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ALAIN GEORGE CHAPPAZ
Date of Passing: Apr 30, 2019
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
ALAIN GEORGE CHAPPAZ
He leaves to mourn his partner of 29 years Patricia Wilcock, his father René, his sister Michèle and her husband Christian Samuelsen, his uncle George Theriault and his wife Celia.
He joins his mother Marcia Theriault and stepmother Hélène Roberge in eternal rest.
Alain was a bright and creative star to those who knew and loved him. He always had a kind or funny word for the people around him. We will all miss him terribly.
He began his career with CN at the Rail yards in Pointe-Saint-Charles in Montreal in 1978 and moved to Winnipeg with the company in 1995. Alain held different jobs throughout his 40 years with the railway. He enjoyed the challenges his career afforded him and was always willing to give a helping hand to colleagues. He was proud to be a railroader and had just retired this past January 1.
In his free time, he volunteered with Envol 91.5 FM and disk jockeyed a French radio show "Les coudées franches". He also read everything he could get his hands on and doodled constantly. He had a lot of energy, and boundless enthusiasm for puns; particularly bad ones. He loved comic books, science fiction, star trek, super heroes, and all things "nerdy".
In more recent years, Alain offered his support to local indigenous communities fighting for their rights, as he had come to believe in their cause. In return, he was rewarded with many new friendships.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider signing your organ donor card as Alain felt this was important.
A celebration of Alain's life will be held on Friday, May 10 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Art Gallery of the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain at 340 Provencher Boulevard in Winnipeg.
"As we laugh together, you and I.
In one form upon this earth,
and in another form in a
timeless sweet land."
- Excerpt from the works of the
Persian poet Rumi
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 08, 2019
Condolences & Memories (16 entries)
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Patricia, belated condolences...thoughts and prayers are sent to you from Toronto. - Posted by: Gerald Salvati (Friend) on: Nov 25, 2019
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Alain would understand me perfectly. One Clown down and one to go! - Posted by: Michael Winiarz (Co-Worker) on: Sep 03, 2019
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Mes plus sinceres condoleances Patricia, une perte enorme pour chancun de vous. Alain laisse beaucoup de beaux souvenirs derriere lui avec ceux qui lui etaient tres proche et aux autres comme moi qui le voyais qu'a l'occasion lors de passage a Edmonton. Je sais que vous savez , mais vraiment le temps rends la douleur moins intense. - Posted by: Marielle T Turgoen (Amitie ) on: May 13, 2019
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Condolences Patricia, Alain was an honourable Man, I appreciated his perspective and his nerdiness would lighten your day. Rest in Peace, my friend. - Posted by: Lindsay Struve (co worker) on: May 11, 2019
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It was such a shock to hear about All’s passing this afternoon by one of his colleagues. I’m still trying to process this tragic news. Most generous, lively & friendly person I knew. For the past few years we develop very friendly relationship and he was an ideal customer as well. We at CAFE ASANTE are going to miss you Alain, rest in peace my friend. My deepest condolences to Patricia. - Posted by: Ram Gupta (Friend ) on: May 09, 2019
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Patricia, I am so very sorry for this huge loss. Alain brought creativity, optimism and energy to every project, in fact to every conversation. He was kind, thoughtful and always a defender of the human thing to do in any situation. I always enjoyed discussions with him, both work and non work related and feel the world is a little less interesting and bright with him gone. - Posted by: Melanie Hewson (Colleague) on: May 09, 2019
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We will keep great memories of Alain. He was bigger than life. We truly enjoyed working with him. He will be missed. All our sympathies to Alain's loved ones. - Posted by: Paul Beaubien (Account Executive at Rogers - supplier of CN) on: May 09, 2019
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Alain always ensured his approach never lost sight of the big picture with people. He is class act that will be missed. - Posted by: Tim Pulak (friend colleague) on: May 09, 2019
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Working night shift at Montreal Hump Yard in the early '70's are my first memory of Alain, and who knew that was the beginning of decades of friendship and working together. I wish we could have decades more... I am forever grateful our paths crossed. Alain, on that railway to heaven, keep your hand upon the throttle and your eyes upon the rail. Forever in my heart, my forever friend. - Posted by: Pat DeCaen (Friend and co-worker) on: May 08, 2019
