Alfred Pineau

Alfred Pineau

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden but peaceful passing of Alfred Pineau of St. Claude, MB, on September 3, 2010.

Alfred will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Madeleine (Dedieu), his children and their families: Gerald & Stella Pineau, Gilbert & Pat Pineau, Pat & Bob Burgoyne, Anita & Steven Ward. He was a very special Pépère to his many grandchildren and great grandchildren: Léanne & Jason Roberts, Quinn, Taylor and Avery; Johanne & Tony Schellenberg, Liam; Danielle Pineau (Jay): Patrick Pineau; Laura & Grandin St. Germain; Kim & Maurice Roy, Conner, Aiden and Ava; Carrie & Niels Versfeld; Brigitte Burgoyne (Dan); Stéphanie Burgoyne (Martin); Jason Miller (Mary), Azura; Jamie-Lee Miller (Darren); Ashley Miller; Shawn Ward; Devon Ward (Kayla). He also leaves to mourn, his sister Irène (Ernie) Marchand and his brother Marcel (Jeannine) Pineau and numerous brothers-and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, René and Marie Pineau.

Alfred was born on September 17, 1928 in Toutes Aides, MB. When Fred was 18, his family moved to St. Claude to own and operate St. Claude Garage, successfully managing the business for 50 years with his partners, his dad René Pineau and his son Gil. Dad was a well-respected businessman who was strongly committed to his community. He understood that it was important to give back to the community, and for many years he served as Chief of the volunteer fire department, member of the town council, and numerous other committees.

One of Dad's passions was travel and he instilled in his family the love of discovery, as every summer the car and camper were packed up and away we went travelling our country from coast to coast. Dad enjoyed many years with his best friend, Mom, at his side touring the country in their motor home, fishing and camping with their Good Sam friends, soaking up the sun in Arizona, Texas, Florida and Mexico, where they forged cherished friendships with fellow Snowbirds.

Dad had a natural curiosity about the world and he always challenged himself with learning new skills and knowledge. While raising a family of four adolescents, he successfully achieved his private pilot's license, a lifelong dream of his, and was so proud to take Mom on his inaugural flight over their prairie home. Then, in his retirement years, he undertook to teach himself about computers. This led to his strong devotion to creating genealogies for both sides of his family, as well as researching and contributing to the genealogies of Mom's family. At all hours of the day or night, we could find Dad working on his project and we are so grateful for the rich legacy he has left behind.

Dad taught us all to put family first and he had no greater joy than to be surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was happiest at home, sharing love, stories, and a good glass of wine with his loved ones.

Donations can be made in Dad's memory to the St. Claude-Haywood Wellness Centre.

Funeral Services will be held in the St. Claude Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 8, 2010.  Recitation of the Rosary and Video Tribute at 1:30, followed by Funeral Mass at 2 p.m.  Interment in the Parish Cemetery with Father Marcel Carrière officiating.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements.  Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326.