DAVID JOSEPH BOITEAU -

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DAVID JOSEPH BOITEAU 1911 - 2002 With the love and comfort of his family around him, David Joseph Boiteau, aged 91 years, beloved husband of Irene Gentes Boiteau, peacefully passed away at Meadowood Manor on Wednesday, July 31, 2002. He will forever be in the hearts of his eight children, Adele Presonka, Dorothee Boiteau (Dennis Lavallee), Louise Majalahti, Annette Prieur (Ray), Philippe Boiteau (Donna), Leo Boiteau (Lynn), Suzanne Coe (Donald), Michelle Gallego (Domingo) as well as 21 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. David was born in St. Vital, the youngest child of Marie Peloquin and Alex Boiteau. At age 15 he went to San Antonio, TX, with the Marianist Brothers and studied there. At age 19, he made his first vows as a teaching Marianist Brother. From that time on, teaching was his passion. He returned to Winnipeg and taught at Provencher School until the age of 31, when he left the Brothers and joined the Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. He became a Pilot Officer, instructing navigation and bombing technology. Once a teacher, always a teacher! In 1943, he married Irene Gentes, also of St. Vital. They would have celebrated 59 years of marriage this coming September. David decided to pursue a career in accounting after the war ended, where he was very successful, working for Henri DEschambeault Ins., Brabant Brothers Construction and Benjamin Brothers Construction. In 1954, he realized how much he missed teaching and when a teaching position became available in Grand Marais, MB, he seized the opportunity, and for 12 years he and Irene and his growing family enjoyed the friendship and joy of living in a small community. In 1966, the family moved back to Winnipeg as David was offered a position as Professor of English at St. Boniface College and joyfully taught there until his semi-retirement in 1978. He continued substitute teaching until the age of 69. In his final retirement, one of his passions was needle point stitchery. He created many beautiful works of art, which adorn the homes of his family. He also loved wood working and those who were lucky enough to receive one of Davids beautiful cedar chests will now cherish them even more. David was a man of great dignity, grace and humility; a true friend, whose word was his bond. He was a loving husband and father. His family always came first. In November of 2001, David entered Meadowood Manor Personal Care Home, stricken with Alzheimers Disease. In January 2002, Irene moved into the adjoining apartment block where she could be near David. Thanks go out to the wonderful staff at Meadowood Manor for the compassion, support and special care. Irene also thanks the many friends at Meadowood for the support and understanding, especially Pastor Ed Hamm and his dear wife Helga and Rev. Father Rene Peeters. Prayers will be held on Tuesday, August 6, at 7:00 p.m. in Green Acres Funeral Chapel, Hwy #1 East at Navin Road. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday August 7 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette Parish, 820 Cottonwood Rd., with Rev. Fr. Fred Olds presiding. Viewing one half-hour prior to service. Cremation to follow. A private family interment to be held at a later date in Green Acres Memorial Gardens. Grandsons, Christopher Bomek, David Presonka, Michael Prieur, Matthew Prieur, Jared Boiteau and Daniel Boiteau will be pallbearers, in absence Dominic Gallego. Honorary pallbearers will be Davids granddaughters, Laura Bomek, Catherine Medeiros, Jacqueline Prieur, Andrea Kelly, Suzanne Campbell, Melanie Presonka, Jennifer Boiteau and Erin Boiteau, in absence Nicole Prieur and Tereza Gallego. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Davids memory to Meadowood Manor Building Fund, 577 St. Annes Rd., Winnipeg, MB, R2M 5B2, or The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4G2. GREEN ACRES FUNERAL CHAPEL 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 03, 2002