René Philippot

Peacefully, with his family by his side, René Philippot passed away at Portage District General Hospital in the early morning of February 11, 2026, at the age of 71.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Lorraine (née Robitaille); his three children, Marc (Kristie), Gérald (Amanda), and Nadine (Rhys) Williams; and his seven grandchildren: Calem, Noah, Alexan, Aylynn, Zachary, Caden, and Sophie. Also left to mourn are his siblings, André (Tina), Albert (Anita), and Annette (Jim) Mansell; Lorraine’s siblings, Rodolphe (Anita†), Robert (Celine†, Lilliane), Gilberte (Georges†) Le Heiget, and David Reid; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

René was predeceased by his parents, Julien and Claire (née Fouasse); his parents-in-law, Ulric and Yvonne (née Deleurme) Robitaille; and his siblings-in-law, Alice (Pierre) Fouasse, Hubert (Évelyne) Robitaille, and Evelyne (Yves) Julien.

René was born on March 5, 1954, in Notre Dame de Lourdes and raised on a farm southeast of St. Claude. It was there, from a young age, that he learned the true value of a hard day’s work—a lesson that taught him that success is built on consistency and care.

This lifelong dedication reached a proud milestone in January of 1988, when René and Lorraine took ownership of a grocery store in St. Claude, known first as Tomboy and later as Shop Easy. He took immense pride in providing quality products for the community, but for him, the business was never just about commerce; it was about connection. He truly enjoyed his time in the store, where every transaction was an opportunity to share a conversation and a smile with the community he loved.

René was an active member of his community, volunteering for many projects. His contributions included work with the Agricultural Society, the St. Claude and Haywood Wellness Centre, and the Community Development Corporation, to name a few.

In June of 1975, René married the love of his life, Lorraine, settling back in St. Claude in 1976 where they raised their three children. René took great pride in his family, especially his grandchildren; he could always be found in the stands cheering them on at their numerous activities. In his free time, René enjoyed traveling with his wife, family, and friends, playing or watching sports of any kind, fishing, camping, playing cards, quadding, woodworking, and, in recent years, relaxing at the lake.

The last few years brought challenges as René’s health declined, yet he faced each day with the same quiet strength and perseverance that defined his life. Even as his pace slowed, his kindness never wavered. He passed away peacefully, having fought the good fight, and will be remembered by those who loved him as a man of true integrity and heart.

In lieu of flowers, if so desire, donations may be made in René’s memory to the St. Claude & Haywood Community Handi-Van.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the St. Claude Catholic Church on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 1:30p.m. The Service will be Live Streamed at www.afh.ca. Lunch to follow at the St. Claude Community Centre.  

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 204-248-2201. To view the service details and leave condolences, please visit afh.ca