Obituary Overview
Lucien Paul Guénette
Throughout his entire life, Lucien Guénette was a dedicated and vibrant member of the Franco-Manitoban community.
He was born on February 21, 1932, in St. Jean-Baptiste, Manitoba, and attended school at le Collège de Saint-Boniface.
As a young chartered accountant in St. Boniface in 1960, he and Gabriel Forest founded the first firm in western Canada that focused itself on offering accounting services in French. Lucien was dedicated to his profession and to all of his clients. Over time he built up a large practice in which he gave particular attention to individuals who owned family-sized businesses from all communities. Through this, he came to be known and respected by a large number of people, many of whom were his clients, and many of whom also became his friends.
Few things about his work satisfied Lucien as much as seeing his clients succeed. Lucien also experienced his own success, having steered his initially small firm through gradual expansion to where it eventually became the Winnipeg office of BDO Canada LLP.
Outside of work, Lucien was very active in the Franco-Manitoban community. He donated to innumerable places and causes, and he was extremely generous with his time. In various ways, he contributed to the Université de Saint-Boniface, Francofonds, la Fédération des ainés franco-manitobains, la Maison Gabrielle-Roy, le Club des hommes d’affaires, and Kiwanis – St. Boniface/ St. Vital Branch.
His community efforts were recognized formally in 2001 when the Université de Saint-Boniface awarded him Le Prix Alexandre-Taché, in 2011 when la Société franco-manitoibaine granted him Le Prix Riel, and in 2015 when la Fédération des ainés franco-manitobains renamed its annual golf tournament in his honour. Informally, Lucien’s efforts and sage counsel were recognized throughout the community by the genuine respect that he received from those people with whom he interacted, and from the inherent meaning that came with the mention of his name even when he was not in a room.
It was notably fitting that a golf tournament was named after Lucien. He had a passion for the sport. He was a member at Niakwa Country Club, a shareholder at Larters at St. Andrews Golf & Country Club, and a cottage owner at Grand Pines Golf Course. Lucien’s interests also included a weakness for automobiles, an appreciation for winter vacations in Hawaii or Mexico, the happiness he took from his two dogs Sasha and Ginger, his interest in hockey and football, and his love for his family.
Yes, his family. Lucien was devoted to his family. His widow, Claudette d’Auteuil, was truly loved by him. She loved him equally in return, and she was highly committed to him and his well-being.
Lucien was very proud of each of his three sons, Robert and Charles (« the twins ») and Denis — to whom he was a parent with their mother, Berthe Boily. In return, all three sons were and continue to be very proud of their father. They are honoured to be known and regularly recognized as his sons.
As each son became married, Lucien happily welcomed into his family and his life each new daughter-in-law — Robert’s wife Corinne; Charles’ wife Rosita; and Denis’ wife Alejandra. And then, as Lucien’s family expanded with each new grandchild — Nicolas and Renée; Antoine, Jacqueline and Gabrielle; and Valeria — each addition proved to be a renewed source of joy for him.
With his passing, Lucien leaves a family that is simultaneously saddened by his absence and comforted in knowing that he is now being serenely cradled in the Lord’s hands. Lucien’s faith was deep and strong. He was a member of the parish at La Cathédrale de Saint-Boniface. His Saviour is now caring for him.
Lucien passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, having succumbed to lung disease. At the time, he was residing at Deer Lodge Centre. He is predeceased by both of his parents, Herménégilde and Anita (Lafond), by two of his brothers, Armand (Stella) and Philippe (Jeanne), and by two sisters Alice and Louise King (Ralph). He is succeeded by one sister Denise (Georges Boissonneault), and by two brothers Andy (Peggy) and Bernard (Diane). Each of Lucien’s numerous nieces and nephews was important to him.
A special mention is needed for Lucien’s brother Bernard « Skinner ». The entire family is grateful to you for your tireless and unfailing contributions to Lucien’s well-being, especially over the last few years. You have been remarkable. Your selfless and genuinely compassionate actions are an inspiration to all. You truly represent what it means to love one’s brother. Thank you so much.
Lucien’s funeral will be held on Friday, January 19, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at la Cathédrale de Saint-Boniface, 180 avenue de la Cathédrale. A brief eulogy will precede at 10:15 a.m.
As an alternative to flowers, anyone who wants to follow Lucien’s example is encouraged to make a donation — preferably to Francofonds.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Lucien Paul Guenette 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba