Raymond Philippot

Raymond Philippot

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Mr Raymond Philippot of St. Claude, Manitoba on Saturday August 20th, 2016 at the age of 84 years.

Raymond leaves to mourn his passing, his beloved wife Laurette (née Gauthier) four children: Micheline (René) Rosset, Charlotte (Maurice) Hince, Monique (Glenn) Knoackaert and Alain (Michelle) Philippot: ten grandchildren: Jérôme, Colette, Josée, René (Amanda), Paul, Joanne (Justin), Christine (Aaron), Nicolas (Micheline), Patrick, Chantal: two great grandsons: Olivier and Vincent. He leaves three sisters, Nathalie Jacques, Adrienne Troisfontaines and Louise Badiou and his in-laws Yvonne Philippot, Cécile Philippot, Céline Gauthier, Henri (Yvette) Gauthier, Tony and Anna Silvari (née Gauthier), Lucien (Marie) Gauthier; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was predecease by his parents by Alexis and Marie (née Philippe), his sisters Angèle (André) Oliviero and Isabelle; his brothers Julien (Claire), Charles (Lucienne), Alexis (Mariette, Josette), Joseph and Henri; his in-laws, Arthur Jacques, José Troisfontaines, Aimé Badiou, Léo (Hermine) Gauthier, Oliva Gauthier, Alfdred Gauthier, Raoul Gauthier.

Raymond was born February 4, 1932 on the St. Claude family farm the youngest of eleven children. Raymond always said that he had the best childhood. The carefree days of his youth were filled with adventures around the farm where escapades of being a cowboy or a soldier played out with his brothers. Spring days were spent searching for turkey eggs to incubate. He enjoyed lazy summer holidays at his eldest sister’s home. Cold winter nights were all about listening to Hockey Night in Canada, cheering for his beloved Montreal Canadians.

From small town to the big city, Raymond would take the train to attend St. Boniface College where he boarded. His heart was never far from family and farming life, which eventually drew him back. He married Laurette (née Gauthier) on April 19, 1958. They settled on the paternal farm working side-by-side dairy farming and raising their 4 children. A caring and loving father, there was always laughter and a sense of security in the home. He relished summers and holidays when the house would be filled to the brim with family and friends.

As he had done with his children, Raymond delighted in playing with his ten grandchildren and most recently his two great grand sons. With a toddler in tow there was the customary walk through the house where he would point at objects and wait for the grandkids to point back or utter some new words. The procession would end with Raymond humming a waltz as he swirled across the floor the laughing tot firmly placed in his arms.

After 32 years of farming, Raymond and Laurette moved to town in 1991. Raymond now focused his energy on new passions; traveling, woodworking, gardening, the church choir, Knights of Columbus and especially the Dairy Museum of Manitoba. He was also a dedicated volunteer driver for Cancer Care and Meals on wheels. Raymond enthusiastically organised and participated in local cultural events. He had a passion for history and ensured his family’s story would live on in his book (SUR LES TRACES DE MES ANCÊTRES, SOUVENIRS D’ENFANCE.).

There was never time to dwell over completed projects because so many had yet to be started. Raymond had a natural ability to draw people together. His sincere enthusiasm was life giving and he appreciated every day and everyone who crossed his path. He was awarded the ‘Manitoba Tourism Volunteer Award’ in 2004, the ‘Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Historical Preservation and Promotion’ in 2016 and presented with the ‘Knights of Columbus Acknowledgment of dedication’. He was humbled by these recognitions but always quick to concede ‘’ I could never have done this alone’’. There were so many dedicated people helping and supporting him.

Come every August for the past 18 years, the whole family, which included Claude, Colleen and their family, gathered at Clear Lake to enjoy a week of sun, relaxation and evenings by blazing fires. We would like to thank all the health care professionals and our dear Charlie who made it possible for all of us to share Dad's company and experience some very precious moments for the 19th year this August.

Raymond held strong to his faith, which sustained him through the dark days battling his Multiple Myeloma diagnosis. Never one to complain he did not let his illness dampen his spirit. He maintained a very positive attitude and continued to participate in many activities.

The family would like to thank the many dedicated health care professionals who so attentively cared for Raymond. Dr Remi Kobt and nurse Jackie from Cancer Care Manitoba. Dr Kinnear, Dr Thess, Dr Ominchinski , Dr Nostedt, Rachelle Leduc RT and the staff from the cancer care program and surgical ward at the Portage Hospital; Dr Gisèle Viens, Dr Riel, Dr Chawla and the staff at the St. Claude Clinic. We also want to acknowledge all the wonderful personnel of the St. Claude Tansitional Care Unit for the compassion, care and kindness given to Raymond and his family during his short stay.

Family prayers will be held at Adam's Funeral Home on Friday, August 26, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the St. Claude Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, August 27, 2016. Eulogy, video tribute and music at 1:30 p.m. followed by Funeral Mass at 2 p.m. with Msgr. Roger Bazin officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial donation can be made in Raymond’s memory to; Central Plains Cancer Care, St. Claude Health Foundation, Dairy Museum of Manitoba or a charity of one’s choice.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba, in care of arrangements. Phone 204-248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326. For more information please visit www.afh.ca

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