Jean De Rocquigny

Jean de Rocquigny

Peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Friday, September 13, 2013, Mr. Jean de Rocquigny of Haywood, Manitoba passed away at the age of 64 years.

He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 40 years Margaret (née Tranq), three children, Jennifer (Dean) Stein, Rachelle de Rocquigny and Daniel (Christie) de Rocquigny and eight grandchildren:  Jordan, Brooklyn, Brayden, Nevéah, Lindsay, Julianna, Kara-Lea and Abbey.  He also leaves to mourn 13 brothers and sisters:  Odile (Helmut) Buske, Thérèse Whapham, Joseph (Pierrette), Henriette (Norbert) Cenerini, Gérald (Michelle), Robert (Denise), Hélène (Sandy) Del Rio, Noëllie (Guy) Jacques, Jacques (Evelyn), Hubert (Dale), Anna Johnston, Suzanne (Jean) Swennen and Pierre (Kathy), father and mother-in-law Daniel and Helen Tranq, brothers and sisters-in law:  Liliane (Gilbert) Bernard, Alice Price, Albert (Cheryl) Tranq, Dianne (Alan) Henderson, Lucille (Clifford) Sinclair, and Rita (Trevor) Barker as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.

Jean was predeceased by his parents Louis and Laurianne (née Lambert), his brother Albert de Rocquigny and by his brother-in-law Kerry Johnston.

Jean spent his life on the farm surrounded by his loving family, neighbours and friends from the Haywood and St. Claude communities. He loved the land and farming and could often be found assessing the condition of the fields and discussing farm life. Over the years, Jean dairy farmed with his brother Robert and then after the tornado in 1984 at the de Rocquigny Brothers farm, he re-built and continued on with beef cattle, grain and pigs. During the years he enjoyed many other interesting opportunities - including aerial farm photography, managing the Haywood Co-op store and truck driving with Unifeed. When his health got in the way of physical work, he found something new and challenging to do...preparing La Gazette. It was an honour for him when he became a Caisse Board Director. His work with the Caisse was an excellent use of his skills and knowledge that he had acquired over the years. Getting back on the land in recent years brought Dad great joy.

Dad was involved in many volunteer pursuits - including St. Claude Minor Hockey, Carman Co-op Board of Directors, and the Carman Beavers. One of his favourite things to do would be to watch his son Daniel play hockey. When at home, Daniel and Dad were always outside working on some project or barbecuing steak. He also loved it when his daughters Jennifer and Rachelle would come home on the weekend and he would ask them about what they were up to in their classrooms at school. He always showed an interest in his kids’ activities. His children adored him and now that he is gone they hope he knows how truly lucky they felt to have a Dad like him. His children’s spouses also treasured him as a father figure and he counted them as his own too.

Jean loved all of his grandchildren so very much. They brought a lot of fun and laughter to Grandma and Grandpere’s life. He liked to play scrabble with Lindsay and Julianna and take them on little adventures around the farmyard. He, Kara-Lea and Abbey had a friendly rivalry when it came to the Jets and the Habs. Brooklyn, Brayden and Jordan would always be happy to see Grandpa John and talk about what was new together around the living room. And his latest granddaughter who arrived in January, Nevéah...he commented how she was a little piece of heaven and he loved to cuddle and nuzzle her with his beard.

Jean was lucky to have amazing brothers and sisters and brothers and sisters-in-law. There was always a family party and he valued the wonderful gatherings and relationships that lasted his whole lifetime. There was no shortage of family members to go hunting with, camping with or to celebrate with. Eventually when his illness arrived - he could count on family to help him navigate his appointments. Johnny will be dearly missed by his many nieces and nephews and by his own uncles and aunts. Jean would never want to miss a reunion and participated in one this summer in Pontiex, Saskatchewan. Jean was also part of the organizing committee for the de Rocquigny reunion in Haywood that had family arriving from France.

Jean spent his whole life living within one square mile at his two farm sites near Haywood. He loved the French language and all of the French Catholic traditions, such as Reveillon. The St. Denis Parish church was an important place in Dad’s life - most Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Dad would be at church....sometimes even caught snoozing for a few minutes during the homily. We know he was just concentrating!

Jean met his loving wife Margaret at her sister’s wedding. It was love at first sight and they had 40 years together as husband and wife. They made a home for themselves and their three children and did everything together. Trips to Churchill and Victoria were highlights as well as hosting many family gatherings at the family farm. Dad would always sit at the head of the table and entertain his guests while Margaret would prepare delicious food for everyone to enjoy. The home they created together was so warm and inviting which was great, because Dad loved to visit.

As a young boy, growing up in the de Rocquigny household was full of love, fun and hard work. Faith was an important part of his upbringing. Dad often spoke of how all of the siblings would recite the rosary with their parents every night after supper. He was born in the winter....and rumour has it that on the way to St. Claude, his mother, Laurianne found herself in an overturned sleigh on the way to town. Jean was a very friendly person and his positive nature was noted by many. He overcame many obstacles but they never stopped him from enjoying daily life. He loved a good prank and looked forward to joking around.

What a full and wonderful life you enjoyed Dad. We wish so very much that you could have had more time with us...but we are all thankful for the time that we did have with you. Your passing was peaceful in your home and we are grateful for that too - because it makes it so that you are still very near to us, only now in spirit. Every day, every hour, every minute, you will be in our hearts and in our minds. Rest in eternal peace...we know you will be residing in the highest ranks of heaven - joined together again with your Maman - Laurianne and Papa - Louis.  We love you forever.

Funeral Services will be held in the St. Denis Roman Catholic Church in Haywood, MB on Wednesday, September 18, 2013.  Recitation of the Rosary and Video Tribute at 1:30, Funeral Mass at 2 p.m. followed by Interment in the Parish Cemetery with Father Guy Lavallée officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba 1160-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9 or to the St. Claude Pavilion Box 400, St. Claude, MB, R0G 1Z0.

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