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Patricia, Alain was indeed an unique and amazing person. He was always so quick to help and he had an incredible determination and a drive to do the right thing. And an amazing sense of humour. Alain and I first got to know each other well when we were on the Customer First initiative back in 2012, and then further as we set up the new service centres. More than once, he was the sane rock in the room (and that says something!), with his quick whit breaking up the tension. I have fond memories of us trying to use his blackberry in Jackson, MS to plot a course for us to get to a Starbucks, only to drive in the same circle twice. And his creative phrases before he pretended to throw it out the window. When we were in Gary, IN, I went on a Starbucks run for us (theme here!). He told me he wanted some drink with a "long" pour... So, when I get to the Starbucks and put in his order, the lady looked at me strange and said "I have no idea what that means.". Well, I had no idea either. So we decided it meant she should hold the coffee carafe really far away from the coffee cup as she poured it in, to create a "long" pour. Yeah, clearly we got that wrong! Oh, what a howl Alain had over that one! So many laughs and such an shining smile. I hope you find some comfort in your memories. You have certainly lost a real treasure. Jennifer - Posted by: Jennifer (Co-workder) on: May 08, 2019
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My sincere condolences to family and friends. I can only say that every time I came to Winnipeg on CN business and had to meet up or converse with Alain it was always a pleasure as he was such an upbeat and fun loving person, I always came away with a smile on my face. Rest in peace Alain, you will be missed by many. - Posted by: Ray Paradis (CN retired Montreal) (CN friend) on: May 08, 2019
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Pssssst. Alain... That thing we were never to talk about? Well it's sitting on my desk and I'll look to it everyday and know that a life filled with energy, happiness and compassion is a life well lived. You will be missed my friend. Excelsior! - Posted by: Kevin Feeley (Former coworkers) on: May 08, 2019
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With Deepest Sympathy! - Posted by: Bruce and Janet Anderson (Friends) on: May 08, 2019
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I'm finding it very difficult to walk by our lunch room or the Great Lakes room and not find you there. When I do, my mind floods with past memories of previous conversations. Some work related, but many are of the tremendous interests in varied topics we would share. Alain, you are a profound and rare example of what it truly means to be connected. It was your humanity, and passion for causes great and small. On many occasions it was your selflessness, and inclusion to all. You knew that your work at CN always meant to contribute without hesitation to something greater than your self and in fact, through that contribution... make it better! It showed at work, it showed at the radio station, and everywhere else and to everyone else you have touched. All of us are lucky to call you a varied degree of titles... a mentor, a friend, a colleague, a brother, a son, a soulmate. The world will never see the likes of another Alain Chappaz, but we are all better because we were fortunate to cross paths with you my dear friend. My heart goes out to Patricia and your family. My sincerest condolences… rest in peace. - Posted by: Greg Fletcher (Work Colleague) on: May 08, 2019
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There aren’t too many people who are as thoughtful and cheerful every day as Alain was - he made CN a better place and he will be deeply missed by his colleagues. My sincere condolences to Patricia and his family. - Posted by: Fiona Murray (Friend and colleague) on: May 08, 2019
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Alain, what a great picture of you. Happy and laughing. I'm sorry we lost touch when Donna and I left Winnipeg. Better late saying it than never, I guess. Memories? Coming over to my place and helping me figure out my behemoth of a stupid computer. I was in a rage. You were calm and collected. Helping me translate a 16th century French parchment that I paid too much for. I was disappointed, you were fascinated. Turns out it was an elaborate bill of sale for some wine! Trying to get you to bike to work and home with me. I did my best to encourage you but I think you just saw how foolhardy cycling downtown Winnipeg was! Smart man. So, Alain, you're passing has given me pause to recollect and reflect. Yes, though it's been a long time, it's not too late to learn from you. Patricia and family, please accept my deepest condolences. - Posted by: Michael Proulx (Co-worker) on: May 08, 2019