffalo Place Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 1L8. Desjardins 233-4949 1-888-233-4949 www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 07, 2014
Condolences & Memories (16 entries)
-
We met Dr. Lavoie once in Toronto in 1983 and we have always remembered the encounter. He told us stories about his relationship with his children and what stood out was his joy as the children returned to the warmth of his home on cold, blustery winter nights and the big bowl of popcorn in front of the fireplace we imagined to be centered in the living space. He surely loved his family and he was loved in return. We remember him fondly. May he rest in eternal peace. - Posted by: Regina and Daniel Thompson (Friends) on: Nov 14, 2014
-
I will always remember Dr. Lavoie coming to my parents house to see me as a child whenever I was sick. He was always kind and very soft spoken. I don't think there has ever been another Doctor like him. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Monique Ball (nee Dauphinais) (former patient) on: Jul 14, 2014
-
As a child, Dr. Lavoie was our family doctor and Langevin Street neighbour, and often had to drop by the house to care for us when we were not feeling well. He was always caring and reassuring - even when a "scary needle" was involved. I knew Mitch for many years, and send along my thoughts and prayers to Mitch and his entire family. - Posted by: Colette Soulodre (neighbour, family friend and former patient) on: Jul 11, 2014
-
Fait connaissance de la famille de Clement Lavoie lorsque j'ai travailler a la residence pour la famille dans les 1963 et 1964. Marie Therese et Michel n'avaient que quelques mois. Nous avons bien aimer avoir soin de Joan avec sa maladie qu'elle bravait toujours avec sa grande foi. Nos sympathies a la famille et Paul que nous avons eu la chance de faire connaissance au cours des dernieres annees. - Posted by: Gilles et Huguette Remillard (amis) on: Jul 10, 2014
-
Mes sincères condoléances à toute la famille Lavoie. - Posted by: Paul Sherwood (Cppain d'école de Denis Lavoie) on: Jul 09, 2014
-
Cher Marc et famille Lavoie: Diane et moi exprimons nos plus sincères condoléances. Un vrai pillier de la communauté s'est éteint, mais nous retenons de bons souvenirs. - Posted by: Francis et Diane LaBossière (Amis de la famille) on: Jul 08, 2014
-
My condolences to all the family of Dr. Lavoie. I always enjoyed talking to him and helping him with little things. Will miss you at coffee! - Posted by: Kathy Veroneau (friend) on: Jul 07, 2014
-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of reflection. - Posted by: Alida and Jean Remillard (friends of the familly) on: Jul 07, 2014
-
Marie and Family, please accept our deepest condolences. I did not know your dad personally, however I am pretty sure I had visited him as a patient when I was a little kid, and I think he delivered my older brother and sister. I've heard you talk about him many, many times and always felt the pride and love in your stories. He was a pillar of the community, and the kind of man we should find inspiration from. It's never easy to lose a parent, know that we are here to help you through your time of sorrow Your loving friends - Posted by: Keith and Nancy Trudea (Friends ) on: Jul 07, 2014
-
I remember Dr. Lavoie as a devoted family man and a dedicated community leader. We were both active on Liberal Party executives, as presidents. While doing some historical research last month I came across an article from the Winnipeg Free Press, dated May 24, 1968 on the reporting on an election issue involving federal politics, involving both our executives. I also remember how diplomatically Dr.Lavoie took charge in order to protect the historical papers retrieved after the terrible Basilica fire. As neighbors we were above all quite aware of his devotion to his family and his wife's well being. May he rest in peace. James Wyndels Chevalier de Leopold II Ottawa, Ontario - Posted by: james wyndels (neighbor and political colleague) on: Jul 07, 2014
-
Saint Boniface has lost one of the pillars of the community. Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Charlotte Lambert (Denis Lavoie 's childhood friend) on: Jul 07, 2014
-
Marie, Christian, Janelle, Karin and Kam, Our sympathy and heartfelt condolence go out to you and your family at this time. We remember your father and Pepe, Clement, fondly. We know that you were devoted to him and his care in the latter part of his life as you visited him and made him the centre of your world as he had always been. Marie, your love and devotion to both your parents during their time of convalesence is commendable. You have always been a pillar of strength with your natural ability to nurture as you managed hardship with grace and humour. What an amazing man your father was and what a wonderful legacy he has left on this earth with the children he raised and the grandchildren he adored. Many blessings and much love to all of you. - Posted by: Jennifer and Jean-Marc Lafreniere (Friends) on: Jul 07, 2014
-
Rest in Peace Dr. Lavoie ... My condolences to the family and to Father Roland in the loss of a Brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.... Renate - Posted by: Renate ( Schjerning ) Gardy (Co worker to Father Roland and Friend) on: Jul 07, 2014
-
During the time that I had attended College St. Boniface with Rick, I have the pleasure of getting to know Rick, his brothers and sisters. If children are a testimony to the love, wisdom and caring installed by the parents, then there could be no finer proof of that testimony than the Lavoie family. I have known all of them and have had the great fortune to still see them on a regular basis and call them friends. - Posted by: Guy Prefontaine (Friend of the family) on: Jul 07, 2014
-
Mes sincères condoléances à toute la famille. Outre le fait que je fus sa patiente pendant des années, j'ai aussi connu Marie-Thérèse quand j'enseignais au secondaire au Collège de Saint-Boniface.Elle m'a fait mieux connaitre votre famille et j'ai été très édifiée par le soin que vous et votre père preniez de votre maman, déjà au Centre Taché. J'ai auusi été toujours édifiée par la dignité de votre papa, sa fidélité non seulement à sa femme et ses enfants, mais à sa clientèle et son église. IL était un homme humble, qui ne faisait pas de bruit, mais était bien engagé dans sa communauté de Saint-Boniface et de la Cathédrale. Il a fait de belles choses en toute discrétion et n'a jamais cherché la reconnaissance et encore moins les louanges.Le Seigneur l'a reçu à bras ouverts, sûrement ! Nous prierons pour le repos éternel du docteur Lavoie, votre papa. - Posted by: Gilberte Proteau (once a patient) on: Jul 07, 2014
-
Sympathie a tout les enfants. - Posted by: Jean Paul Monnin (ami de la famille) on: Jul 07, 2014
