Normand Preteau
March 19, 1952 – November 07, 2018
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Normand Francois Joseph Preteau was born to Aubert and Denise (Morin). He passed away peacefully in Churchill, MB at the age of 66.
Norm had 5 siblings who were raised and grew up on a family farm in St. Malo, MB. He had fond memories of his childhood, camping outside in the summer, stealing vegetables form the neighbors’ gardens (thanks to his innate survival skills), driving tractors, milking cows, playing tricks on his siblings and close cousins. At the age 16 he moved to St. Boniface and later met his first love of his life Monique. They married in 1970 and together they had 3 children, Nicole, Carmel and Gilles. After 22 years of marriage Norm and Monique divorced yet still maintaining a great friendship. He later met the second love of his life, Rose who he married in 1993. Rose had a daughter Ashley who Norm later adopted into the Preteau clan as his own. Rose and Norm had two children, Paul and Edina-lil.
Norm was a wonderful father, brother and friend. He was a kind soul who would give anyone the shirt off his back or the last $5 in his pocket if someone needed it. He was an excellent story teller, usually with a various degree of fact and fiction. He loved people, this was evident in his everyday interactions. Norm always made the best of every situation he was a likeable man who loved to entertain others.
Norm was always a hard worker who spent many years in the trucking industry. He loved it, it was in his blood. He had many successes in the industry and many heart breaks but through it all he held his head high. He would tell you all about his trucks, travels and most proudly, he would tell you of all the trips which he had the pleasure of bringing his kids, grandkids and other family members on.
Later in life he moved to Churchill where he eventually became an interpreter at Parks Canada. This job was meant for him- it combined his love of history & people with one of his favorite pastimes, researching his family’s history. His most exciting and proud discovery was that his roots in Canada go as far back as 1656. Throughout his whole life he always had a passion for history, spending his spare time (usually in the truck) reading history books and trying to understand how history wrote itself. When hired at Parks Canada he was able to put all this knowledge to use. Norm loved sharing the story of the Prince of Whales fort, colorfully describing the history of how it was built and any other historical stories he could sneak in.
Due to an injury he had to leave Parks Canada and soon took up trapping to fill his time. Norm loved trapping, it was a dream he had which he was able to fulfill. During the winter months he would spend time trapping at his camp. During the summer and fall he could be found giving tours and being a bear monitor. Because he loved people, being a tour guide came naturally to him. You could see the joy being able to share his love for the land and history of Churchill gave him.
While in Churchill he became a Canadian Ranger, and a proud Canadian Ranger he was. He took this responsibility very seriously. He had natural abilities to survive in the wilderness and enjoyed teaching others to do the same. One of his proudest exercises involved other military departments, training them in winter survival. This was one of the highlights of his life, you could tell by the way he talked about it.
Recently Norm returned to his home town, St. Malo. Here he had the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. He was also blessed with new friends and a whole new crowd to hear his stories.
Norm was a family man who loved having everyone gather together, even after our National Lampoon Christmas, spending time together as a family meant a lot to him. His first priority was ensuring all his family was looked after. If you spent any time with Norm you would know his kids and grandkids were his pride and joy. He would happily tell you how proud of each of them he was.
Left with special memories are his children: Nicole (Neil), Carmel (Sean), Gilles (Marie), Ashley (Domi), Paul (Leonora), Edina-lil (Timothy). Grandchildren: Justin (Kara), Jordan (Paige), Noah, Leanne, Evan and Meadow. His siblings: Celine (Peter), Yolande (Jack), Rene (Betty), Georgette (Richard). Spouse: Rose Preteau nee Kraynyk. As well as many cousins and great friends.
A special mention to his recent friend and companion Jane Stackhouse.
Norm was predeceased by his parents, Aubert and Denise, brother Donald
A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at 2:00 p.m., at Paroisse St. Malo in St. Malo, MB. There will be a second service held in Churchill, MB on November 26th, 2018.
In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Normand may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association, 301 – 1 Wesley Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4C6 or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 200 – 6 Donald Street; Wpg., MB R3L 0K6.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Normand Preteau March 19 1952 November 07 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: Steinbach, Province: Manitoba