Richard PLAISIER

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PLAISIER: Richard (Rick) Joseph Plaisier. On February 8th, 2017 our family suffered a great loss of our cherished and beloved husband, dad, father-in-law and Pop. Rick was also an uncle, a nephew, a cousin, a brother-in-law, a “dad” to many foreign students and a caring friend who was always willing to help. Rick passed away at the Virden Hospital with his family by his side after a short battle with cancer. Rick was born to Dick and Betty Plaisier on August 1st, 1948 and spent his young life on a farm at Cherry Point, Oak Lake. After graduating from high school at Oak Lake, Rick enrolled in the teaching program at Brandon University. Following graduation in 1969 Rick obtained a teaching position in Rossburn Elementary School where he taught for ten years. Rossburn years were special and notable as they brought about many changes in his life-namely wife and children!! On August 18th, 1973 Rick married Marie Cwiertnia who was teaching at Rossburn Collegiate. While in Rossburn they were blessed with three sons-Kent in 1975, Todd in 1976 and Shawn in 1978. Rossburn days were very busy for Rick as he served as a councilor and a Mayor of the town in addition to being on many community committees. Rick was also very involved with the Scout movement and one of his highlights was taking his Venturer group down the Assiniboine River. This Scout group paddled their canoes from St. Lazare to Winnipeg which took them over two weeks. Rick alsotook his grade eight classes on lengthy school excursions to provide students with variety of experiences such as raising money, planning trips and learning about parts of Manitoba and United States. In January of 1980 Rick and his family moved to Virden where he became the principal of Virden Junior High, a position he held till his retirement in 2003. As a principal Rick always tried to ensure the students were getting the best possible education and continued to work on establishing new programs or facilities which might help the students --for example starting the Dakota language, or spearheading the building of Chevron Rink. During that time Rick did spent couple of years in the Division office as well. Rick was also an active member of Manitoba and Canadian Principals’ Associations. During his life as an educator Rick continued to take courses and eventually obtained his Masters of Education from Brandon University. Rick loved teaching and being in the education field; through the years he kept up with many of his students and was always proud of all their accomplishments. Rick was a very devoted and great husband and dad. Family holidays consisted of camping, trip to Expo ’86 and trips to other parts of Canada and U.S. He was very much involved in his boys’ activities- he either coached or managed many of the teams his sons were on. Winters were spent in the hockey arenas and summers on the ball diamonds. Rick took his parental support very seriously and was always there to cheer his boys on. As well, Rick never hesitated to encourage and support other kids who needed help. His reward was when years later these young people would say “thank you Mr. P. for you believing in me and your help”. Rick’s interest in the community continued while living in Virden-again he served here as a councillor and a Mayor. Rick was very committed to the Virden community and was part of numerous boards and very adamant about medical and economic growth in Virden and area. Throughout his life, Rick strongly believed that citizens need to be involved and work diligently to support and promote the community they live in. Rick retired from his profession in 2003 and started RICMAR consulting company which he operated for several years doing evaluations of educational programs on First Nations reserves. In 2005 Rick and Marie moved to Oak Lake Beach to their retirement home. Rick’s intentions were to do a lot of fishing, enjoy the beauty of the lake and wildlife and to lead a leisurely life. But his desire to be active in his community emerged and Rick was persuaded to run and consequently was elected as a councillor and later as a Reeve of RM of Sifton, a position he held at the time of his death. He continued to work tirelessly to promote the growth of Sifton (and Oak Lake) municipality and its residents. He was also elected by the members of the western region to the AMM board. After the flooding in this part of the province Rick became very active in promoting a group which would address the needs of this area with the provincial government. Rick’s summers over the years were not idle. Rick was a hail adjuster for over thirty years and part of that was being a provincial manager for McQueens andFarmer’s Hail Insurance companies. Being a member of the Lions Clubs was another area of interest and passion for Rick-he was a member of Rossburn, Virden and Oak Lake and Area Lions clubs. He very much believed in the Lions motto “to help those less fortunate”. He was involved in all areas of the organization which included giving international presentations to being a Lions District Governor. Thank you Lions !!! Rick and Marie very much enjoyed their life at the lake. Their retirement years together consisted of golfing activities with friends, get-togethers, playing cards (especially Canasta), many social activities and several holidays. Winter holidays with great friends were enjoyed in Texas, Mexico, Jamaica, Hawaii and Dominican Republic. Summer of 2015 a month long holiday to Europe was a highlight!! This trip was very sentimental as it included visits with several foreign students that were hosted by Marie and Rick, visiting Poland- Marie’s homeland, visiting Belarus-his mother-in-law’s birthplace, finding Rick’s Belgian relatives and visiting his grandparents’ home country. This trip also included a cruise on the Rhine River and a train trip from Brussels to Barcelona!! It was very much a holiday to remember!! Rick loved and was very proud of his family and worked very hard to provide a great life for them. Rick very much welcomed his daughters-in-law and loved spoiling them! Great excitement for Rick was the addition to the family of eight grandkids!! Proudly Pop followed all their school and sports activities, played games with them and of course fishing at the lake!! Rick is survived by his wife Marie, son Kent (Shalen Rampton) and children Brendan, Haylee and Landon, son Todd and children, Breanna, Tristan and Reed, son Shawn (Debra Hanson) and children, Ty and Mya and numerous extended family members and friends. Rick was predeceased by his parents, Dick and Betty, sister Mary, in-laws Janina and Teofil Cwiertnia and many uncles, aunts and cousins. Service of Praise and Thanksgiving for the life of Rick was held on February 14th, 2017 at Tundra Oil and Gas Place in Virden. Rick touched many lives as was evidenced by the huge attendance at his funeral. Thank you to all who honored Rick with their attendance. The celebration of life service was done by Minister Don Sellsted and Fr. Eric Zadji. Lighting the Christ Candle were nieces Karlyn Leslie and Leanne Cwiertnia. Bible readings were done by brother-in-law Stan Cwiertnia and nephew Michael Procyk. Brad Hayward delivered a very compelling and warmhearted eulogy. Also Rick’s three sons did a tribute presentation to their dad and words of remembrance were given by Virden Arthur MLA Doyle Piwniuk and fellow Past District Governor Ole Nelson of Minnesota. With Doug Kool’s help a video/music presentation of Rick’s life was shown. Rick was very proud of his dad’s service in the Second World War so Oak Lake Legion’s tribute was very much appreciated. Group sittings included: RM of Sifton, Lions, Fort La Bosse, Royal Purple and Brendan’s hockey team. All in attendance were considered Honorary Pallbearers by the family. Casket bearers were: Billy Harvey, Dane Bawdon, Chad Routledge, Jason Wooldridge, Scott Wilson, Robin Rampton, Rick Stephenson and Jason Harvey. Ushers were: Bruce Sawyer, Don Hrubeniuk, Terry Hayward and Gerald Ogilvie. Guest book attendants were Maxine Chacunand Audrey Keeler. Interment was in Virden Cemetery. G.R. Carscadden Funeral Chapel was in care of arrangements. Family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to everyone for all your care, support and help. Rick was and is deeply loved and will be greatly missed!!

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 10, 2017