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Passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 24th, 2020 at the age of 94. Rene was born on December 16, 1925 to Aurore (Racine) and Joseph Paquette in Plantagenet, Ontario – the 13th of 14 children. Beloved husband of the late Helen Paquette (2011). Loving father to Carol Bunt (Allan), Lynda Paul (John), Gail Paquette (Roger Warner), and Brenda Cowan (Chris). Cherished grandfather “Poppa” to Jacqueline Smith, Angie Witham (Ryan), Michelle Geraghty (Shemus), Mandy Durant (Peter), Emma, Ady, and Liam Floyd, Sophie and Aidan Cowan; great grandfather to Conor, Ainsley, Kalen, Jackson, Caitlin and Chloe. Predeceased by his parents as well as eight brothers and five sisters.
Rene was an avid hockey fan and always enjoyed watching his team, the Montreal Canadiens in action. He was an accomplished ballroom dancer and, with his wife Helen, started a local ballroom dance club which they ran for several years. Rene was very active with Alcoholics Anonymous and was very proud and thankful for his 45+ years of sobriety; he was dedicated to helping many recovering alcoholics along the way. He loved getting together for coffee with family and friends for a chat and a few laughs. Rene enjoyed talking about the old days – growing up on a farm, drinking milk straight from a cow, joining the army in WW2, working in the tobacco fields – so many stories often ending with his hearty laugh. He was a kind, generous man who lived life to the fullest and was always ready with a helping hand. Rene will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A private family gathering and celebration of Rene’s life will be held at the Irvine Memorial Chapel at Roselawn, 2451 County Road 15, Maitland at a later date. As expressions of sympathy in Rene’s memory, donations to the Salvation Army, War Amps or the Alzheimer Society will be gratefully acknowledged.
Condolences and stories may be shared on the memory wall above. If you wish to leave a video condolence, click on the white box and on option for that will appear.
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For donations to the Salvation Army, please, use the link below
For donations to the War Amps, please, visit www.waramps.ca
For donations to the Alzheimer Society, please, visit alzheimer.ca
If you wish to have the War Amps or Alzheimer Society send a notification to the family and you do not have the family’s contact information, please, have it sent to the funeral home at admin@irvinememorial.com or 4 James Street East, Brockville ON, K6V 1J9. Thank you
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rene Joseph Paquette Tuesday March 24th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Maitland, Province: Ontario